Heading into only the 4th weekend out of 10 weekends in conference play, it’s not everyday you say it is an important weekend for a certain team.
However, that is exactly what we have this weekend when Oklahoma Wesleyan heads north to Salina, Kansas to play Kansas Wesleyan in a 3 game series.
Both teams are ranked in the latest NAIA Ball Media Poll with the Eagles coming in at #17 and KWU coming in at #22.
On top of that, after dropping 2 of 3 games to Tabor last weekend, OK Wesleyan is sitting somewhere other than 1st place in the KCAC since 2024 – 4th place. The Eagles have a chance to make things a lot closer this weekend as they are only 2 games behind Kansas Wesleyan who sits in 1st place.
Series Schedule/Info
- #17 OK Wesleyan at #22 KS Wesleyan
- Where: Salina, KS
- Friday: 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday (DH): 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Oklahoma Wesleyan
- Overall record: 14-7
- KCAC redord: 7-2 (4th place, 2 GB)
- Team Batting: .299/.437/.525, 32 HR, 180 RBI
- Team Pitching: 5.75 ERA, 161 IP, 143 H, 93 BB, 176 K
OKWU comes into the weekend with an overall record of 14-7. There is nothing wrong with that record considering they split a 4 game series at national power, Southeastern (FL) a few weeks ago, but the Eagles have lost 3 of their last 5 games. One of those games was to the last place team in the KCAC, Univ of Saint Mary, the 2 already mentioned to Tabor, and another to OCU where they gave up 20 runs.
OKWU did look to get back on track some this past Tuesday putting up 29 runs vs Southwestern College.
The bread and butter for the Eagles this year has been their hitting. Of the 9 players that qualify (2 PA/Game and 75% games played), they have 4 players with an OPS over 1.000 (Wally Diaz, 1.334; Alejandro Quiles, 1.197; JT Maloney, 1.141; Daurys Manzanillo, 1.047). Two more have an OPS over .900, and even two more over .800. Diaz leads the team in HRs with 11 (3 this past Tuesday alone), and RBI with 31.
Where the Eagles have struggled up to this point is pitching. Outside of Ashton Luera (G 6/GS 6, 5-1, 2.33 ERA, 27 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 12 BB, 39 K), the pitching has been atrocious, quite honestly. If it wasn’t for Luera’s 27 innings of work, those team numbers would be even worse. If OKWU can get some pitching that can hold teams to an average of 5 runs, the Eagles would have a great chance to win every game.
Kansas Wesleyan
- Overall record: 15-3
- Conference record: 9-1 (1st place)
- Team batting: .360/.475/.654, 40 HR, 188 RBI
- Team pitching: 4.21, 141 IP, 131 H, 59 BB, 132 K
Statistically, the Coyotes are just as good at the plate as the Eagles (if not better). They get on base and score runs at a higher clip than OKWU, however, they have played 3 games less.
KWU also has better stats from their pitching staff than OKWU.
Now, as I look at these stats, I realize that the Coyotes have not played the level of schedule that OKWU has. They had their first 2 series cancelled due to weather including one against nationally ranked Doane. However, the rest of their schedule leaves a lot to be desired. The only quality game they have played was at USAO which they lost 12-11.
On top of that, the Coyotes have built their conference lead against 3 of the 4 teams at the bottom of the KCAC standings. (They lost to York this past Tuesday, 4-3.)
You have to give KWU credit though, they have beat the teams they are supposed to beat on a consistent basis.
Outlook
OK Wesleyan will not be overwhelmed by the moment traveling into a tough matchcup on the road. Their Florida trip earlier this season (and other seasons) get them ready for the gauntlet that is called the KCAC regular season.
I don’t think KWU has played a team the caliber of OKWU yet this year. They’ve been able to overwhelm the lesser teams with their hitting and pitching. I don’t think their pitching has seen what the Eagles’ lineup has to offer.
If OKWU can get a start from Luera that he is capable of and just a little help from the rest of the staff, I see the Eagles taking 2 of 3 from KWU this weekend to cement themselves in the running of the KCAC regular season chase.
Congratulations
Can’t let this preview go by with out saying congrats to OKWU head coach, Kirk Kelley, on his 950th career win this past week.
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