Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings baseball team looks to get back into the winning column as they travel to Grand Junction, Colo. to face Colorado Mesa University this weekend. The Yellowjackets will play a total of four games; one contest on Friday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 17, and a double-header on Saturday, Feb. 16.
 
Last weekend in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Metrodome Classic MSUB started their season with a 9-3 win over Dakota Wesleyan. The Yellowjackets tallied 13 hits and eight runs batted in, in the contest. Since then MSUB's offense has been inconsistent and the Jackets lost their last four out of five games in the Classic.
 
As a team MSU Billings is batting .298 with 48 hits and 29 runs. Mack Unruh, Orrin Pyrah and Drew Fosnes have started the 2012-13 season strong. Unruh is hitting .600 with two triples and two runs batted in. Pyrah is registering a .571 batting average with one triple, one double and one run batted in. Fosnes posted a .417 batting average in the first six games, recording two triples, two doubles and two runs batted in.
 
On the mound, the hurlers have recorded 23 strikeouts and a 5.92 earned run average in 38 innings of work. Samuel Patterson is 1-0 on the season with a 1.50 earned run average. He has recorded two strikeouts and only allowed three hits.
 
Colorado Mesa is currently 1-2 overall this season as they played their first set of games on the road as well. Offensively the Mavericks are batting .269 with 28 hits and nine runs batted in. Austin Kaiser and Braden Box are hitting well combing for 10 hits, 13 total basses and three runs batted in. The pitching unit has an overall earned run average of 4.32 with 24 strikeouts.
 
Matt Williams has been the most effective pitcher as he has a 1.50 earned run average and seven strikeouts.
 
“This weekend will be a great challenge for us; Colorado Mesa has a terrific program and will be a great test for our team,” stated head coach Rob Bishop. “Our goal in scheduling is to play a demanding schedule that will prepare us for the GNAC season. This series will surely accomplish that goal. We are looking forward to getting back on the field.”
 
The Yellowjackets and Mavericks will begin their series Friday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m.