Sunday, January 31, 2010 5:59 pm

MURFREESBORO - The USA Today/ESPN Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll was announced recently and Middle Tennessee garnered 13 votes to rank 38th. The Blue Raiders are the defending Sun Belt Conference champions after going 44-18 last year and return consensus All-American Bryce Brentz.

The Blue Raiders are the highest ranked of three Sun Belt teams receiving votes and the second highest vote getter among state of Tennessee teams.

Middle Tennessee will open the 2010 season on Feb. 19 with a three-game series against in-state foe Memphis.