SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Feb. 20, 2024) – Fresh off a series win to open the 2024 season, the UIC baseball team is set for a mid-week contest Wednesday on the road at Incarnate Word.
 
UIC Flames (2-1, 0-0 MVC) at Incarnate Word (3-0, 0-0 SLC)
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. CT
Sullivan Field, Sponsored by H.E.B. | San Antonio, Texas
Probable Starter: Ryan Smith (Westchester, Ill./Nazareth Academy)
                            0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.0 IP
ESPN+
Live Stats
 
OPENING WEEKEND RECAP

• The Flames opened the 2024 campaign on a high note, as they took two out of three from Kansas at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas. The series victory was the first for UIC vs. a Power-5 opponent since winning two out of three over California on the road in 2022.
• Offense was the story of the weekend for the Flames, as UIC averaged just over eight runs per game in the series, including a 13-run outburst on Saturday in a 13-6 victory.

 
OUTSTANDING OFFENSE

• Jackson Bessette (Bartlett, Ill./South Elgin) helped pace the Flames' offense through the first three games, tallying seven hits in his first 15 at bats (.467). The sophomore catcher also drove in a pair of runs and tallied an extra base hit.
• Senior infielder Zane Zielinski (Chicago, Ill./Lake View) also batted over .400 on the weekend (.455) and drove in four runs on the weekend. Zielinski also stole two bases in three attempts.

 
PROMINENT PITCHING

• The Flames got several quality outings on opening weekend, including an opening night victory for Dillon Schueler (Rock Falls, Ill./Sauk Valley CC) in his first start at UIC. The sophomore transfer threw five innings, allowing just six hits and one earned run on route to a UIC win.
• Left-hander Brandon Bak (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North) also helped set the tone in his start on Saturday, giving up just two earned runs in five innings pitched. Bak earned a no-decision, while striking out four on the night.

 
SCOUTING THE CARDINALS

• Incarnate Word will also be riding momentum heading into this week, as the Cardinals swept a three-game series at home over Villanova last weekend. UIW will face a stiff test on Tuesday, as it will travel to nearby College Station, Texas to take on #8 Texas A&M before returning home to host the Flames Wednesday.
• Offensively for the Cardinals, outfielder Dalton Beck has seven hits, two home runs, and five RBI this season to lead the team, batting .500. DH Cameron Caley is another key player for the Cardinals, bringing in four hits, one home run, one triple, and four RBI.
• On the mound, Micah Berens is 1-0 in two outings this season allowing only one hit and no earned runs through 6 2/3 innings pitched.