(LEBANON, Ill., March 6) – The McKendree University baseball team will open up Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) competition this weekend March 7-8 on the road at Maryville University. The Bearcats will play a doubleheader with the first game beginning at noon and the second to follow at 3:00pm.
 
McKendree enters the weekend with an overall record of 4-7, recently taking two of three from Hillsdale College last weekend.
 
The Bearcats are led offensively by senior infielder Bryce Emery (Harrisburg, IL/Harrisburg High School) with a .396 batting average, posting three doubles, a triple, and five RBIs through 48 at-bats. Junior catchers Connor McCormick (Manteno, IL/Manteno High School) and Austin Francis (Dupo, IL/Dupo High School) supply the power in the lineup, belting two home runs this season. McCormick also sports a .353 average with 17 at-bats.
 
On the mound, sophomore Brenden Boles (Odin, IL/Salem High School) has 1-0 record, 5.65 earned run average, and 14 strikeouts through 14.1 innings.  Senior Jared Timmerman (New Baden, IL/Wesclin High School) supplies a 1-2 record, leading the pitching staff with 18 punch outs through a team-high 16.2 innings. Junior reliever Lucas Vallandingham (Millstadt, IL/Belleville West High School) has been dominant out of the bullpen with 6.1 scoreless innings, earning two saves on the season.
 
The Bearcats will open up their home portion of the GLVC schedule next weekend, March 14-15 as they welcome William Jewell to Hypes Field.