Bolivar, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) baseball (3-6) returns to Dodson Field this weekend for a three-game series against Champion Christian College (6-5) in which the Bearcats will look to build momentum on their home field.

Last week, SBU traveled to Owensboro, Kentucky for a different three-game series against Kentucky Wesleyan College. The team in purple finished 1-2 on the weekend, including a 17-0 thrashing of the Panthers in game two and a heartbreaking 4-5 loss in extra innings in game three.

Offensively, the Bearcats have been strong early in the season, hitting .307 as a team with 93 hits and 77 runs through nine games. Ryan Ray leads the way with a .486 batting average and 1.229 OPS, while Reese Ruderman holds a .469 batting average with two home runs and nine RBIs. Jared Pugrad (.440) and Raydley Legito (.361, 11 RBIs) have added consistency in the middle of the lineup, helping SBU post a .432 on-base percentage as a team.

On the mound, Eli Stewart (4.05 ERA, 12 strikeouts) and Koen Van T Klooster (17 strikeouts) have led the rotation, while the staff has totaled 67 strikeouts overall. Stewart's six-inning shutout game this past weekend, helped earn him a GLVC Pitcher of the Week award. 

With a productive offense and opportunities for growth on the mound, the Bearcats will look to protect Dodson Field and turn strong individual performances into a complete series effort. The first game will be February 27 at 5:00 p.m. with two games to follow on Saturday, February 28 at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.