Baseball looking to continue recent success against Tennessee

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - After posting victories in each of the past two meetings with SEC foe Tennessee, the Middle Tennessee baseball team will look to close out the 2012 non-conference slate in style on Tuesday evening when it welcomes the Volunteers back to Reese Smith Jr. Field.

The Blue Raiders are coming into the game with a 27-25 record this season, and despite his .263 average, Ryan Stephens will look to factor in helping MT to a 28th win. The sophomore outfielder, perhaps known more for his defensive prowess, has played a major role in each of the past two victories over the Vols, coming up with the 10th inning game-winning hit in February's 5-4 win in Knoxville and finishing a single shy of the cycle in last season's 12-3 rout in Murfreesboro.

MT will also be looking for offense from the trio of Justin Guidry, Trent Miller and Hank LaRue. The group has combined for .347 average with 107 runs scored and 104 batted in.

Paul Mittura will be making the start on the mound for the Blue and White, and it marks his first of the year. The sophomore carries a 2-1 record with a team-best 2.05 earned run average in 22 appearances. He's played in each of the past two games vs. UT, allowing an unearned run earlier this season and pitching a perfect ninth in last year's win.

MT is 10-25 vs. the Vols since head coach Steve Peterson took control of the baseball program in 1988. A win on Tuesday would mark the third consecutive against UT, a feat that has not been accomplished by MT since taking home four in a row from 1987-88.

UT enters the meeting with a 24-27 mark this year, and currently sit sixth in the SEC East with an 8-19 conference record.

First pitch is on Tuesday is set for 6 p.m.

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