CANTON, Ohio -- The Malone University baseball program is set to play their final non-conference game of the 2021 season this afternoon. The Pioneers will make the short trip to the University of Akron for a matchup with the Zips.
The Matchup: Malone University Pioneers (11-16, 6-14 G-MAC) vs University of Akron Zips (9-16, 3-13 MAC)
Where: University of Akron - Skeeles Field
When: 1:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Zips Digital Network
Live Video: Zips Digital Network
MALONE-AKRON ALL-TIME SERIES
Despite the University of Akron being a NCAA Division I school, the Pioneers and Zips have met 36 prior times on the baseball diamond. Akron holds a 22-13-1 advantage in the all-time series.
These two teams last met in April of 2015, a 9-7 win for the Zips.
The last Malone win in the series was 13-12 ten inning victory in May of 2006.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS
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Tommy Walker tossed his first complete game of the season against Ohio Dominican on Saturday. It was the fourth by a Malone pitcher this year. Walker's final line included nine strikeouts and just the one earned run. His season ERA now stands at 4.76, and he is second on the team with 36 total strikeouts.
- Malone's offense had a strong performance in last weekend's split with Ohio Dominican. In game three of the series the Pioneers had 14 hits. That is the second-most on the season, trailing only the 18 hits MU had in the 11-inning contest against Hillsdale earlier this year.
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Clyde Yoder's appearance out of the bullpen in game one against ODU was his first outing since March 13. His final line in the first game was 3.0 innings pitched, 6 strikeouts, and 0 runs allowed.
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Tyson Gingerich now ranks third in the G-MAC with a team-high 35 hits. He also leads the Pioneers with 17 RBIs, and is second in the league with 19 stolen bases.
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With 37 combined strikeouts against Ohio Dominican the Malone pitching staff has now struck out 232 batters on the season, by far the most in the conference. Only two other teams, Tiffin (204) and Walsh (201) have crossed the 200 mark this year.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Akron enters today's midweek contest on the heels of a 13-game losing streak. The last win for the Zips came back on March 26 over Bowling Green.
Akron is hitting .261 as a team, and their pitching staff has a 6.08 ERA.
Bryant Shellenbarger leads the Zips with a .338 batting average. He is the only everyday player with an average over .300.
Right-hander Taed Heydinger has a team-high 29.2 innings pitched. He boasts just a 2.43 ERA. Junior Conor Steinbaugh leads Akron with 33 strikeouts in 28.1 innings pitched.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pioneers have this weekend off. Malone picks the season back up with a four-game G-MAC series on April 23 and 24. It will be the final chance to catch the Pioneers at home in 2021. The entire series will be played at Louisville High School.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit malonepioneers.com.
