East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) baseball team secured a series sweep against the University of Akron, concluding with a 9-2 victory in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) finale on March 9 at Skeeles Field. This achievement marks the first series win under Head Coach Robbie Britt and is the team's first conference-opening sweep since 2016.

Junior utility player Drew Jones from Cleveland led EMU's offensive efforts, achieving a 2-for-4 performance at the plate with four RBIs, including a three-run home run during his initial at-bat of the season. Junior right-hander Nick Keane from Harrisburg earned his first NCAA Division I career win by pitching two scoreless innings after entering in the fifth inning. Ethan Davis contributed to securing the win by earning his second save of the season.

Following this victory, EMU's record improved to 7-6 overall and 3-0 in MAC play, while Akron fell to 5-10 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

The game saw EMU quickly recover from an early deficit when Jones hit a three-run homer in his first at-bat, putting them ahead 3-1 after two innings. Additional runs were added through various plays, including bases-loaded walks and RBI singles by Harrison Travis and John Hale.

Keane relieved starting pitcher Bobby Jones after four innings, allowing only one run. Davis then took over in the seventh inning, allowing one run off four hits but maintaining control to secure the win for EMU.

Key notes from the game include EMU's first series sweep since May 2023 against Northern Illinois and their longest winning streak of three games this season. The team recorded its third-highest single-game hit total with 15 hits and maintained strong defensive stats with no home runs allowed for the fourth time this season.

Looking ahead, EMU will face Ohio State on March 11 at Bill Davis Stadium in Columbus. Fans can follow updates on social media via EMU_Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) and emu_baseball on Instagram.