Game Preview: Lipscomb
Game Preview: Lipscomb
Middle Tennessee has a bad taste in its mouth after being swept by Jax State in a series where the Blue Raiders severely outplayed the Gamecocks for most of the three games. However, you must turn the page and get ready for another week, starting with a Tuesday contest against Lipscomb.
These two Tennessee schools play a home-and-home series every season, but this is the first matchup of the 2026 campaign. Both come into it struggling as of late and sitting right at .500, but it’s an opportunity to get back on track.
Scouting Report
Looking at Lipscomb’s offense, it’s decent, but nothing crazy. Despite having a team batting average of .298 and a .390 on-base percentage, the Bisons don’t capitalize on their opportunities. They’re tied for No. 130 nationally in scoring, averaging just 6.71 runs per game.
While they are not impressive as a team, there are a few bats in this lineup who can be dangerous.
Cam Pruitt is their best hitter and has been extremely productive this season. In 28 games, he’s slashing .355/.377/.542 with two home runs, 13 extra-base hits and 30 RBI, while stealing 12 bases.
The infielder is a terrific player, but Aaron Stelogeannis is another quality bat to talk about in the Bisons’ lineup. He’s started 27 games with a .355 batting average, a .446 on-base percentage, two home runs, 14 RBI and a .951 OPS.
On the pitching side of things, Lipscomb’s team ERA is 7.05, with a lackluster staff and few quality arms. The starting rotation, including midweek starters, has not been good this season. But there are a couple of solid relievers that Middle Tennessee could see tomorrow night.
Former Blue Raider Adam Jamison has been effective out of the bullpen, making 10 appearances with one start. As their top reliever, the Murfreesboro native owns a 2.97 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 26 strikeouts to 13 walks in 30 1/3 innings pitched.
Another guy to watch is Kaleb Kantola, who’s been a solid option for Jeff Forehand’s squad. In eight appearances out of the pen, he’s posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 12 innings.
What to Look For
Middle Tennessee is coming off a disappointing weekend series in which they should have at least taken two of three, but were swept because of poor execution at the end of games. It’s easy to get down on yourself after a few bad games, but this team has consistently come back strong after losses more often than not.
I want to see how the Blue Raiders look coming off four straight losses. The 16-16 record does not indicate how good this team has been at points. They’ve competed with all the top squads on their schedule, including top 25 RPI teams Missouri State and Jacksonville State.
When they lock in for a full nine innings, this is a very good club. MTSU did not do that this past weekend, but can they bounce back to capture a midweek victory?
Three Keys to Victory
· Shake Off The Series Loss
Nobody likes to lose, especially when it’s a conference foe sweeping you. Middle Tennessee will obviously want to prove that they’re better than what was shown over the weekend. The key here is not to overreact and adopt the wrong mindset.
Too often, a team loses and tries to bash the next opponent to make up for it. That will never work. The Blue Raiders have to come out with a stable mindset and focus on playing their brand of baseball to get back on track.
· Execute Well Out Of The Bullpen
While MTSU was swept, and it’s a team game, most of the blame should go to the bullpen. They fell off toward the end of both Thursday and Friday, leading to losses. I trust the offense to get theirs and for the starting pitching to be good enough, but the relievers have to pull their weight.
Over the last seven games, the Blue Raider bullpen has given up 25 runs. You cannot play that way and expect to beat anybody. This unit needs to show up and play well tomorrow evening.
· Get Length Out Of Your Starter
This is the first year under Jerry Meyers that you can trust most starters to go at least four innings to avoid turning it into a bullpen game. It will be key to continue that trend tomorrow against a scrappy squad that won’t give up until the end.
You need whoever gets the nod to toss four or five innings of quality baseball to set the tone and help the offense avoid being overwhelmed.
Middle Tennessee’s lineup is lethal, but they can’t do it all. Give that unit some help to eventually put the game into the bullpen’s hands with some cushion.
First pitch tomorrow against Lipscomb is at 6:00 p.m. The starting pitcher is TBD, and the game will be on the Blue Raider Radio Network.