The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) baseball team is preparing to host Appalachian State on Wednesday in Johnson City. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start at Thomas Stadium.
Both teams enter the matchup with a 6-1 record this season. ETSU recently swept Sacred Heart in a three-game series, posting scores of 10-0, 26-3, and 11-8. This sweep improved ETSU’s record to 6-1 for the year.
A significant factor in ETSU’s strong start has been consistent offensive production throughout games. The Buccaneers have outscored opponents 20-7 over the first three innings so far this season, including a notable 10-1 margin in the opening inning. They have also dominated late innings, holding a combined edge of 32-7 from the sixth inning onward and shutting out opponents 13-0 in the eighth inning alone.
ETSU’s bullpen has contributed to early success as well. Through seven games, relievers have compiled a collective record of 3-0 with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.27 over 35.2 innings pitched and totaled 43 strikeouts. Opposing hitters are batting just .197 against ETSU’s bullpen this spring.
Playing at home continues to be an advantage for the Buccaneers. Since the start of the 2024 season, ETSU holds a home record of 55 wins and 13 losses at Thomas Stadium, an .809 winning percentage. In six home games during the current season, they have outscored their opponents by a total of 67-23.
Appalachian State also comes into Wednesday’s contest with momentum, holding an undefeated home record this year at 6-0. Their pitching staff averages 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings—ranking them eleventh nationally among Division I baseball programs.
This meeting will mark the 146th all-time contest between ETSU and Appalachian State; Appalachian State leads the series with eighty-two victories but lost both matchups last year by a combined score of twenty-five to nine.
For more information on Buccaneer baseball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the baseball tab.
