Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Indiana State
Racers, Sycamores Set for Top-of-the-Table Clash at Reagan Field
5/7/2026 2:30:00 PM | Baseball
MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State baseball is set to continue its homestand with a three-game weekend series against the Indiana State Sycamores in the second-to-last weekend of conference action before the MVC Tournament commences.
The Racers enter the weekend looking to snap a four-game skid after dropping a midweek matchup to UT Martin on Wednesday. The current slide matches Murray State's longest losing streak of the season, dating back to March 3-8.
Both programs claim 12-6 records in MVC play as the weekend approaches, sharing a spot at the top of the conference standings alongside UIC.
Over the last two weeks, Colby Ott has remained a bright spot in the batter's box. Ott is hitting .462 with four extra-base hits while striking out just twice in that span.
Nic Schutte, slated to start Friday's contest, remains tied for first in the MVC with seven wins and ranks fifth in strikeouts with 64. Schutte's 3.68 ERA also marks the fifth-best in the league.
Indiana State brings a high-powered offense to Johnny Reagan Field, leading the MVC in runs scored and total bases. The Sycamore attack is spearheaded by Carter Beck (48 RBI) and Nick Sutherland (47 RBI), who rank first and second in the Valley, respectively.
The Sycamores are also looking to bounce back after a 13-3 midweek loss to Western Illinois on Wednesday. Despite the midweek setback, ISU has been the model of consistency in league play, winning two of three games in all six MVC series this season.
Indiana State has proven dangerous on the road with a 13-9 record away from home, contrasted by an 8-9 mark at its home field. The Sycamores currently sit second in the Missouri Valley Conference in RPI (151), 19 spots ahead of the Racers (170).
Murray State will utilize a rotation of Schutte on Friday, Jacob Hustedde on Saturday, and Drew Deremer on Sunday. Indiana State will counter with Ryan Karst on Friday and Ty Brooks on Saturday, with Sunday's starter still to be determined.
First pitch for Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. finale on Sunday. All games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
