Springfield, MO – The Missouri State Bears baseball team (17-9, 6-3 Conference USA) returns to Hammons Field Tuesday evening to face a significant challenge in the form of the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks (19-10, 4-5 SEC). The 6 p.m. Matchup isn’t just about baseball; it’s a chance for the Missouri State community to honor the memory of Marty “Sign Man” Prather, a beloved and dedicated fan who passed away earlier this year. Fans are encouraged to bring signs – a tribute to Prather’s enduring spirit and unwavering support – or create them at the stadium.
The Bears enter the game ranked 11th nationally in the NCAA RPI as of March 29, a testament to their strong performance and challenging schedule. According to the RPI, Missouri State has played the 14th-toughest schedule in the country, with opponents boasting a combined .629 winning percentage. Projections indicate the Bears will finish 32nd in the RPI, even with remaining opponents holding a combined .582 winning percentage, signaling a continued commitment to competitive play. This challenging schedule is a key factor in preparing the team for Conference USA competition and potential postseason play.
A Powerhouse at the Plate
Missouri State’s offensive prowess is undeniable. The team has hit a home run in 179 of their last 212 games, including 24 of their 26 contests this season. They currently rank 8th nationally with 475 home runs since the beginning of the 2022 season, a period coinciding with hitting coach Joey Hawkins’ arrival. Hawkins has clearly instilled a power-hitting mentality within the program. This year, the Bears are second in Conference USA and 8th nationally with 53 home runs, and the current roster has combined for an impressive 155 round-trippers during their time at Missouri State.
Beyond simply hitting for power, the Bears excel at making quality contact. According to data from TruMedia, Missouri State hitters rank 11th nationally in hard-hit percentage, with 47.3 percent of batted balls registering at 95 mph or higher. They similarly rank 12th in average exit velocity at 90.4 mph. Notably, the Bears are one of only two non-Power Four schools to achieve such high rankings in both categories, highlighting their exceptional hitting ability.
Key Players to Watch
Junior Caden Bogenpohl is a significant contributor to the Bears’ offensive success. He currently ranks 15th nationally with 30 walks this season, building on a history of getting on base. Bogenpohl has drawn 53 and 55 walks in his first two years, and his 138 career free passes place him second in school history, just 16 behind Bill Mueller’s record of 154. He’s also tied for 13th at Missouri State with 37 career home runs, and ranks 5th among active Division I players in career walks and 29th in home runs.
Senior Taeg Gollert is another offensive threat, currently second among all active NCAA players (across all divisions) with 66 doubles. He’s on the verge of breaking program records, sitting just one behind Brayden Drake’s record of 67 doubles. Gollert also has 102 career extra-base hits, placing him fourth in Missouri State history, 14 behind Jason Hart’s record of 116. He also ranks 13th among active Division I players with 220 hits and 24th with 156 RBIs.
Dominance at Hammons Field
The Bears have established Hammons Field as a formidable fortress. Under head coach Joey Hawkins, Missouri State boasts a 30-7 record at home, with a .334 batting average, a .636 slugging percentage, 88 total home runs, and an average of 10.2 runs scored per game. Their current 11-0 record at Hammons Field represents the fifth-longest active home winning streak in the nation. This home-field advantage will be crucial as they face a tough opponent in Arkansas.
Missouri State’s versatility is further exemplified by players like Max Knight and Curry Sutherland, who excel as two-way threats. Knight has started games at multiple positions – 1B, LF, RF, DH, and P – and has 18 home runs and 64 RBIs while also achieving a 9-2 record with 5 saves and 88 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. Sutherland has 21 career home runs and 66 RBIs, and has also thrown 25 innings with 28 strikeouts.
This season marks Missouri State’s first in Conference USA, following a 35-year run in the Missouri Valley Conference. During their time in The Valley, the Bears achieved a record of 488-347 (.584), securing seven regular season championships and five tournament titles from 1991-2025.
The game against Arkansas represents a significant opportunity for Missouri State to showcase its talent and continue its impressive home record. The team will undoubtedly be motivated by the memory of Marty “Sign Man” Prather and the support of the Springfield community. Following Tuesday’s game, the Bears will continue their Conference USA schedule with a series against Liberty, beginning Friday, April 5th.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming game and the Bears’ season in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow Missouri State baseball fans!
