Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Illinois State
Racers Host Redbirds in Key MVC Series; Drone Show Set for Friday Night
4/16/2026 3:13:00 PM | Baseball
Date (Time): April 17-19 (5 p.m., 2 p.m., 1 p.m. CT)

Site (Venue): Murray, Ky. (Johnny Reagan Field)

Opponent:Â Illinois State Redbird
TV: ESPN+ 

Live Stats:Â GoRacers.com
Murray, Ky. – Murray State Baseball returns to Johnny Reagan Field this weekend to host Illinois State for its fifth weekend of Missouri Valley Conference action. The three-game series serves as a pivotal opportunity for the Racers to find their rhythm as they enter the second half of the conference slate.
Following Friday's contest, fans can enjoy the Racer Drone Show at Johnny Reagan Field, presented by CFSB.
The Racers (21-16, 7-5 MVC) look to snap a four-game skid and a five-game losing streak in conference play. The recent stretch marks the program's longest conference losing streak since joining the MVC.
Murray State has gone 2-6 over the past two weeks while facing challenges at the plate and on the mound. While the Racers' bats led the MVC in RBIs for much of the season, the offense has cooled recently, posting a .239 team batting average over the last eight games. During that same span, the pitching staff has combined for an 8.05 ERA while allowing opponents to hit at a .316 clip.
Head coach Dan Skirka is two victories away from moving into third place on the program's all-time wins list. Skirka needs two wins to reach 232 for his career and surpass Mike Thieke's 231. Skirka has fared well against the Redbirds in his career, boasting a 9-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark at Johnny Reagan Field.
Illinois State (22-14, 6-6 MVC) arrives in Murray looking to reclaim momentum as well. The Redbirds have lost three consecutive MVC series after sweeping Belmont in their opening Valley series.
ISU possesses one of the strongest lineups in the Missouri Valley, leading the conference with a .297 team batting average. The Redbirds' bats are led by redshirt junior Brayden Bakes, who ranks top-three in the Valley in batting average (.371) and home runs (10).
Murray State's starting rotation features Nic Schutte on Friday and Jacob Hustedde on Saturday, with Sunday's starter still to be determined.
