Josh Kross (Brunswick, Ohio) extended his team-high hitting streak to eight games on Tuesday, March 21, when he produced three hits on five trips to the plate against Butler University inside of Bulldog Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sophomore transfer from Toledo did not see any action in his freshman year with the Rockets but has quietly become one of the most valuable bats for this Eagles baseball team.

Kross racked up three RBIs in the game giving him 23 total this season, a number that currently leads the team and ranks third in the Mid-American Conference. Additionally, Kross’ .373 batting average is good for the best on the team and seventh in the MAC.

Kross’ solid day at the plate culminated with his fourth home run of the season, tying him with Matt Kirk (Milford, Ohio) and Cory Taylor (Shelbyville, Indiana) for the most home runs on the team. The home run came in the ninth inning as the Ohio native did all he could to spark a late comeback rally, but the Eagles ultimately fell short and dropped the game to the Bulldogs, 9-7.

Jagger Jefferies (Barnesville, Ohio) made his first start in a green and white jersey and picked up a career-high two strikeouts and allowed one run on two hits before getting replaced by Dylan Wolff (Joliet, Illinois) who would be accredited with the loss (0-1).

The bottom of the second inning was detrimental for EMU as the defense allowed five runs to be scored off three hits, three errors, and two walks.

Despite taking the stand-alone non-conference loss, the Eagles’ offense produced 14 hits compared to the Bulldog’s eight, and all nine EMU starters reached base safely at least once.

Kirk helped Kross shoulder some of the offensive load while going two for three at the plate, driving in an RBI, and adding another double to his season stats. Kirk’s nine doubles this year lead the Eagles and is tied for second highest in the MAC.

Kyle Schroedle (Redding, California) contributed at the plate as well, going two for five while managing extra bases with a double in the seventh inning. Schroedle extended his hitting streak to four with his performance at the plate. Glenn Miller (Pentwater, Michigan) also extended his hitting streak when he put a double into right field against the Bulldogs in the top of the third, but to five games rather than four. Both hitting streaks are career-highs for the two Eagles. 

The Eagles' record against the Butler Bulldogs now sits at 4-5 after Tuesday’s loss.

Up next, the Eagles will have a quick turnaround as they will resume MAC action with the team’s home opening series here in Ypsilanti at Oestrike Stadium against the Ball State University Cardinals on Friday, March 24. The Eagles are currently third in the MAC at 4-2 in conference play, while the Cardinals are second at 5-1. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on EMUEagles.com/watch.

For more information on the Eastern Michigan baseball team, you can listen to "TheBlockE Podcast" weekly for updates on all Eastern Michigan University Athletics.

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