By Daniel Johnson
MTN Sports Reporter
February 14, 2021
As MTSU’s baseball team prepares its return for the 2021 season, Blue Raider fans have a reason to be optimistic. With plenty of experience, a tough schedule, and improved pitching, the Blue Raiders look to build off of a shortened 2020 season.
One thing this 2021 Blue Raider squad won’t be lacking is experience. Six infielders played in at least 12 games during the 2020 season. Newcomer Brett Coker is projected to have a profound impact on this year’s squad after transferring from Itawamba Community College. Coker was named to the Preseason All-Conference USA team.
The Blue Raiders’ pitching staff has been a work in progress since Jim Toman took over the program. MTSU returns almost everyone from the 2020 season. The 2020 team posted a team 4.87 ERA. Left-hander Peyton Wigginton led the way with a team best 3.58 ERA in four starts.
The Blue Raiders will play 32 home games at Reese Smith Jr. MTSU hosts Memphis, Murray State, Bowling Green, Valparaiso, and Austin Peay in non-conference matchups. The Conference USA tournament will be May 26-30 in Ruston, Louisiana.
MTSU opens the season Friday at home against Oakland.