 | Jimmy Wright and Ben Fisher found themselves in a very unfamiliar situation this past weekend. After being teammates the past four years at Madison Central, the Richmond natives were in opposite dugouts and different color uniforms when they took the field at Turkey Hughes Field. |
It was the first time since middle school that Wright — a catcher for Morehead State — and Fisher — a first baseman for EKU — had competed against each other. Morehead State (15-16) took two of three games in the weekend Ohio Valley Conference series. The Eagles won 4-3 on Friday, then picked up a 6-4 win on Saturday. EKU (14-17) took the series finale, 9-6, on Sunday. “It was nice seeing all my family and friends,” Wright said. “It was fun playing in front of them again. It’s just like old times.” Fisher and Wright, both freshmen, made an impact for their teams in the series. Wright went 2-for-7 with a home run and three RBIs. He appeared in all three games and started at catcher on Saturday.
Fisher started all three games at first base for the Colonels and went 2-of-11 with two runs scored an a walk. The weekend series gave the former teammates a chance to reconnect and even though they now find themselves in the middle of one of the biggest rivalries in the OVC, they say they still remain very close friends. “We really can’t be too big of rivals, even though it is Morehead and EKU,” Fisher said. “The competition is still there, but we are good friends.” And for now, Wright has some bragging rights over Fisher. Not only did Morehead win the series on the road, but the catcher hit his second home run of the season. Wright ripped a three-run, pinch-hit HR to right field in the eighth inning on Sunday. That homer pulled the Eagles to within a run (7-6). Fisher, however, didn’t get a chance to say anything to his former teammate as he rounded first base. “He was too busy yelling,” Fisher said. “I can’t repeat what he was saying.” “I was a little excited,” Wright said.
Even though they are both freshman, Wright and Fisher have been able to step into the lineup and contribute for Division I programs. Fisher has started all 31 games for the Colonels. He is tied for the team lead in RBI (22) and walks (17). The freshman is also second on the team in slugging percentage (.510), and third in hits (31) and at-bats (112). “It’s been good,” Fisher said. “It’s just been an adjustment, for sure. It’s definitely not like high school. It’s more of a grind.” Wright has split time with junior Chris Robinson at catcher for Morehead this season. The freshman has seen action in 20 games, including 12 starts. He has 11 hits, a double, two home runs and 13 RBI. “It pretty much depends on who is hot at the time,” Wright said splitting time with Robinson. “They’ve been trying to limit my catching because of a little bit of an injury problem. But, it’s fine.” Morehead State is set to return to action today at Kentucky. EKU is set to return to action today at Marshall. Nathan Hutchinson
Fisher started all three games at first base for the Colonels and went 2-of-11 with two runs scored an a walk. The weekend series gave the former teammates a chance to reconnect and even though they now find themselves in the middle of one of the biggest rivalries in the OVC, they say they still remain very close friends. “We really can’t be too big of rivals, even though it is Morehead and EKU,” Fisher said. “The competition is still there, but we are good friends.” And for now, Wright has some bragging rights over Fisher. Not only did Morehead win the series on the road, but the catcher hit his second home run of the season. Wright ripped a three-run, pinch-hit HR to right field in the eighth inning on Sunday. That homer pulled the Eagles to within a run (7-6). Fisher, however, didn’t get a chance to say anything to his former teammate as he rounded first base. “He was too busy yelling,” Fisher said. “I can’t repeat what he was saying.” “I was a little excited,” Wright said.
Even though they are both freshman, Wright and Fisher have been able to step into the lineup and contribute for Division I programs. Fisher has started all 31 games for the Colonels. He is tied for the team lead in RBI (22) and walks (17). The freshman is also second on the team in slugging percentage (.510), and third in hits (31) and at-bats (112). “It’s been good,” Fisher said. “It’s just been an adjustment, for sure. It’s definitely not like high school. It’s more of a grind.” Wright has split time with junior Chris Robinson at catcher for Morehead this season. The freshman has seen action in 20 games, including 12 starts. He has 11 hits, a double, two home runs and 13 RBI. “It pretty much depends on who is hot at the time,” Wright said splitting time with Robinson. “They’ve been trying to limit my catching because of a little bit of an injury problem. But, it’s fine.” Morehead State is set to return to action today at Kentucky. EKU is set to return to action today at Marshall. Nathan Hutchinson
