CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) – The UIC baseball team (22-11, 7-5, 2^nd in MVC) returns to action this weekend after nearly a week off, as the Flames return home to host Murray State (22-14, 6-6 MVC) at Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium. The three-game series will begin Friday evening, with all three games scheduled to air on ESPN+ and the Flames Network.
 
FLAMES FACTS

• UIC shortstop Zane Zielinski (Chicago, Ill./Lake View) continues to put together a phenomenal season for the Flames, currently leading the Missouri Valley Conference in batting average at .400, 21 points clear of the next closest hitter. Zielinski also ranks in the top five in The Valley in nearly every offensive category.
• Flames right fielder Kendal Ewell (Calumet City, Ill./Kentucky) was named The Valley's Player of the Week on April 15, following an incredible week at the plate going 12 for 17, including two five-hit efforts. He ballooned his average to .359 going into the weekend (sixth in the MVC), and currently leads UIC with nine home runs this year.
• The Flames have also been solid defensively all season, currently tied for first in the MVC in fielding percentage (.978). UIC has made fewer than an error per game this year, only accruing 27 team errors in 33 games played.
• D1Baseball.com released its projected field of 64 for April 17 on Wednesday, and the Flames found themselves projected as a #3 seed in the Lexington Region.

 
The return home for the Flames brings a busy weekend of promotions at Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium, as fans will have the opportunity to bring their dogs to Saturday afternoon's game, and receive a giveaway and other treats, sponsored by Veterinary Emergency Group. Sunday afternoon's game is scheduled as the first Baseball Bingo game of the year, where fans will have an opportunity to win prizes based on what's happening on the field.
 
Fans are strongly encouraged to support NIL opportunities for UIC student-athletes through contributions to The Chicago Collective.
 
For more information on UIC Athletics and UIC baseball, visit UICFlames.com. Fans can also follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_Baseball and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_baseball and @uicflames).