Central Michigan University prepares for 1st showdown weekend

The Central Michigan University Chippewas baseball team are getting prepared for a big time showdown this weekend in Mount Pleasant.  The Chippewas currently are in second place in the Mid American Conference West Division a 1/2 game behind the West leading Toledo Rockets.  The Chippewas with 15-9 conference record open the 3 game series on Thursday afternoon at 3:05p.m.   Friday and Saturday will also see game at Theuissen Stadium against in state arch rival the Western Michigan University Broncos. 

The Chippewas would however make a trip down to Comerica Park to take on the Michigan State University Spartans in the "Clash at Comerica."   This is the second time that the two have met at the home of the American League Detroit Tigers.   Under ideal conditions in downtown Detroit these two top rated baseball programs would draw a good crowd at Comerica Park.

CMU would jump out to an early 1-0 lead against the Spartans with William Arnold driving in the first run of the game with a single in the first innings.  That would be all of the scoring for the Chippewas until the bottom of the 7th inning when Eric Wrozek would hit a solo home run to give them their only runs on the day.   

The MSU Spartans would go on to win the game 5-2 and sweep all three games that the two teams have faced each other this season.   Now the Chippewas have to turn their sights to the big 3 game set with the WMU Broncos and the Western Division title on the line.   Head Coach Steve Jaksa will have his charges prepared for the important series.  The Chippewas are two time defending MAC West Champs.   The Toledo Rockets are currently in first place but most face the EMU Eagles this weekend.  I see the Eastern Michigan team taking two of three from the Rockets. 

The Chippewas will be lead by Jordan Dean who is currently hitting .364 and started all 54 games this season.   Assistant Head Coach Jeff Opalewski who handles the pitching staff has his top 3 starters with a combined ERA just under 3.00 on the year.   All in all this promises to be an exciting weekend in Mount Pleasant in a MAC showdown.   Get out to the ballpark and enjoy some baseball.