After securing their first series win of the season, the University of Evansville baseball team is set for two midweek matchups. The Purple Aces will first take on Southeast Missouri (SEMO) on Tuesday before facing SIUE on Wednesday.
Evansville earned its first back-to-back victories of 2025 over the weekend, winning the final two games against Central Arkansas. With the series now tied 3-3 all-time, UE will look to build on its momentum as it prepares for two road tests.
History with SEMO and SIUE
Tuesday’s meeting with SEMO marks the third matchup between the two teams in two years. Last season, the Aces won both games by a single run. In their home contest, UE secured the victory in extra innings when outfielder Harrison Taubert delivered a walk-off RBI single. In the road game at Capaha Field, Evansville rallied in the ninth inning with two home runs to edge out a one-run win. Despite SEMO leading the all-time series, UE has won three of the last four matchups.
On Wednesday, the Aces will take on SIUE at Roy E. Lee Field. Historically, Evansville has dominated this series with 18 wins since it began in 1976. However, SIUE’s high-powered offense caused problems last season when the Cougars secured a 14-6 victory over UE. This year, SIUE enters the game with a 4-10 record, earning wins over Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, and two against Omaha.
Aces’ Offense Gaining Momentum
Evansville’s offense has been heating up, recording at least 10 hits in three straight games. Over the weekend, the Aces totaled 42 hits, a significant improvement from the 26 hits they managed in the previous three contests.
Right fielder Harrison Taubert and first baseman Kevin McCormick led the charge in Conway. Taubert posted a .500 batting average, going 7-for-14 with three extra-base hits and five RBIs. McCormick, despite playing fewer at-bats, recorded a .600 average, going 6-for-10 with one extra-base hit.
Leading the Missouri Valley Conference
UE currently leads the Missouri Valley Conference in two key categories. One is hit-by-pitches, as the team has reached base 28 times after being plunked by opposing pitchers. Center fielder Ty Rumsey has been hit seven times this season but remains far from Mark Shallenberger’s program record of 28 set last year.
The Aces also lead the conference in shutouts. On Sunday, Evansville picked up its second shutout of the year with an 8-0 win over Central Arkansas. Pitcher Kevin Reed earned his third win of the season, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing only three hits, striking out six batters, and walking none.
With confidence running high, Evansville now shifts its focus to continuing its winning streak in two important midweek battles.
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