Wheeling, W. Va. - Through the first 15 games of the season, the Wheeling University Baseball team (4-11, 0-0) has been challenging themselves with a tough non-conference schedule. They took on teams from the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) as well as a few Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) regional opponents to test their skills. Now, they head to Mountain East Conference (MEC) play with a weekend slate of doubleheaders against Concord and Glenville State at the J.B. Chambers Baseball Field.

Last time out, the Wheeling offense led the way in a three-game set against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Wheeling lost two out of the three contests, but was able to score 19 runs and average just over six runs per game. They won the opener of the series on Thursday afternoon with a 3-2 win over the Crimson Hawks. As the series moved to Friday, the two teams played a doubleheader and, after falling behind 13-2 in game one, the Cardinals nearly came back and nearly won the game with an eight-run top of the seventh. However, it wasn't enough as they fell 13-10. They scored the first run in game two of the doubleheader, but it was IUP that battled back and won the game 9-6.

Despite dropping the series, it was a strong showing for several members of the Cardinals starting lineup. It began with the top of the order as Jack Skantze played the role of table-setter. He had a strong series against IUP, going 6-10 (.600) in the three games, serving as the leadoff hitter each time. Skantze has led the way this season with a team-best .383 batting average and a. 442 on-base percentage in the team's first 15 games. After a big series from Riley Cameron in Salem, West Virginia, it was Jacob Murray's turn against IUP. Murray went 4-11 (.363) with two doubles, a triple, and five RBI over the three games. He had a hit in two of the three games and is second on the team with 10 RBI.

The best pitching performance for the Cardinals came courtesy of Dominic Parker-McDonald in the first game of the series. He became the second Cardinals pitcher to reach the 6.0 inning mark this season and picked up his first win. He allowed just two runs over those six innings on three hits while walking two and striking out three. Parker-McDonald has bounced around between the rotation and the bullpen this season and with the Cardinals still looking for reliable starting pitching, it was a strong showing for the right-hander. The bullpen saw strong performances from Hayden Scudder, who threw three scoreless in the win on Thursday, and Brendan Moran in the finale on Friday.

The Cardinals now put their non-conference schedule in the rearview mirror and turn their attention to MEC play. They open the slate playing two of the hottest teams in the South Division in Glenville State and Concord and will be tested right away. They begin conference play with their first six doubleheaders coming against opponents from the south division. Their first North Division opponent will be Fairmont State as they play a four-game weekend set on April 9th and 10th. After getting ki kicked out of the MEC tournament early last season, Wheeling is looking to play their way back into the tournament and make a run for the MEC Championship.

The Matchups

Concord: Sunday's doubleheader will mark the 30th and 31st all-time meeting between the two teams and the 11th and 12th meetings in Wheeling. The Cardinals have gone 7-21 in those previous matchups, and are looking for revenge after being booted from the tournament by the Mountain Lions last season. Wheeling is 2-8 against Concord at home but went 3-0 against them in the regular season last year. However, the playoff game is the one that stands in their minds as they fell 15-1. Former Cardinal Luis Dominguez led the way going 2-4 and driving in the only run of the game.

Greenville State: Monday will mark the 22nd meeting between the Cardinals and Pioneers and the 11th meeting in Wheeling. The Cardinals have the advantage in the all-time series, going 13-9, and when the two teams play in Wheeling, going 6-4. Last season, it was a tale of two games when these teams met as Wheeling dropped the first game 12-2 and came back to win the second game 16-2 to even the season series at 1-1. Riley Cameron had a big game going 2-3 with two walks, four runs scored, a home run, and five RBI to lead the way.

The Details

First Pitch for Sunday's conference-opening doubleheader is scheduled for 1 PM at the J.B. Chambers Sports Complex. You can watch the one live HERE or follow along with Live Stats HERE.