Jan. 29, 2010

CLEVELAND - The Miami University baseball team was picked to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division in 2010 in the MAC preseason coaches’ poll, the league off released Tuesday. Bowling Green was chosen as the favorite in the East Division, while Ball State was selected first in the West and the favorite to win the MAC Tournament.

The RedHawks earned 39 points in the poll, while the East Division-favorite Falcons, who won the MAC regular season title in 2009, garnered 64 points. Kent State was picked second in the East, followed by Ohio in third. After Miami, Akron and Buffalo rounded out the East at fifth and sixth in the poll, respectively.

In the West Division, the Cardinals, who also won the division last year, garnered 72 points, while Toledo was second in the poll and Central Michigan third. Eastern Michigan was fourth in the poll, followed by Northern Illinois and Western Michigan, respectively.

The ’Hawks did receive one vote to win the MAC Tournament, while favorite Ball State received five. Kent State got three votes, while BGSU earned two and Eastern Michigan one to win the league championship.

Miami returns 15 letterwinners and six position starters from a 2009 squad that finished 30-25, including 15-12 in MAC play to finish fourth in the MAC East. The RedHawks qualified for the MAC Tournament, as well, knocking out top-seeded Bowling Green before bowing out after going 2-2 and losing to eventual champion Kent State. Among Miami’s returning starters is junior outfielder Adam Eaton (Springfield, Ohio), who was a 2009 First-Team All-MAC and All-Mideast Region selection.

The RedHawks open their 2010 campaign Feb. 19 at No. 15 Clemson, before facing Furman Feb. 20 and Michigan State Feb. 21, all in the state of South Carolina.

 

2010 MAC Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

East Division
1. Bowling Green - 64 points
2. Kent State - 61 points
3. Ohio - 49 points
4. MIAMI - 39 points
5. Akron - 25 points
6. Buffalo - 14 points

West Division
1. Ball State - 72 points
2. Toledo - 52 points
3. Central Michigan - 44 points
4. Eastern Michigan - 35 points
5. Northern Illinois - 29 points
6. Western Michigan - 21 points

Tournament Champion:
Ball State (5), Kent State (3), Bowling Green (2), Eastern Michigan (1), Miami (1)

--MURedHawks.com--

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