"Evansville Baseball's 2025 - A Season of Challenges and Opportunities"
Opening Road Stretch
The Aces kick off the 2025 season with a four-game road trip, starting at Arkansas-Little Rock on Valentine's Day. This will be their fourth visit to Little Rock since 2019. After that, they wrap up their first road swing in Nashville at Lipscomb on February 18th. This initial stretch sets the tone for the season, as the team faces tough opponents right from the start.It's a crucial time for the players to showcase their skills and adapt to different playing conditions. The road games will test their resilience and teamwork, laying the foundation for the rest of the season.
Coach Carroll emphasizes the importance of these early road games, saying, "It's about getting our guys comfortable in different environments and facing tough competition. This will prepare them for the challenges ahead."
Home Opener and Crosstown Rivalry
The home opener at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium on February 21st against crosstown rival Southern Indiana is a highly anticipated event. Over the weekend, Evansville hosts USI twice on February 21st and 23rd while also playing a game at USI Baseball Field on February 22nd.The rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of excitement. The players are eager to prove themselves in front of the home crowd and start the season on a high note.
As the fans fill the stadium, the energy is palpable. It's a time for the Aces to show their pride and unity as they take on their local rivals.
Power Four Opponents and Road Trips
The Aces will face four different Power Four teams during the season. They start with a four-game series at Missouri from February 28th to March 2nd, including a doubleheader on Saturday. This will be a tough test for the team, as they go up against a strong opponent.After that, they wrap up their stretch of Power Four visits at Vanderbilt on Tuesday, March 4th. The road trips continue with a return to Arkansas for a series at Central Arkansas from March 7th to March 9th.
Evansville then has back-to-back single midweek games, stopping at Southeast Missouri on Tuesday, March 11th and SIUE on Wednesday, March 12th. The final non-conference series on the road will be at Samford from March 14th until March 16th.
These road trips are essential for the team's growth and development. They expose the players to different coaching styles and playing strategies, helping them to improve their game.
Missouri Valley Conference Play
Evansville starts MVC action at Murray State from March 21st to March 23rd. This marks the beginning of their home and home series versus Western Kentucky on Tuesday, March 25th.The first home series in Valley play is against Valparaiso from March 28th to the 30th, with the MVC Championship and NCAA Tournament banner unveiling on Friday the 28th.
The conference games bring a new level of intensity as the Aces face off against their rivals. It's a time for them to showcase their skills and compete for the conference title.
Coach Carroll is focused on the team's performance in conference play, saying, "This is where we need to step up and prove ourselves. The conference games will determine our success this season."
Remaining Road and Home Games
The Aces continue their road adventures with a trip to Bowling Green at Western Kentucky on Tuesday, April 22nd. They then head to Springfield for the final conference series with Missouri State before the Bears move to Conference USA from April 25th to April 27th.Evansville welcomes Indiana to the River City for a game on Tuesday, April 29th before hosting Belmont for a Valley series from May 2nd through May 4th.
The final non-conference game of 2025 is at USI Baseball Field on Tuesday, May 6th. The last road series of the season will be at Southern Illinois from May 9th to May 11th.
The closing weeks of the season are crucial as the Aces aim to finish strong. They will be looking to build on their conference performances and make a deep run in the postseason.
Postseason Play
Postseason play for the Aces will take place in Normal, Ill. at Duffy Bass Field hosted by the Illinois State Redbirds from May 20th to May 24th. The Championship double-elimination tournament is a significant event for the team.The players are focused on performing well in the postseason and bringing home a championship. It's a time for them to showcase their skills on a bigger stage.
Coach Carroll is confident in his team's ability to perform in the postseason, saying, "We've worked hard all season, and now it's time to show what we're made of. The postseason is where the real test begins."