BILLINGS, Mont. – Coming off four straight series victories to wrap up their 2026 regular season, the Montana State University Billings baseball team is primed for the GNAC Baseball Championships, set for May 7-8 at Vail Field on the campus of Northwest Nazarene in Nampa, ID.
 
Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, MSUB (26-21, 18-11 GNAC) will face No. 3 seed Western Oregon in its opening game Thursday at 1 p.m., before closing out round-robin play against regular-season champion Northwest Nazarene later that evening.
 
"We're excited for the opportunity in front of us at the GNAC Tournament," head coach Derek Waddoups said. "I like the way our rotation and offense line up, and we're ready to compete. With Coxen, Chappell, and Queen on the mound, we feel confident in our chances to win. Carrying momentum from four straight series wins, our focus this weekend will be limiting extra defensive innings and delivering timely hitting. Overall, I like where this group is at right now."
 
Helpful Links
The Great Northwest Athletic Conference Baseball Championships tournament page can be found here, live statistics for the championships can be found here, tickets can be found here, and livestream coverage can be found here.
 
For more information on the Yellowjackets, their 2026 schedule can be found here, roster can be found here, and season statistics can be found here.
 
A Lineup Built to Produce
Few teams in the GNAC can match the offensive depth the Jackets bring into the tournament. MSUB led the conference in batting average during league play (.347) and finished the regular season hitting .321 as a team, powered by a lineup that features production from top to bottom.
 
At the center of it all is Jason Wright, who has authored one of the most dominant offensive seasons in GNAC history. Hitting .476 with a staggering 1.311 OPS, Wright combines elite contact ability with power, tallying 50 hits, 14 doubles, five home runs, and 28 RBIs in limited action. His ability to change a game with one swing—or simply refuse to make an out—makes him the focal point of opposing scouting reports.
 
Right behind him is Kaden Bertram, whose consistency and power have been just as vital. Bertram hit .420 on the year with 71 hits, 16 doubles, 10 home runs, and a conference-leading 52 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs in big moments gives MSUB a reliable middle-of-the-order anchor.
 
Jack Nehler has been equally important, starting all 47 games and hitting .358 with 64 hits and 48 RBIs. Known for his plate discipline, Nehler leads the team with 28 walks and owns a .442 on-base percentage, frequently setting the table for the heart of the order.
 
Ryker Fortier provides a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup, scoring a team-high 51 runs while hitting .345. His speed (27 stolen bases in 28 attempts) and ability to get on base (.424 OBP) make him a catalyst for MSUB's offense. Fortier's speed on the base paths has not just helped the teams success but is also record setting as his 27 stolen bases mark the most single season in program history and he sits just two steals shy of the most career in MSUB history.
 
River Smith adds another dimension with his power to the gaps, leading the GNAC with 18 doubles while driving in 38 runs. Nate McDonald (.273) contributes versatility and extra-base pop with 11 doubles and three triples, while Nick Reed (.330) and Landon Carter (.303, three home runs) have provided key depth and timely hitting throughout the season.
Even role players like Adam Rowland (.299) have stepped up in critical moments, highlighting the lineup's overall balance and depth.
 
Pitching Staff Ready for the Moment
While MSUB's offense draws attention, its pitching staff has quietly developed into one of the more reliable units in the conference.
 
The rotation is anchored by Sam Coxen, who has logged 73.1 innings with a 4.17 ERA and 74 strikeouts which mark the seventh most single season strikeouts in MSUB history. His ability to work deep into games and limit opposing hitters to a .247 batting average makes him a key piece in tournament play.
 
Brennen Chappell (6-5, 4.33 ERA) has been equally valuable, striking out 72 batters over 70.2 innings while providing consistency every time he takes the mound. Cade Queen adds another experienced arm, posting a 4.31 ERA with 62 strikeouts and even tossing a complete game this season.
 
Out of the bullpen, Carson Waples (3.38 ERA) has been a steady presence, while Hayden Mullins (5-2, two saves) has served as a versatile option capable of closing games or providing multi-inning relief.
 
Depth arms like Cody Snow, Scott Klinker, Malcolm Bartholomew, and Owen Combs give the Jackets flexibility in navigating the unique tournament format, where pitching management can be the difference between advancing and going home.
 
The Challenge Ahead
Standing in MSUB's path is a familiar and formidable field. Top-seeded Northwest Nazarene University enters as the defending champion, having won the last two GNAC titles and finishing this season 25-7 in conference play. The Nighthawks boast one of the league's most complete rosters, combining power at the plate with the conference's top pitching staff.
 
Meanwhile, Western Oregon University brings postseason pedigree, owning a conference-best six GNAC championships. The Wolves closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak and will look to carry that momentum into Thursday's opener against MSUB.
 
Navigating the Format
The three-team, round-robin format places a premium on fast starts. MSUB opens against Western Oregon in a critical matchup that could dictate the rest of the tournament. A win would position the Yellowjackets for a potential championship berth later that night against Northwest Nazarene. Depending on results, MSUB could find itself advancing directly to the title round, playing in an elimination game Friday, or battling through a winner-take-all scenario.
 
Eyes on Another Title
The Yellowjackets are no strangers to postseason success, capturing the GNAC Championship in 2019 and returning to the title game in 2025. This year's group has the tools to make another run. With an explosive offense led by some of the top hitters in the conference, a seasoned pitching staff, and a lineup capable of producing in any situation, MSUB enters the tournament as a serious contender to bring another championship back to Billings.
 
First Pitch
It all begins Thursday afternoon in Nampa. With the stakes at their highest and a championship within reach, the Yellowjackets will look to turn a strong regular season into a memorable postseason run. Finding themselves on the bubble of advancing to the NCAA West Region Tournament for what would be the second straight season, every GNAC Championship game grows more crucial for their resume.