Game Notes
 
Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings is coming off a successful weekend where they won their season home opener, and split their series with Northwest Nazarene University. The Yellowjackets face one of their most significant test of the season as they head west to play the conference standings leader Central Washington University March 23-24.
 
MSUB (10-17-1, 6-6 GNAC) currently sits at third in the GNAC. With 24 total regular season games left, including 20 GNAC contests, the Yellowjackets are at a key point in their season where they can strongly position themselves for a post-season run.
 
MSU Billings faces a tough task as Central Washington has won eight out of their last nine bouts, and is currently on a seven game winning streak. In the GNAC the Jackets rank third in both team batting average (.256) and team ERA (5.21); but unfortunately rank last in fielding percentage (.938) and errors (59). When at their best MSUB can play with any top team in the region, they will need a complete team effort in order to have success against the Wildcats.
 
Brody Miller, Colby Robison and Austin Rue rank among the top 20 hitters in conference with Robison ranking tenth, batting .308 and slugging .433. He leads the team in hits (32), runs (20), doubles (8), total bases (45) and RBIs (17). Brad Birch leads the team with three home runs and Rue leads the team in stolen bases (4).
 
At the mound, Joe Andriolo and Brady Muller have been two of the best hurlers in the conference with both ranking in the top 10 in ERA. Andriolo (2-4) ranks eighth with a 3.79 earned run average and has recorded 20 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a .257 batting average. Muller (2-2) holds the ninth spot in the GNAC with a 4.04 ERA striking out 23 batters and holding opponents to a .219 batting average.
 
Travis Vincent has been great in his relief efforts, earning Red Lion GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors this past weekend. He allowed just two hits and did not give up a run in two relief appearances covering 4 1/3 innings. On the year Vincent has an ERA of 1.20; he has allowed just 11 hits, and four runs while striking out 11 batters in 15 innings pitched. Vincent is 2-0 on the season and holds opposing hitters to a .200 batting average.
 
Central Washington has a lot of momentum entering this series, as they were recently named the Red Lion GNAC Team of the Week after sweeping Saint Martin's 4-0 in their series this past weekend. The Wildcats currently sit atop of the GNAC with a conference record of 7-1. Statistically they rank No. 1 in the conference in team batting average (.297) and team earned run average (3.64); they rank No. 2 in team fielding percentage (.949).
 
Individually they have five players ranked in the top 10 in batting average, with Ethan Sterkel leading the charge registering a .349 batting average, .434 slugging percentage and a .364 on base percentage. On the mound, Central has two pitchers that rank in the top 10 among conference hurlers; with Skye Adams leading the GNAC in earned run average (2.89). He is 4-0 on the season, and has only allowed 12 runs while striking out 21 batters in 37.1 innings pitched.
 
“Central is the team to beat right now in the conference; they are improved in every area and will definitely be tough at their place,” stated head coach Rob Bishop. “This series is a great opportunity for us to make a move in the conference standings. I know our guys are excited to get back on the field.”
 
The Yellowjackets and Wildcats start their series on Saturday March 23 at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Fans can stay updated on the live action by following the live stats link listed below or on the schedule page next to each individual contest.
 
Live Stats