BILLINGS, Mont. –The Montana State University Billings Baseball team will kick off their 2014 campaign with a trip to Idaho to take on NAIA #2 in the Nation Lewis-Clark State.

Last season, LC State went 45-15 last season and lost in the NAIA National Championship.  LC State has won 16 NAIA national championships.

They are led by Cody Lavalli who hit .373 last season, led the Warriors with 10 home runs, 50 RBI's and six triples.  He was NAIA West All-Region tem and was drafter in the 37th round of the MLB draft by the Texas Rangers.  

David Murrillo was the Warriors go to reliever last season, going 5-0 with a 3.02 ERA in 20 appearances. Opponents hit .234 against him while he struck out 38 and walked 16.

LC State was scheduled to play the University of British Columbia last week, but due to continued snow fall, the games were canceled.

This will be MSUB's first time seeing action this season. The Yellowjackets are led by First Team All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selections, Drew Fosnes and Brady Muller. 

Starting pitcher, Muller tossed three complete games for MSUB last season while posting an ERA of 3.47 and striking out 64 batters in 80 1/3 innings. Outfielder Fosnes hit .335, smacked seven home runs and drove in37 runs.  He was first in the GNAC and 12th nationally in triples. 

Brody Miller also had a great sophomore season, receiving second team ALL-GNAC hitting .350 batting average.  Joe Andriolo had an ERA of 5.62 while going 2-6 on the year.  Colter Sternhagen hit a .252 had six home runs and drove in 35 runs. Other key returnees include seniors Brad Birch, Steven DeYoung, Matt Eames, and sophomores Tanner Watson and Lee Busto.

MSUB finished third in the preseason poll, tallying 14 total points after finishing the 2013 campaign in third place.  Bishop guided the Yellowjackets to a solid 17-14 conference record last season and 21-27-1 overall.

"We are excited to get out of the gym and onto the field," Head Coach Rob Bishop said.  "I am satisfied with the effort our guys have put in to the preparation for the season to this point so now it is time to get out on the field and see where we need to make adjustments.  LC State is a great program and will be a terrific test for us.  This weekend will be a good way for us to prepare for GNAC play."

The first game takes place on Saturday, Feb. 15 witha noon start time, and a noon finale on Sunday.  Both days will feature double-header action. 

Stats can be found at: http://obt.lcsc.edu/live-stats/baseball/XLIVE.HTM 
Audio can be found at: www.koze-sports.com