The six Illinois State senior baseball players want to beat No.10 Wichita State, not only because the team is still trying to solidify its spot in the six-team Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in late May, but because none of the seniors have ever shocked the Shockers in their Redbird baseball careers.
None of our seniors have beaten Wichita State, Stewart said. It has been too long since we have taken one from them and I think this team knows that. I know it is possible to beat them, we just need to play well enough to do that.
Since this weekend wraps up the conference regular-season home schedule for the Birds, it is now or never for the graduating class that will be honored before Saturdays doubleheader that begins at 3 p.m. With six experienced players and a roster full of developing talent, the advantage is with the Redbirds as the team holds a 12-4 record while playing at home this year.
I think it is huge for us to be playing at Redbird Field against this team, Stewart said. With the youth on our team and the necessity of winning, we have a better chance of being mentally prepared and tough against Wichita playing at home. With Redbird fans and the familiar surroundings, we are going to be fired up to play such a good ball club.
April 22, 1995, was the last time the Redbirds beat the Shockers, a 14-8 decision in Wichita. Ranked No.10 this season in the top-25 poll, Wichita State remains on top of the Missouri Valley Conference standings with a 36-11 overall record, 18-6 in the Valley.
Illinois State (20-24, 10-12) took three-of-four from Bradley last weekend to remain sixth in the league standings. Stewart said this weekend is critical for the Birds to continue on into the post season, but the rest of the season is just as important. The Birds lead challengers Northern Iowa, Evansville and Bradley by two or more games each in the fight for the No.6 spot. ISU is only two games out of fourth place and wrap-up the conference regular season May 17-19 in Evansville, Ind.
We have to take care of our own business and worry about ourselves, Stewart said. We hold our own destiny in our hands and the most important thing we have to do is play our game. With finals week almost over, the focus will be less split for the team and they know the task that is in front of them.
I hope regardless of the weather and uncontrollable factors such as our broken practice schedule this week due to finals, the team will come prepared to play, Stewart continued. It would be a great way to end the home conference series, for the seniors, so all we have to do is put our best foot forward onto the field come game time.
