The Hilltoppers will now open the 2006 campaign with a 1 p.m. (CST) doubleheader at Nick Denes Field on Friday (Feb. 17). Both games will be nine-inning contests, with a 30-minute break in between games one and two. The series finale with the Chippawas is still slated for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, with free admission being offered to fans who present a ticket from the Hilltopper basketball BracketBusters game against Northern Arizona.
In addition to the game changes, Western Kentucky Athletics also announced today that an agreement has been reached with Midsouth Media and Forever Communications to again broadcast Hilltopper baseball games on 1340 AM WBGN “The Ticket”. The broadcasts will also be available via the Internet at www.wkusports.com.
WBGN’s Chris Idle will handle the play-by-play duties for the second straight year, with the first broadcast slated for Friday. All Hilltopper games — including postseason play — are scheduled to be broadcast.
“We’re really excited to have our games on the air and streamed on the Internet again this year — especially with a local ESPN affiliate,” said Hilltopper head coach Chris Finwood. “It’s a great opportunity for all Hilltopper baseball fans to keep up with our club this season, both home and away.”
The series with Central Michigan will start a stretch in which WKU will play 18 of its first 23 games at Nick Denes Field. In all, the Toppers are slated play 33 regular-season games at home. The 2006 Sun Belt Conference Tournament — scheduled for May 24-27 - will also be held at Nick Denes Field for the first time since 1988.
