MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book by MSUB Sports

Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets Baseball 2015 Season

Table of Contents

2015 Schedule..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3 2015 Season Preview...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Game 1 Recap: CSU-Pueblo 11, MSUB 10..........................................................................................................................................................................................7 Games 2 & 3 Recap: MSUB 7, CSU-Pueblo 6; CSU-Pueblo 15, MSUB 7......................................................................................................................................10 Game 4 Recap: CSU-Pueblo 2, MSUB 1.............................................................................................................................................................................................15 Preview: Games 5-12............................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Games 5 & 6 Recap: Azusa Pacific 25, MSUB 7; Azusa Pacific 16, MSUB 13...............................................................................................................................21 Game 7 Recap: Azusa Pacific 10, MSUB 8.........................................................................................................................................................................................26 Game 8 Recap: Dixie State 9, MSUB 5................................................................................................................................................................................................29 Games 9 & 10 Recap: Dixie State 7, MSUB 0; Dixie State 3, MSUB 2............................................................................................................................................32 Game 11 Recap: MSUB 7, Minot State 6............................................................................................................................................................................................36 Game 12 Recap: MSUB 15, Minot State 1..........................................................................................................................................................................................39 Reinschmidt named NCBWA National Player of the Week............................................................................................................................................................42 Preview: Games 13-16..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................44 Games 13 & 14 Recap: MSUB 14, Central Washington 6; Central Washington 13, MSUB 4.....................................................................................................47 Games 15 & 16 Recap: MSUB 11, Central Washington 9; Central Washington 4, MSUB 3.......................................................................................................52 Preview: Games 17-20..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................58 Feature Story: Senior Jake Mills...........................................................................................................................................................................................................62 Game 17 Recap: Cal Baptist 4, MSUB 3.............................................................................................................................................................................................67 Game 18 Recap: Cal Baptist 4, MSUB 3.............................................................................................................................................................................................70 Game 19 Recap: MSUB 6, Cal Baptist 3.............................................................................................................................................................................................73 Game 20 Recap: MSUB 15, Cal Baptist 7...........................................................................................................................................................................................76 Feature Story: Senior Trevor Nix.........................................................................................................................................................................................................79 Preview: Games 21-24..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................84 Games 21 & 22 Recap: Western Oregon 7, MSUB 6; Western Oregon 8, MSUB 1......................................................................................................................88 Games 23 & 24 Recap: Western Oregon 14, MSUB 5; Gm. 2 Suspended in 1st...........................................................................................................................93 Preview: Games 25-28..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................96 Games 25 & 26 Recap: MSUB 5, Northwest Nazarene 3; MSUB 6, Northwest Nazarene 3........................................................................................................99 Games 27 & 28 Recap: MSUB 3, Northwest Nazarene 0; MSUB 8, Northwest Nazarene 0..................................................................................................... 104 Cooper, Durbin selected as GNAC Players of the Week............................................................................................................................................................... 108 MSUB’s Brody Miller to be featured on GNAC Insider................................................................................................................................................................ 109 MSUB Named GNAC Team of the Week........................................................................................................................................................................................ 110 Feature Story: Seniors Conner Holbrook and Jake Campeau...................................................................................................................................................... 112 Preview: Games 29-32....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 117 Games 29 & 30 Recap: MSUB 11, Saint Martin’s 8; MSUB 9, Saint Martin’s 4........................................................................................................................... 120 Games 31 & 32 Recap: MSUB 11, Saint Martin’s 10; Saint Martin’s 12, MSUB 7...................................................................................................................... 125 Miller Selected as GNAC Player of the Week................................................................................................................................................................................. 130 Preview: Games 33-36....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 132 Games 33 & 34 Recap: MSUB 11, Central Washington 8; Central Washington 5, MSUB 4.................................................................................................... 136 Games 35 & 36 Recap: MSUB 21, Central Washington 8; MSUB 10, Central Washington 9.................................................................................................. 141 Miller Picks Up NCBWA West Region Player of the Week.......................................................................................................................................................... 146 Preview: Games 37-40....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 148 Games 24 (Cont’d) & 37 Recap: MSUB 8, Western Oregon 5; MSUB 5, Western Oregon 4................................................................................................... 153 Games 38 & 39 Recap: MSUB 5, Western Oregon 4, Western Oregon 5, MSUB 0................................................................................................................... 158 Game 40 Recap: Western Oregon 8, MSUB 3................................................................................................................................................................................ 163 Preview: Games 41-44....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 166 Games 41 & 42 Recap: MSUB 16, Northwest Nazarene 8; MSUB 12, Northwest Nazarene 11.............................................................................................. 171 Games 43 & 44 Recap: MSUB 16, Northwest Nazarene 0; Northwest Nazarene 5, MSUB 4................................................................................................... 176 Johnson, Nix earn GNAC Player of the Week................................................................................................................................................................................ 181 9 Yellowjackets Named Academic All-Conference........................................................................................................................................................................ 182 Nix earns NCBWA West Region Player of the Week..................................................................................................................................................................... 183 Preview: Games 45-48....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 184 Games 45 & 46 Recap: MSUB 2, Saint Martin’s 1; MSUB 5, Saint Martin’s 0............................................................................................................................. 189 Games 47 & 48 Recap: MSUB 9, Saint Martin’s 1; MSUB 5, Saint Martin’s 0............................................................................................................................. 194 Feature Story: Senior Brady Muller................................................................................................................................................................................................. 199 Muller Earns GNAC Pitcher of the Week....................................................................................................................................................................................... 204 9 Yellowjackets on GNAC All-Conference Team; Bishop Coach of the Year............................................................................................................................. 205 Preview: Games 49 & 50 (GNAC Championships)....................................................................................................................................................................... 208 Feature Story: Senior Brody Miller.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 213 Games 49 & 50 Recap: Northwest Nazarene 8, MSUB 6; Western Oregon 4, MSUB 3............................................................................................................ 219 Miller, Reinschmidt Earn All-Region.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 224 Miller Repeats as All-American....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Brody Miller Named GNAC Male Athlete of the Year.................................................................................................................................................................. 228 2015 Season Review........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 230 2015 Final Season Statistics............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 235

2 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 Montana State University Billings Baseball Schedule Date Opponent Location Time (Local) Feb. 6 at Colorado State-Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1 p.m. Feb. 7 at Colorado State-Pueblo (DH) Pueblo, CO 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at Colorado State-Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1 p.m. Feb. 16 vs. Azusa Pacific (DH) St. George, UT 1 p.m. Feb. 17 vs. Azusa Pacific St. George, UT 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at Dixie State St. George, UT 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at Dixie State (DH) St. George, UT 4 p.m. Feb. 21 vs. Minot State St. George, UT 1 p.m. Feb. 22 vs. Minot State (DH) St. George, UT 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at Central Washington (DH)* Ellensburg, WA 12 p.m. Mar. 1 at Central Washington (DH)* Ellensburg, WA 12 p.m. Mar. 4 at Cal Baptist Riverside, CA 6 p.m. Mar. 5 at Cal Baptist Riverside, CA 6 p.m. Mar. 6 at Cal Baptist Riverside, CA 6 p.m. Mar. 7 at Cal Baptist Riverside, CA 11 a.m. Mar. 13 at Western Oregon (DH)* Monmouth, OR 1 p.m. Mar. 14 at Western Oregon (DH)* Monmouth, OR 12 p.m. Mar. 20 at Northwest Nazarene (DH)* Nampa, ID 3 p.m. Mar. 21 at Northwest Nazarene (DH)* Nampa, ID 1 p.m. Mar. 27 SAINT MARTIN’S (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Mar. 28 SAINT MARTIN’S (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 8 DICKINSON STATE Billings, MT 4 p.m. Apr. 10 CENTRAL WASHINGTON (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 11 CENTRAL WASHINGTON (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 17 WESTERN OREGON (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 18 WESTERN OREGON (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 24 NORTHWEST NAZARENE (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. Apr. 25 NORTHWEST NAZARENE (DH)* Billings, MT 1 p.m. May 1 at Saint Martin’s (DH)* Lacey, WA 1 p.m. May 2 at Saint Martin’s (DH)* Lacey, WA 12 p.m. May 7-8 GNAC Championships TBD TBD *-Great Northwest Athletic Conference game All home games played at Dehler Park

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 3

Experienced Yellowjacket baseball squad kicks off 2015 season this week February 2, 2015 Returning 23 total players – including 10 starters – the MSUB baseball team gets its 2015 season underway with four games at Colorado State-Pueblo this weekend. BILLINGS, Mont. – One game separated three teams vying for an appearance in last season’s Great Northwest Athletic Conference Baseball Championships, as the Montana State University Billings squad came up just shy of advancing to the tournament for a second-consecutive season. With the experience of eight offensive starters returning and a dozen familiar arms populating the Yellowjackets’ pitching corps, MSUB will kick off its 2015 campaign on Friday with a four-game road trip against Colorado State-Pueblo. “Our focus this season is on the fact that we return quite a few key players and we feel good about our experience factor,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “The GNAC is such a tough league but I really feel like having been through it a few times gives you an advantage as a player.” Heading the cast this season is reigning All-American and GNAC Player of the Year Brody Miller, who is one of three returning starters in the Yellowjacket infield. “It will be hard to repeat the numbers Brody had last season, but we feel like he is actually a better player overall,” Bishop said. “He is more mature as a player this year.” In 2014, Miller led the GNAC in hits with 67 and had the conference’s second-best batting average at .392. Miller scored 37 runs and drove in 34, with 16 doubles and six home runs. In 46 starts he held an on-base percentage of .498 and a slugging percentage of .591. Miller became the first-ever Yellowjacket to be selected as an All-American in baseball, being picked to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association third-team and the Daktronics honorable mention squad. The Missoula, Mont., native has been tabbed a preseason first-team all-West Region pick by the NCBWA in 2015. Joining Miller as a preseason all-region pick is another key returnee in Kevin Toon. The junior, who was a firstteam all-GNAC selection a season ago, batted .348 with 10 doubles and 28 runs batted in last year. Toon split time between second base and first base in 41 games as a sophomore, slugging .420 with an on-base percentage of .411. “Kevin ended up being an all-conference guy at first base, but he can play all over the place,” Bishop said. “He is a great leader offensively, and is a great guy to have in our program.” 4 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Also expected to see time at first base this season is senior Blake Loran, whose left-handed bat figures to be a strong presence in the middle of the order. “Blake is a guy who had his last two seasons cut short with injury, but we feel he is healthy and will have a good year for us,” Bishop said. “He is a guy we will look for to be consistent somewhere in the middle of the order.” Senior third baseman Colter Sternhagen is another Yellowjacket bouncing back from injury, having redshirted last year after starting all 45 games as a shortstop in 2013. “Colter is a really talented kid and we are excited to have him back,” Bishop said. As a sophomore, the Helena, Mont., native posted a slugging percentage of .413 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. Two more returners will split time behind the plate in 2015, with Conner Holbrook and Trevor Nix providing a sense of senior leadership in handling Bishop’s pitching staff. “Both guys split time catching last year, and both will play a lot this season,” Bishop said. “Nix is more offensive and Holbrook more defensive, and they both have a good, balanced presence back there.” In 2014, Holbrook batted .261 with 11 RBIs in 28 starts, committing just four errors and holding a fielding percentage of .976. Nix earned 31 starts and played in 35 games, also posting just four miscues on the season for a fielding percentage of .978. Junior Colter Sternhagen.

A pair of newcomers look to fill the gap at shortstop this season, with Kyle Durbin and Corey Morris spurring competition for the key spot up the middle. “Both of those guys are very capable and had great junior college careers,” Bishop said regarding the juniors. “I really like having the depth there, and with those guys and Toon able to play any of the four infield spots we are really covered.” With four key returners set to roam the outfield this season, the Yellowjackets will have experience from left to right and at the top of their batting order as well. Headlining the group is center fielder Luke Reinschmidt, who is a preseason first-team all-region pick after posting the third-best batting average in the GNAC last season at .359. “Luke batted down in the lineup last year and we will move him towards the top this season,” Bishop said of the 2014 first-team all-GNAC selection. “He had good power numbers last year, and we are expecting him to have a great season for us.” Twenty-three of Reinschmidt’s 55 hits went for extra bases in 2014, and he drove in 27 runs while scoring 32. In addition to posting an on-base percentage of .381 and a slugging percentage of .569, Reinschmidt became just the third player in GNAC history to hit for the cycle, completing the feat on March 28 against Northwest Nazarene while batting ninth in the lineup. The Billings Senior High School graduate also led the team and ranked second in the conference in stolen bases with nine. Bret Bitow, Casey Merritt and Myles Berkram are the Yellowjackets’ other top outfielders, each providing speed and a defensive boost. “Casey will be in left and start out as our leadoff guy, and Bret will be in right,” Bishop said. “Those guys have tons of speed and the ability to turn a single into a double. Myles is another good player who could start at any of the three outfield spots, and there is no drop off between him and those other three guys.” As a freshman, Merritt batted .314 in 29 starts, scoring 19 runs and holding an on-base percentage of .445. Bitow started 44 games as a utility player, batting .282 with three home runs, eight doubles and five triples. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 5

On the mound, MSUB will turn to senior Brady Muller as its ace. “We feel like Brady is well-prepared and that he is going to show up every week and take the ball as our one,” Bishop said. “He is going to battle, and we always have a chance to win the game when he is pitching. Every staff needs a guy like that.” In 2014, Muller started eight games, notching 36 strikeouts against just 12 walks in 49.0 innings. A graduate of Billings West High School, Muller logged one complete game and an ERA of 5.33 as a junior and earned honorable mention all-GNAC. Two other key arms back are Jake Mills and Jake Campeau, as MSUB’s staff is stocked with senior leadership. “Jake Mills was an all-conference reliever for us last year and Jake Campeau saw time as a starter and reliever for us,” Bishop said. “We feel like those guys are both ready to go now that they have been through the league once.” Mills led the team with a stellar 2.98 ERA, striking out 26 and walking 12 in 42 1/3 innings pitched. Campeau earned five starts and made 12 appearances overall, striking out 36 and walking six in 27 1/3 innings with an 8.89 ERA. Tanner Johnson and Drew Christina will also factor into MSUB’s rotation this season. In relief, the ‘Jackets have a solid mix of returners and key newcomers who will see extended innings. Transferring from Los Angeles Mission College, Senior Brady Muller. junior Dylan Goldsack brings a strong left arm as a middle reliever. Lee Busto and Cody Cooper are both back from relief roles on last season’s squad, and Adam Cox is a redshirt freshman who Bishop says could see time in high-leverage situations. Beginning the season with closing duties will be Bryon Baker, who ate up 40 1/3 innings in 14 appearances including four starts with a 4.24 ERA in 2014. “We have four or five guys that we really like in the bullpen, and a good mix of matchup and long-relief guys,” Bishop said. “We also have a few young guys like Jacob Foley and Griffen Pape we expect to see some time from. Lucas Blehm is a senior veteran who can help anchor our staff whether in a starting or relieving role.” The Yellowjackets’ first 29 games of the season are on the road, with the first home game at Dehler Park in Billings set for March 27 against GNAC foe Saint Martin’s. After this week’s trip to Pueblo, Colo., the ‘Jackets will head to St. George, Utah for nine games in seven days against Azusa Pacific, Dixie State and Minot State. “We are looking at our first 13 games as our preseason, and we really want to see every possible combination on the mound,” Bishop commented. “Especially with the trip at Dixie, our depth will be tested and that’s why we scheduled the way we did.” MSUB, which was picked to finish fifth in the 2015 preseason coaches’ poll, kicks off GNAC play on Feb. 28 against Central Washington in a four-game set in Ellensburg, Wash. The pair of doubleheaders will start the 32game conference slate, at the end of which the top-three teams will advance to the GNAC Championships hosted by the regular-season champion. “Philosophically, you want to win every game, and every guy we have traveling and dressing is going to get an opportunity to play,” said Bishop. “We feel good about our overall depth going into the season.” 6 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 1: February 6, 2015 CSU-Pueblo 11, MSU Billings 10

‘Jackets drop wild season opener, 11-10 on road at CSU-Pueblo February 6, 2015 In a game where the lead changes hands seven different times, the MSUB baseball team comes up a run short in a season-opening 11-10 loss to Colorado State Pueblo Friday. PUEBLO, Colo. – Five fielding errors by Colorado State Pueblo kept the Montana State University Billings baseball team in a close game Friday afternoon, but it was an error by the Yellowjackets in the bottom of the ninth that allowed the winning run for the ThunderWolves to score as MSUB dropped its season opener 11-10 at Rawlings Field. With two outs and the score tied at 10-10 in the ninth, Jordan Godman sped home on a ground ball to score the winning run as CSU-Pueblo emerged the victor in a game that featured seven lead changes. “We played with resiliency but we didn’t play clean enough to beat a quality CSU-Pueblo team,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. Colter Sternhagen finished the game 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs batting in the No. 5 hole for MSUB. Bret Bitow was the lone player on either team to collect three hits in the game, and he added a pair of RBIs and a run scored to go along with a triple and two singles. “Bret and Colter both had good days offensively to keep us in the game,” Bishop said. Reigning GNAC Player of the Year Brody Miller was productive with a line of 2-for-4 and a pair of RBIs, and Luke Reinschmidt, Kevin Toon and Corey Morris each scored a pair of runs for the ‘Jackets. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 7

Wittmus accounted for five of CSUP’s 11 total strikeouts, and allowed four runs – two earned – on six hits with only one walk. Doug Finley earned the victory for the ‘Wolves, tossing a perfect ninth inning and striking out a pair of Yellowjackets. Lee Busto (0-1) tossed 2 2/3 solid innings in relief, allowing just one earned run and two hits against 16 batters. “Lee was very solid for us today,” said Bishop. “He definitely did not deserve the loss.” The ‘Jackets (0-1) capitalized on a first-inning miscue by the ThunderWolves, as Toon beat out the throw on a dropped third strike with two outs. The second life gave Sternhagen a chance with runners on the corners, and the senior plated them both with a double. Muller responded with a shutdown inning in the bottom of the frame, retiring the side in order. CSUP put together a rally in the bottom of the second, loading the bases with a single, hit batter, and walk.

Senior Brady Muller. Lawrence Chavez plated the first run of the game for the ‘Wolves with a fielder’s-choice ground out, and Shane Richins followed with a clutch, two-out, two-run double down the left-field line to give CSUP the 3-2 lead. The bats quieted down for both teams over the next two innings, until MSUB regained the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth. Miller punched a two-run single into center field, but the ‘Wolves responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame. The ‘Jackets took advantage of a fielding miscue to bring the game even again at 5-5 in the sixth, but again CSUP had an answer in the bottom. After a leadoff single into right by Godman, Bregar hit a home run over the center-field fence. Bitow, who co-led the team last season in triples with five, shot the gap in right center for his first three-bagger of the season and tied the score again at 7-7. Back-to-back walks to start the bottom of the seventh spelled trouble for MSUB however, as Austin Mascorro came through with a two-run base hit and Mike Wagner was hit by a pitch to drive in another and cap off a three-run burst. A two-run single by Toon and Sternhagen’s second double of the game brought the Yellowjackets back to life with three runs in the eighth, but MSUB failed to score in the ninth and the ‘Wolves walked off with the victory. Despite committing five total errors, the CSUP defense also turned a pair of double plays which each ended innings for the Yellowjacket offense. Bitow earned St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game honors for his offensive efforts. “I am looking forward to the games tomorrow to see how our team responds,” Bishop said. COMING UP: The ‘Jackets return to action tomorrow with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Rawlings Field against the ThunderWolves. The series will wrap up on Sunday with a single game scheduled for 1 p.m. Live stats will be available for all three of the remaining games in the series. 8 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at CSU-Pueblo Feb 06, 2015 at Pueblo, Colo. (Rawlings Field) MSU Billings 10

CSU-Pueblo 11

Player

Merritt,Casey lf Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Loran,Blake 1b Holbrook,Conner c Morris,Corey ss Bitow,Bret rf Muller,Brady p Cooper,Cody p Goldsack,Dylan p Blehm,Lucas p Busto,Lee p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings CSU-Pueblo

5 4 4 4 5 4 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 1 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

lob

1 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 5 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 12 0 3 7 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

1 1 0 2 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 2 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

41 10 13

4 11

26 13

2 0

0 3

0 0

2 2

1 2

2 3

3 0

0 1

Player

J. Godman cf A. Mascorro 2b D. Bregar 1b Mike Wagner rf M. Menocal ss B. Cebulski c J. Willman pr M. Doucette pr/c J. Berg-Rose ph Thomas Vinci pr T. Landrith c Chris Ramsey dh L. Chavez lf S. Richins 3b M. DeHerrera 3b Zac Wittmus p Ricky Casler p A. Sylvester p Tyler Rich p K. Megyeri p T. Bevington p B. Ball p Doug Finley p Totals R H 10 13 11 8

5 2 4 4 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

31 11

h rbi

2 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

8 10

lob

2 0 0 0 2 3 0 11 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 13

E 2 6

Note: 2 outs, 2 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Sternhagen; Morris; J. Godman; A. Mascorro; M. Menocal; B. Cebulski; S. Richins; A. Sylvester. DP CSU-Pueblo 2. LOB - MSUB 10; CSU-Pueblo 13. 2B - Sternhagen 2; S. Richins. 3B - Bitow. HR - D. Bregar. HBP Reinschmidt; A. Mascorro 2; Mike Wagner; B. Cebulski. SH - Merritt; A. Mascorro 2; Chris Ramsey; L. Chavez. CS - Reinschmidt. MSU Billings

Muller,Brady Cooper,Cody Goldsack,Dylan Blehm,Lucas Busto,Lee

4.0 0.2 1.1 0.0 2.2

3 1 2 0 2

r er bb so ab bf

5 0 2 2 2

5 0 2 2 1

3 2 0 2 4

3 15 21 2 3 5 1 5 6 0 0 2 1 8 16

CSU-Pueblo

Zac Wittmus Ricky Casler A. Sylvester Tyler Rich K. Megyeri T. Bevington B. Ball Doug Finley

4.2 0.0 0.2 1.1 0.1 0.0 1.0 1.0

6 0 1 3 0 2 1 0

4 0 1 2 0 3 0 0

er bb so ab

2 0 0 2 0 3 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

5 21 23 0 0 1 1 4 6 0 6 6 1 1 1 0 2 3 2 4 4 2 3 3

Win - Doug Finley. Loss - Busto. Save - None. WP - Muller; Zac Wittmus; Tyler Rich. HBP - by Muller (B. Cebulski); by Muller (A. Mascorro); by Zac Wittmus (Reinschmidt); by Muller (A. Mascorro); by Busto (Mike Wagner). PB - B. Cebulski; M. Doucette. Umpires - HP: Elias Jump 1B: Shawn Feldman Start: 1 p.m. Time: 3:24 Attendance: 117 Weather: 73 degrees, sunny and windy Ricky Casler faced 1 batter in the 5th. Muller faced 2 batters in the 5th. Blehm faced 2 batters in the 7th. T. Bevington faced 3 batters in the 8th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 9

Games 2 & 3: February 7, 2015 MSU Billings 7, CSU-Pueblo 6 CSU-Pueblo 15, MSU Billings 7

Miller’s late homer helps ‘Jackets win Game 1, MSUB splits twin bill at CSU Pueblo February 7, 2015 Brody Miller hits a clutch, 3-run home run to bring the ‘Jackets back to life in Game 1, but CSU Pueblo’s offense comes alive in Game 2 as the teams split a doubleheader Saturday. PUEBLO, Colo. – A clutch 3-run home run by Brody Miller helped the Montana State University Billings baseball team to a 7-6 victory over host Colorado State University – Pueblo in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday, but the ThunderWolves rallied for a big 15-7 triumph in Game 2 as the teams split the 7-inning contests at Rawlings Field. Overall on the day, Miller and Luke Reinschmidt each had three hits, four RBIs and hit their first home run of the season. Reinschmidt also stole a base, scored two runs and totaled seven bases. Bret Bitow finished the day 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored, and Kevin Toon and Kyle Durbin also had three hits apiece. “Our offense was really productive again today,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Brody came up with a huge hit to tie the first game up against their closer. That was a really big win for us.” For the ThunderWolves (2-1), Shane Fessel and Austin Mascorro each had five hits, with the latter driving in five and scoring three times in the two games. Mike Wagner hit a grand slam in the second game and had six RBIs total. CSUP pitchers struck out 17 Yellowjackets on the day, and Thomas Bevington picked up the Game 2 victory while MSUB’s Jake Campeau was handed the loss. 10 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

For MSUB (1-2) Bryon Baker was the winner in Game 1 and Cody Cooper tossed a scoreless seventh inning to earn his first save of the season. Game 1 – MSUB 7, CSUP 6 (8 Inn.) Down to their final two outs, Miller played the role of hero with a three-run home run to right center that knotted the score at 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning. The momentum-changing swing of the bat by Miller helped the ‘Jackets extend the game into extra innings, and a sacrifice fly by Bitow pushed MSUB ahead 7-6 in the top of the eighth. A key two-run double by Jordan Godman in the bottom of the sixth inning broke a 3-3 tie and Mascorro added on one more with a base hit as CSUP surged late to take a 6-3 lead. MSUB starter Jake Mills tossed 5 1/3 solid innings, striking out four and allowing four earned runs against 26 batters. Baker threw the final 2 2/3 innings, picking up the win with a pair of strikeouts and two earned runs allowed on four hits. Miller and Durbin each had a pair of hits, and Bitow and Reinschmidt joined Miller in the RBI column with one apiece. Left fielder Casey Merritt scored two runs for the ‘Jackets, who were out-hit in the game 10-7 despite the victory.

Junior Kyle Durbin. For the ThunderWolves, Godman and Mascorro each had three hits and drove in two runs. Two of Godman’s three were doubles, and the leadoff batter scored half of CSUP’s runs. The ThunderWolves utilized eight different pitchers to get through the first game, with Kevin Megyeri getting tagged with the loss. Starter Doug Finley lasted just one inning, and Kolby Rimer handled most of the duties allowing two earned runs on three hits with four strikeouts and five walks in five innings. CSUP got out to an early 3-0 lead as Shane Richins lofted a sacrifice fly to center and Mascorro followed with an RBI-single to left in the second inning. The ThunderWolves scored their first run of the day on a balk by Mills in the first inning. The Yellowjackets responded quickly as Reinschmidt had a sacrifice fly of his own in the top of the third and Bitow crossed the plate on a passed ball. MSUB tied the score in the fifth on a double by Miller, as the senior accounted for four of MSUB’s total runs in the first game. The ‘Wolves threatened to take the game in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs on an error by Miller. The second baseman recovered on the next play however, flipping the ball to Durbin for a force out at second that sent the game into extra innings. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 11

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at CSU-Pueblo (Game 1) Feb 07, 2015 at Pueblo, Colo. (Rawlings Field) MSU Billings 7 (1-1)

CSU-Pueblo 6 (1-1)

Player

Merritt,Casey lf Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Berkram,Myles pr Sternhagen,Colter 3b Durbin,Kyle ss/1b Nix,Trevor c Loran,Blake 1b Morris,Corey ph/ss Bitow,Bret rf Mills,Jake p Baker,Bryon p Cooper,Cody p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings CSU-Pueblo

3 4 3 3 0 3 3 3 2 1 2 0 0 0 27

h rbi

2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 7

1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 7

Player

0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6

J. Godman cf A. Mascorro 2b D. Bregar 1b Mike Wagner rf F. Griffin rf M. Menocal ss Daniel Vigil ss B. Cebulski c Shane Fessel dh L. Chavez lf S. Richins 3b J. Berg-Rose ph Chris Ramsey pr/ph M. DeHerrera 3b Kolby Rimer p Tyler Rich p Doug Finley p K. Megyeri p A. Sylvester p T. Bevington p Jake Busch p B. Ball p Totals

0 1

0 2

2 0

0 0

1 0

0 3

3 0

1 0

R 7 6

H 7 10

3 4 3 3 1 3 0 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

h rbi

3 3 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 10

2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

E 2 1

E - Miller(1); Sternhagen(2); A. Sylvester(2). DP - MSUB 1; CSU-Pueblo 1. LOB - MSUB 7; CSU-Pueblo 10. 2B - Miller(1); J. Godman 2(2). HR - Miller(1). HBP - Reinschmidt. SH Merritt(2); Durbin; A. Mascorro(3); Daniel Vigil; L. Chavez(2). SF - Bitow(1); S. Richins(1). SB - J. Godman 2(2). CS - Berkram. Strikeouts - Reinschmidt 3; Toon; Sternhagen; Nix; Bitow; A. Mascorro; D. Bregar; M. Menocal; B. Cebulski; S. Richins; Chris Ramsey. Walks - Merritt; Miller; Toon; Sternhagen; Nix; Loran; Bitow; J. Godman; D. Bregar 2; F. Griffin; Shane Fessel; L. Chavez. MSU Billings

Mills,Jake Baker,Bryon W,1-0 Cooper,Cody S,1 CSU-Pueblo

Kolby Rimer Tyler Rich Doug Finley K. Megyeri A. Sylvester T. Bevington Jake Busch B. Ball L,0-1

5.1 1.2 1.0 ip

5.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1

6 3 1

3 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

4 2 0 3 0 3 1 0 0 0 0

4 2 0

2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

4 2 0

5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

4 0 2

4 1 1 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 0

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

2 1 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

19 26 7 10 4 4 17 22 2 4 4 6 1 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 1 1

WP - Mills; Kolby Rimer 2. HBP - by Doug Finley (Reinschmidt). BK - Mills. PB - B. Cebulski(2). Umpires - HP: Troy Hodack 1B: Jerry Santos Start: 1 p.m Time: 2:46 Attendance: 153 Weather: Sunny, 73 deg.windy - W 15mph K. Megyeri faced 1 batter in the 8th. A. Sylvester faced 2 batters in the 8th.

3 1 0

5 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

8 3 1

5 1 1 0 0 0 1 0

12 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – CSUP 15, MSUB 7 Despite overcoming an early 6-2 deficit, the Yellowjackets could not keep pace with the ThunderWolves’ offense as CSUP scored 15 runs on 14 hits to take the second game. Reinschmidt hit his first home run of the season to give MSUB an early 2-0 lead, as his first-inning blast to center field plated Durbin. The ‘Wolves jumped all over Campeau in the first, scoring six runs on six hits. Wagner plated two with a double into left, and four other CSUP batters posted an RBI in the big inning. The senior settled down in the second and didn’t allow a run, and the ‘Jackets took off with a big five-run third inning to Junior Luke Reinschmidt. reclaim a 7-6 lead. Singles by Toon and Corey Morris set the table for Conner Holbrook, who drove them both in with a double. Myles Berkram, Bitow and Reinschmidt each followed with RBIs to put MSUB back on top. Another six spot by CSUP in the third put the ‘Wolves ahead for good however, as a Wagner grand slam highlighted the outburst. A Fessel double in the fourth plated two more runs, and it was all CSUP needed to close out the win. Bevington earned the victory for the ‘Wolves with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, as he struck out four and walked none against 11 batters. Austyn Garcia and Chris Gimenez each tossed a blank inning to finish the game. Campeau (0-1) took the loss for the ‘Jackets, allowing eight runs in two innings. Freshman Griffen Pape made his Yellowjacket debut, striking out five and allowing just one run and two hits in 2 2/3 solid innings. “Pape had a great first college outing and showed some real toughness against a quality lineup,” Bishop said. “We didn’t pitch well overall in Game 2 and just dug too large of a hole to climb out of.” NEXT UP: The series wraps up on Sunday with a single game set to start at 1 p.m. at Rawlings Field. The ‘Jackets will then prepare for a nine-game road trip over seven days before GNAC play kicks off on Feb. 28.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 13

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at CSU-Pueblo Feb 07, 2015 at Pueblo, Colo. (Rawlings Field) MSU Billings 7 (1-2)

CSU-Pueblo 15 (2-1)

Player

Durbin,Kyle 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter dh Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Campeau,Jake p Cox,Adam p Goldsack,Dylan p Pape,Griffen p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings CSU-Pueblo

4 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 0 0 0 0 36

h rbi

1 1 1 3 0 1 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 14

Player

0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 7

J. Godman cf A. Mascorro 2b/ss Daniel Vigil ph/ss D. Bregar 1b F. Griffin ph Thomas Vinci 3b Mike Wagner rf J. Willman rf M. Menocal ss S. Richins 2b Shane Fessel c T. Landrith ph/c J. Berg-Rose dh B. Cebulski ph/dh M. DeHerrera 3b/1b L. Chavez lf Gavin Brady ph/lf J. Bristow p T. Bevington p A. Garcia p C. Gimenez p Totals

2 6

0 0

5 6

0 3

0 0

0 X

R 7 15

H 14 14

h rbi

3 2 1 0 3 3 2 3 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 4 6 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 15 14 15

E 1 2

E - Toon(1); M. Menocal(2); J. Bristow. DP - MSUB 1; CSU-Pueblo 1. LOB - MSUB 11; CSU-Pueblo 9. 2B - Holbrook(1); Bitow(1); Mike Wagner(1); M. Menocal(1); Shane Fessel(1). 3B - J. Godman(1); M. Menocal(1). HR - Reinschmidt(1); Mike Wagner(1). HBP - M. Menocal; M. DeHerrera; L. Chavez. SB - Reinschmidt(1); J. Godman(3). Strikeouts - Reinschmidt 2; Miller; Sternhagen 3; Morris 2; Berkram 2; J. Godman; Daniel Vigil; J. Berg-Rose; B. Cebulski; M. DeHerrera; Gavin Brady. Walks - Durbin; Berkram; Bitow; J. Godman 2; A. Mascorro; D. Bregar 2; S. Richins; Shane Fessel; L. Chavez. MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake L,0-1 Cox,Adam Goldsack,Dylan Pape,Griffen CSU-Pueblo

J. Bristow T. Bevington W,1-0 A. Garcia C. Gimenez

2.0 0.0 1.1 2.2 ip

2.2 2.1 1.0 1.0

8 1 3 2

8 4 2 0

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

8 3 3 1 7 0 0 0

8 3 3 1 6 0 0 0

2 2 2 2 2 0 0 1

1 0 0 5 2 4 3 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 18 1 3 6 8 10 13 17 19 11 11 5 5 3 4

1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1

4 0 2 1 3 1 0 1

HBP - by Campeau (M. DeHerrera); by Campeau (L. Chavez); by Pape (M. Menocal). Umpires - HP: Jerry Santos 1B: Troy Hodack Start: 4:15 pm Time: 2:58 Attendance: 105 Weather: 76 degrees, sunny and breezy Campeau faced 2 batters in the 3rd. Cox faced 3 batters in the 3rd.

14 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 4: February 8, 2015 CSU-Pueblo 2, MSU Billings 1

Pitchers’ duel goes CSUP’s way as ‘Jackets fall 2-1 in series finale February 8, 2015 After three high-scoring games to open the series between MSUB and CSUP, the TunderWolves take the four-game series with a 2-1 victory – and the ‘Jackets turn a triple play – in the final game Sunday afternoon. PUEBLO, Colo. – After 56 combined runs of offense in the first three games of the series, the finale between the Montana State University Billings and Colorado State University-Pueblo baseball teams was decided by the score of 2-1 as the TunderWolves emerged with the victory Sunday afternoon at Rawlings Field. MSUB turned an ESPN-worthy triple play to end the sixth inning, as Kyle Durbin stepped on second base and threw along to Kevin Toon at first to complete the rare feat. The play was featured as the No. 9 play on ESPN’s Sunday Sports Center Top 10 Plays. An eighth-inning solo home run by Jordan Godman proved to be the deciding factor, as MSUB took the lead early with a first-inning run and CSUP responded with a single run in the fourth. In his first start as a Yellowjacket, Tanner Johnson tossed five quality innings, allowing one run and just two hits with a pair of strikeouts and four walks. Junior Lee Busto (0-2) piggybacked off of MSUB’s starter with three big innings out of the bullpen, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts and just one walk. “Tanner and Lee were both outstanding today but their staff matched our effort,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. For CSUP (3-1) starter Victor Soto threw six innings and matched Johnson by allowing just one run. The senior right-hander allowed seven hits and two walks, and struck out four Yellowjackets en route to the no-decision. Kevin Megyeri, Daniel Tessone and Tyler Rich combined to blank MSUB over the final three innings, allowing just one hit between the three of them. Rich (1-0) picked up the win after throwing a perfect eighth and ninth. The Yellowjackets (1-3) manufactured a run in the first inning as Casey Merritt led off with an infield single and Kyle Durbin pushed him over to second with a sacrifice bunt. Kevin Toon came up with a two-out base hit into left field to plate Durbin, as the ‘Jackets took the early lead. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 15

Johnson retired 10 of the first 11 ThunderWolves he faced, and did not allow a hit until Dominick Bregar punched a ground ball through the right side with one out in the fourth. Mike Wagner and Shane Fessel drew back-to-back walks to load the bases, and an RBI-groundout by Manny Menocal evened the score at 1-1. Soto retired six of the final seven batters he faced, exiting after the sixth inning having left eight Yellowjacket runners on base to that point in the game. A leadoff double by Wagner followed by a walk to Fessel put two on with no outs in the bottom of the sixth, but the ‘Jackets pulled off an incredibly rare triple play. Durbin snared a line drive by Menocal, stepped on the bag at second and threw on to Toon at first to stun the ‘Wolves and end the inning. Both offenses were silent in the seventh, and Godman stepped up with a solo shot to right field leading off the eighth. Rich set down the ‘Jackets in order in the ninth, preserving the narrow lead and giving CSUP the series victory. The game was clean defensively, as neither team made an error. Johnson was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his strong starting effort. “We played in three tight games this weekend and although we aren’t happy about the results, I believe it will benefit our team down the road,” Bishop said. “We can’t wait to get back on the field.” AHEAD: The Yellowjackets have a week off before heading to Dixie State for nine games against Azusa Pacific, DSU and Minot State. MSUB then begins GNAC play on Feb. 28 with four road games against Central Washington.

Junior Kyle Durbin.

16 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at CSU-Pueblo Feb 08, 2015 at Pueblo, Colo. (Rawlings Field) MSU Billings 1 (1-3) Player

Merritt,Casey lf Durbin,Kyle ss Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Sternhagen,Colter 3b Loran,Blake dh Nix,Trevor c Bitow,Bret rf Johnson,Tanner p Busto,Lee p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings CSU-Pueblo

CSU-Pueblo 2 (3-1) ab

lob

4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 1 2 5 0 1 2 0 12 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

0 4 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0

24 11

1 0

0 0

0 1

0 0

0 1

0 X

Player

J. Godman cf A. Mascorro ss D. Bregar 1b Mike Wagner rf Shane Fessel dh M. Menocal 3b L. Chavez lf B. Cebulski c S. Richins 2b Victor Soto p K. Megyeri p D. Tessone p Tyler Rich p Totals R 1 2

H 8 4

lob

3 4 4 3 1 3 2 3 3 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 4 0 0 2 2 0 15 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0

27 16

E 0 0

Triple plays - MSUB 1. LOB - MSUB 9; CSU-Pueblo 6. 2B - Nix(2); Mike Wagner(3). HR - J. Godman(2). HBP - L. Chavez. SH - Durbin(3). MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Busto,Lee

r er bb so ab bf

CSU-Pueblo

5.0 2 1 1 4 2 17 22 3.0 2 1 1 1 2 9 10

Victor Soto K. Megyeri D. Tessone Tyler Rich

6.0 0.1 0.2 2.0

7 1 0 0

1 0 0 0

er bb so ab

1 0 0 0

2 0 0 0

4 24 27 1 2 2 0 2 2 0 6 6

Win - Tyler Rich (1-0). Loss - Busto (0-2). Save - None. HBP - by Johnson (L. Chavez). BK - D. Tessone(2). Umpires Start: 12 PM Time: 2:21 Attendance: 132 Johnson faced 1 batter in the 6th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 17

‘Jackets set for 9 road games over next 7 days February 14, 2015 MSUB is headed for St. George, Utah, where the Yellowjackets will face Azusa Pacific, Dixie State, and Minot State three times each over the next week. BILLINGS, Mont. – Getting set for its most densely-packed road trip of the season, the Montana State University Billings baseball team is heading for St. George, Utah where it will face three nonconference opponents and play nine games over a seven-day stretch. The journey begins on Monday with a three-game set against Azusa Pacific. The ‘Jackets will then take on Dixie State in three games and will close the trip with three more against Minot State. All nine games will be hosted by DSU at Bruce Hurst Field, and live stats will be available for all of them at www.msubsports.com. The games against Dixie State will also feature a live video stream. “We have tried to minimize our travel by playing nine games in St. George on one extended trip,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “We are grateful to Dixie for hosting us for the week.” The Yellowjackets (1-3) got their season started last week with four road games against Colorado State-Pueblo. A key 3-run home run by Brody Miller helped keep the ‘Jackets alive and earn an extra-inning victory in the series, and a rare triple play turned by Kyle Durbin and Kevin Toon landed MSUB on Sports Center with the No. 9 play on the day’s Top-10. Miller led the team with six RBIs on the road trip, and Luke Reinschmidt also hit his first home run of the season and drove in five runs. Bret Bitow led the team by going 6-for-14, and he had four RBIs, a double, a triple and three runs scored. The ‘Jackets are batting .304 as a team after their first four games, and have a slugging percentage of .406 and an on-base percentage of .382.

18 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

On the mound, Cody Cooper had two spotless appearances last week, earning the save in the Yellowjackets’ win and allowing two hits and no runs while striking out four in 1 2/3 innings. Tanner Johnson was also outstanding in his first start as a Yellowjacket, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts in five innings in the series finale.

Sophomore Cody Cooper. Lee Busto suffered two hard-luck losses, as he pitched effectively as well allowing just two earned runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. “Our goal is to find out more about our team and continue to improve in every aspect of our game with the GNAC schedule approaching,” Bishop said. “We are encouraged by our young guys and believe our best baseball is ahead of us.” Azusa Pacific University Cougars Monday, Feb. 16 – 1 p.m. – Doubleheader Tuesday, Feb. 17 – 11 a.m. The Cougars are coming off of a 3-1 series victory over Cal State Monterey Bay, after opening their season with a 6-2 win over Cal State San Bernardino. Daniel Martin has started the season red hot for the Cougars, going 10-for-18 with three home runs and 11 RBIs over his first five games. His .556 batting average, 1.111 slugging percentage and .636 on-base percentage all lead the team, and he has played perfect defense at second base with no errors in 19 chances. Jordan Brower is batting .421 (8-for-19) over his first five games and has a pair of doubles, and Mitch Dergazarian has scored five runs and has played perfect defense in 18 chances in center field. On the mound, four different Cougars are 1-0 on the season, and the staff has 37 strikeouts against just 20 walks so far. Mike Fairchild has had one of the strongest starts of the season for APU, allowing one earned run with three strikeouts and no walks in 4 2/3 innings. Jacob Cage also had a strong outing, striking out six and walking one while allowing two runs and earning the win in five innings. Michael Shaw has the lone save of the season for APU, and has not allowed a run or a hit in two innings overall as the closer. “Azusa Pacific is a terrific program that is a top-tier west region opponent,” Bishop said. “They finished near the top of the PacWest last year.” The Series: This will be the first meeting between the two teams since MSUB reinstated baseball during the 2006 season. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 19

Dixie State University Red Storm Thursday, Feb. 19 – 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 – 4 p.m. – Doubleheader DSU will face No. 4 Colorado Mesa in a four-game series and will then play a three-game set against Azusa Pacific before taking on the Yellowjackets next weekend. The Red Storm began the 2015 season 0-4 after getting swept by visiting Cal Poly Pomona in a four-game series from Feb. 6-8 at Bruce Hurst Field. Donald Glover and Austin Nelson are the two DSU players batting above .300 on the season. Glover is 5-for-13 and has the Red Storm’s lone home run of the season. His slugging percentage of .615 leads the team. Nelson is 4-for-11 with a double and has played error-free defense in 10 chances so far at third base. Evan Parker and Bronson Anderson have each been solid out of the bullpen for DSU this season, combining to allow just one run and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Chance Abrath had the best start for the Red Storm, allowing two runs on four hits with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings against the Broncos. “Dixie State is a regional team every year,” Bishop said. “In playing them and Azusa Pacific we will get a look at where we stack up versus the very best.” The Series: MSUB is 3-13 all-time against the Red Storm, and all of the games have been played in St. George. DSU took last season’s series 3-1, and has won eight of the last nine meetings between the teams overall. Minot State University Beavers Saturday, Feb. 21 – 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 – 11 a.m. – Doubleheader The first game against the Yellowjackets will be the season opener for the Beavers. Minot State plays Dixie State at 4 p.m. on Feb. 21, interrupting its three-game series against the ‘Jackets. “Minot is a team that we know little about, but I do know their head coach Brock Weppler and his ability to build a competitive team,” Bishop said. “All three games are going to be a great challenge.” The Series: MSUB is a perfect 6-0 all-time against MSU, having won three doubleheaders all at home.

20 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 5 & 6: February 16, 2015 Azusa Pacific 25, MSU Billings 7 Azusa Pacific 16, MSU Billings 13

Azusa Pacific takes doubleheader over ‘Jackets February 16, 2015 The MSUB baseball team opens a nine-game road trip in St. George, Utah with a pair of losses to Azusa Pacific in a doubleheader on Monday. ST. GEORGE, Utah – With plenty of offense on its side on Monday, Azusa Pacific swept a doubleheader against the Montana State University Billings baseball team, winning Game 1 25-7 and taking Game 2 16-13 at Bruce Hurst Field. “Our guys competed offensively today,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “We just didn’t pitch or defend well enough to compete against a very good Azusa Pacific team. We will make some adjustments and come out tomorrow ready to go.” Brody Miller finished the day batting 5-for-9 with a double, a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored for the ‘Jackets. Luke Reinschmidt also had a big day with a double, a triple and a home run, and he drove in four and scored twice. The junior center fielder also stole a base, and was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day. Bret Bitow had his second triple of the season for the ‘Jackets, as part of a 4-for-10 effort. Shortstop Kyle Durbin led the team with five runs scored and also drove in a pair. For Azusa Pacific (7-2), Daniel Martin went 5-for-10 with five runs scored and eight RBIs on two doubles and a home run. Jordan Brower also drove in eight runs for the Cougars, thanks to four doubles on a 6-for-10 batting line overall. The Yellowjackets fell to 1-5 on the season with the losses. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 21

Game 1 – Azusa Pacific 25, MSU Billings 7 Miller helped the ‘Jackets take the lead with an RBI double in the first inning, but Azusa Pacific responded with seven runs in the bottom of the frame to set the tone in the big Game 1 victory. Brower and Austin Shives had four hits apiece, and the former drove in five runs with three doubles for the Cougars. Martin was 2-for-4 with four RBIs, four runs scored, and a home run, and Anthony Annunziata added a pinch-hit home run as APU racked up 11 extra-base hits and 25 total. For MSUB, Miller finished the first game 3-for-5 and had six assists at second base. Bitow hit a double and a triple for the ‘Jackets and led the team with a pair of RBIs. Durbin scored a pair of runs and had two hits, and he was the first Yellowjacket of the game to cross the plate. APU stormed to a 10-1 lead after adding a run in the second and two more in the third against MSUB starter Brady Muller (0-1). MSUB responded however with three runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to pull within four runs at 10-6. Martin launched a three-run blast into left center in the bottom of the fifth, kicking off an eight-run inning that put the game out of reach. APU starter Jacob Cage lasted 4 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts and zero walks. Mitchell Williams (1-0) was the first of five relief pitchers used by the Cougars, and the group combined to allow just one run and six hits over the final 4 2/3 innings. For the ‘Jackets, Muller was tagged with the loss after surrendering 10 earned runs and 12 hits in four innings of work. The senior left-hander also struck out five batters and walked just one in his second outing of the season. Jacob Foley, Lucas Blehm, Griffen Pape and Dylan Goldsack each tossed an inning of relief for the ‘Jackets.

Senior Bret Bitow.

22 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings vs Azusa Pacific (Game 1) Feb 16, 2015 at St. Georg, UT (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 7 (1-4) Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Berkram,Myles cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Peterson,Landon c Loran,Blake dh Morris,Corey ph/dh Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Muller,Brady p Foley,Jacob p Blehm,Lucas p Pape,Griffen p Goldsack,Dylan p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Azusa Pacific

Azusa Pacific 25 (6-2) ab

6 3 1 5 5 4 4 0 1 1 5 5 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

2 1 1 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

3 1 1 0 6 0 6 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

3 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0

7 16

1 10

1 7

0 1

0 2

3 0

2 8

0 1

1 5

0 X

Player

Bennett cf Dergazarian rf Menendez ph Neal pr/rf Martin 2b/ss Brower 1b O'Connor 3b James ph/3b Huthsing c Magana ph/c Tovalin dh Staudinger dh Annunziata dh Shives ss Reyes ph/2b Aspinall lf Santana ph/lf Cage p Williams p Manzi p May p Miyashiro p Thompson p Totals R H 7 16 25 25

6 5 0 1 4 7 4 3 3 3 3 0 2 5 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 2 0 0 4 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 3 0 0 2 4 0 2 3 2 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 2 0 0 4 5 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

52 25 25 25

lob

4 3 0 0 1 8 0 0 6 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

E 5 0

E - Durbin; Miller 2; Sternhagen; Bitow. DP - Cougars 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 12; Cougars 12. 2B - Reinschmidt; Miller; Sternhagen; Merritt; Bitow; Brower 3; Huthsing 2; Magana 2; Shives; Aspinall. 3B - Bitow. HR - Martin; Annunziata. HBP - Reinschmidt; Sternhagen; Loran; Morris; Bennett; Martin 2; Huthsing. SF - Morris; Staudinger. SB - Bennett; Dergazarian. MSU Billings

Muller,Brady Foley,Jacob Blehm,Lucas Pape,Griffen Goldsack,Dylan

4.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

12 4 2 1 6

r er bb so ab bf

14 4 1 1 5

10 0 1 0 5

1 1 0 1 1

5 27 31 0 7 9 1 4 5 1 5 6 2 9 10

Azusa Pacific

Cage Williams Manzi May Miyashiro Thompson

4.1 10 0.2 0 1.0 1 1.0 1 1.0 3 1.0 1

6 0 0 0 1 0

er bb so ab

6 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 1

5 22 24 0 1 2 1 4 4 3 4 6 0 5 5 1 4 5

Win - Williams (1-0). Loss - Muller (0-1). Save - None. WP - Muller 2; Blehm. HBP - by Cage (Reinschmidt); by Muller (Martin); by Muller (Huthsing); by Muller (Martin); by Cage (Loran); by Foley (Bennett); by May (Sternhagen); by May (Morris). BK - Foley. PB - Nix 2. Umpires - HP: Brandon Vandermyde 1B: Travis Roberts 3B: Glenn Ballangao Start: 1:08 PM Time: 3:05 Attendance: 25 Weather: 65, sunny, calm Muller faced 4 batters in the 5th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 23

Game 2 – Azusa Pacific 16, MSU Billings 13 Similar to Game 1, MSUB jumped out to an early lead with a run in the first and two more in the second inning. An infield single by Corey Morris plated the run for the ‘Jackets in the first, and Kevin Toon brought home a pair in the second with a two-run single into center. MSUB starter Jake Mills cruised through the first two innings, before the Cougars got to the senior in the third with a big eight-run inning that drove him from the game. The ‘Jackets rallied in the sixth inning, scoring seven runs in the frame to take a 12-9 lead, and Durbin, Reinschmidt and Colter Sternhagen each drove in a pair of runs in the inning. APU again found an answer, tying the game in the top of the seventh with three runs on singles by Martin and Brower. A solo home run by Miller put the lead back into MSUB’s hands in the eighth, but four runs on doubles by Martin and Ryan Santana in the top of the ninth sealed the win and the sweep for the Cougars. Martin had three hits and four RBIs in the second game, and Shives scored three runs. On the mound, Josh Grajeda earned the victory with two strong innings in relief, and APU used seven total pitchers in recording the win. Jonathan Velasco threw the final out to earn his first save of the season. Bryon Baker took the loss for MSUB, allowing three earned runs on three hits with three strikeouts in two innings out of the bullpen. UP NEXT: The three-game set wraps up Tuesday with a noon Mountain time game at Bruce Hurst Field. The Yellowjackets will then face Dixie State in a three-game series, and will conclude the road trip with three games against Minot State over the weekend also in St. George.

Junior Colter Sternhagen.

24 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball Azusa Pacific vs MSU Billings (Game 2) Feb 16, 2015 at St. George, UT (Bruce Hurst Field) Azusa Pacific 16 (7-2) Player

Bennett cf Staudinger ph/lf Dergazarian rf/cf Martin 2b Brower 1b Santana lf/rf O'Connor dh Huthsing c Shives ss James 3b Annunziata ph/3b Wood p Reid p Bradley p Martinez p Grajeda p Shaw p Velasco p Totals Score by Innings Azusa Pacific MSU Billings

MSU Billings 13 (1-5)

1 3 5 6 6 4 5 5 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 1 2 3 2 1 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 2 1 4 3 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

41 16 17 15

lob

0 0 3 1 8 3 0 6 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 3 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

0 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 12

0 1

0 2

8 0

0 0

0 2

1 7

3 0

0 1

4 0

Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody dh Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Morris,Corey 2b Holbrook,Conner c Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Mills,Jake p Busto,Lee p Cooper,Cody p Baker,Bryon p Totals

R H 16 17 13 12

4 4 4 3 4 6 4 4 5 0 0 0 0

3 2 2 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 2 2 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 4 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 2 3 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

38 13 12 12

lob

0 3 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 1 1 3 1 1 3 0 12 1 1 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 2 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

E 3 1

E - Staudinger; Dergazarian; Martin; Baker. DP - Cougars 1; Yellowjacket 1. LOB - Cougars 8; Yellowjacket 13. 2B - Dergazarian; Martin 2; Brower; Santana; O'Connor; Sternhagen. 3B - Reinschmidt. HR - Reinschmidt; Miller. HBP - Durbin 2. SH - Holbrook. SF - Santana. SB - Martin; Santana; Reinschmidt. Azusa Pacific

Wood Reid Bradley Martinez Grajeda Shaw Velasco

1.2 2.1 0.2 1.1 2.0 0.2 0.1

2 0 3 4 2 1 0

r er bb so ab bf

3 0 2 7 1 0 0

3 0 2 1 1 0 0

5 3 0 4 0 0 0

1 3 0 1 2 0 0

7 13 7 11 5 5 8 13 8 8 2 2 1 1

MSU Billings

Mills,Jake Busto,Lee Cooper,Cody Baker,Bryon

2.2 3.1 1.0 2.0

9 2 3 3

8 1 3 4

er bb so ab

8 1 3 3

3 3 2 1

3 15 19 3 11 14 3 6 8 3 9 10

Win - Grajeda (2-0). Loss - Baker (1-1). Save - Velasco (1). WP - Mills. HBP - by Wood (Durbin); by Reid (Durbin). BK - Grajeda. Umpires - HP: Travis Roberts 1B: Glenn Ballangao 3B: Brandon Vandermyde Start: 4:49 PM Time: 4:01 Attendance: 76 Weather: 68, sunny, NWN 14mph

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 25

Game 7: February 17, 2015 Azusa Pacific 10, MSU Billings 8

APU rallies late for 10-8 comeback win over ‘Jackets; first wave of records fall for Miller February 17, 2015 Azusa Pacific rallies from trailing 7-4 with a big five-run eighth inning to defeat MSUB 10-8 on Tuesday, and MSUB senior Brody Miller sets three offensive program records in the series. ST. GEORGE, Utah – The theme of the series had been big innings for Azusa Pacific, and it held true on Tuesday as the Cougars rallied for five runs in the eighth inning to overcome a 7-4 deficit and defeat Montana State University Billings 10-8 in a nonconference baseball matchup at Bruce Hurst Field. The turning point came in the eighth, as a solo home run by Adrian Tovalin kicked off the five-run rally. Jordan Brower punched an RBI single into left field to tie the score at 7-7, and Ryan Santana cleared the bases with a three-run double two batters later to give the Cougars a three-run cushion. Josh Grajeda was summoned from the APU bullpen to close the door, but his second save of the season was hard-earned as the ‘Jackets came close to tying the score. The ‘Jackets put the tying run on first in the top of the ninth with two outs, after a base hit by Kyle Durbin brought home Bret Bitow. Stepping to the plate having already homered in the game, senior second baseman Brody Miller grounded out to second to end the game, and APU completed the three-game sweep of MSUB. “I was encouraged by how our guys competed at the plate,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “The big inning continues to hurt us however.”

26 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Luke Reinschmidt finished the game 3-for-6 and hit his third home run of the season, and Bitow and Miller each also hit home runs for the Yellowjackets (1-6). Tanner Johnson had a quality start for the ‘Jackets, allowing four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and four walks in 6.0 solid innings. Lee Busto (0-3) took the loss after surrendering three runs on three hits in the Cougars’ big inning, and Adam Cox retired the only two batters he faced to stop the eighth-inning rally. “Tanner was terrific on the mound again for us today,” Bishop commented on the junior. After MSUB took the lead in each of the first two games of the series, it was APU’s turn to jump in front with a run in the first and two more in the second. The Yellowjackets got to work in the top of the fourth, as a single by Conner Holbrook pushed across Colter Sternhagen when the ball was mishandled in right field. MSUB pulled even in the next inning, when Reinschmidt led off with a solo blast and Sternhagen followed with an RBI-double to bring home Kevin Toon. Johnson retired the side in order in the bottom of the fifth, and home runs by Bitow and Miller doubled MSUB’s lead to 6-3. Austin Shives helped the Cougars respond in the bottom of the sixth with a one-out single. Tovalin followed with a double to left center that brought the speedy shortstop all the way around from first as APU cut into the deficit with a run. Keeping pace in the top of the seventh, the Yellowjackets took advantage of another APU error as Bitow beat out a ground ball with two outs that allowed pinch runner Myles Berkram to score. A fielder’s choice groundout by Santana in the seventh brought home Daniel Martin, pulling APU one run closer before the game-changing outburst in the eighth. For the Cougars (8-2) Tovalin was 4-for-4 with three RBIs and had a double in addition to his home run. Santana and Brower each also had a pair of hits for APU, and the former drove in four runs. Starting pitcher Mike Fairchild tossed 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Reliever Joe Manzi (1-0) earned the victory, as he turned in 1 1/3 stellar innings with two strikeouts and one hit allowed. The Yellowjackets out-hit the Cougars 16-15 in the game, and committed just one error compared to five by APU. Reinschmidt was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his three-hit effort. MSUB’s losing skid reached five games with the defeat. RECORD WATCH: Miller, who began the season on the cusp of virtually every modern-day offensive record in the MSUB books (dating back to the 2006 season), topped the career marks in runs scored (99), home runs (15) and RBIs (115) in the series against APU. Miller is now second all-time in career hits with 195 (Matt Schoonover, 213), doubles with 33 (Colby Robison, 34), total bases with 275 (Matt Schoonover, 281), at-bats with 560 (Matt Schoonover, 585), and No. 3 all-time in assists with 358 (Matt Schoonover, 377). In the context of the GNAC, Miller is now 10th in at-bats with 560, 16th in runs scored with 99, ninth in hits with 195, 15th in doubles with 33, seventh in RBIs with 115, 11th in total bases with 275, and fourth in assists with 358. NEXT UP: MSUB returns to action on Thursday with a single game set for 6 p.m. against Dixie State. The ‘Jackets then face the Red Storm in a 4 p.m. doubleheader on Friday, and will close the road trip with three games against Minot State from Saturday-Sunday. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 27

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings vs Azusa Pacific Feb 17, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 8 (1-6) Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor dh Berkram,Myles pr/dh Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Johnson,Tanner p Blehm,Lucas p Busto,Lee p Cox,Adam p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Azusa Pacific

Azusa Pacific 10 (8-2) ab

6 6 6 5 4 4 1 5 5 5 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

2 3 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0

1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

8 16

lob

7 2 1 7 2 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 4 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 2 3 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

24 10

0 1

0 2

0 0

1 0

2 0

3 1

1 1

0 5

1 X

Player

Bennett cf Dergazarian rf Martin 2b Brower 1b O'Connor 3b James ph/3b Staudinger ph Reyes 3b Santana lf Huthsing c Shives ss Tovalin dh Fairchild p May p Williams p Thompson p Velasco p Manzi p Grajeda p Totals R H 8 16 10 15

4 4 5 4 3 1 0 0 5 5 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 3 1 9 0 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

39 10 15

E 1 5

E - Durbin; Dergazarian; O'Connor 2; Shives 2. DP - Yellowjacket 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 13; Cougars 10. 2B Toon; Sternhagen; Dergazarian; Santana; Tovalin. HR - Reinschmidt; Miller; Bitow; Tovalin. SB - Bennett. MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Blehm,Lucas Busto,Lee Cox,Adam

6.0 1.1 0.0 0.2

8 5 2 0

r er bb so ab bf

4 3 3 0

4 0 1 0

3 25 29 0 9 9 0 3 4 0 2 2

Azusa Pacific

Fairchild May Williams Thompson Velasco Manzi Grajeda

4.1 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 1.1 1.0

9 1 0 2 0 1 3

3 1 0 3 0 0 1

er bb so ab

3 1 0 2 0 0 1

1 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 22 23 0 4 4 0 1 1 0 6 6 0 3 3 2 5 5 0 6 6

Win - Manzi (1-0). Loss - Busto (0-3). Save - Grajeda (1). WP - Thompson. BK - Thompson; Grajeda. Umpires - HP: Glenn Ballangao 1B: Brandon Vandermyde 3B: Travis Roberts Start: 11:00 AM Time: 3:09 Attendance: 43 Weather: 59, sunny, calm Busto faced 4 batters in the 8th.

28 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 8: February 19, 2015 Dixie State 9, MSU Billings 5

Late rally negates quality start by Campeau, ‘Jackets fall to Red Storm 9-5 in opener February 19, 2015 MSUB starter Jake Campeau tosses six-plus quality innings and exits with the ‘Jackets leading 5-1, but a six-run eighth inning propels Dixie State to a come-from-behind 9-5 win Thursday. ST. GEORGE, Utah – Montana State University Billings starter Jake Campeau turned in a quality start with six-plus innings pitched, but home standing Dixie State rallied for six runs in the eighth inning to complete a comeback 9-5 victory over the Yellowjackets’ baseball team Thursday evening at Bruce Hurst Field. A leadoff walk foreshadowed a big inning for DSU, which entered the eighth trailing 4-3. Singles by Miles Bice, Tanner Morache and Drew McLaughlin each scored runs, and two more crossed the plate on a wild pitch and a throwing error by the ‘Jackets. MSUB placed one runner on in the top of the ninth, but Evan Parker finished the game for the Red Storm to secure the victory. In his second start of the season, Campeau allowed three runs on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks in five innings. Lee Busto (0-4) took the loss for MSUB allowing three earned runs in 1 1/3 inning, while Jeremy Alderman was the victor for the Red Storm allowing one earned run on two hits with two strikeouts and no walks in 1 2/3 innings. “Jake was awesome tonight,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop on Campeau, who was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. “Our offense gave us a chance against a very good staff but the big inning hurt us again in the eighth.”

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 29

At the plate for the ‘Jackets, Kevin Toon and Conner Holbrook each finished with three hits and an RBI, and leadoff batter Kyle Durbin was 2-for-5 and drove in a pair. Bret Bitow had the lone extra-base hit for the ‘Jackets, a leadoff double in the seventh that kicked off a two-run rally. For Dixie State (2-6), Bice finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored out of the nine hole, and Morache drove in three on a pair of hits in the leadoff spot. Similar to the Yellowjackets, the Red Storm logged just one extra-base hit as Yuto Kata had a double and two runs scored. Campeau cruised through the first three innings, retiring seven of the first eight batters he faced. After a one-out single by Bice in the bottom of the third, the Yellowjackets turned a nice double play as Brody Miller fed to Durbin at the bag Senior Conner Holbrook. at second, and the relay throw to Toon at first was in time to end the inning. The twin killing helped complete a shutdown inning, after MSUB took a 1-0 lead in the top of the frame on an RBI-single by Durbin that plated Holbrook. DSU threatened to score a run in the bottom of the fourth, moving runners to second and third with two outs. Campeau kept his cool however, striking out Zach Watts on a 2-2 pitch as the Red Storm stranded a pair. MSUB (1-7) tacked on a run in the next half inning, as Trevor Nix and Holbrook led off with back-to-back singles. A sacrifice bunt by Casey Merritt moved the runners up 90 feet, and a fielder’s choice ground out by Durbin made the score 2-0 in favor of the ‘Jackets. The Red Storm got on the scoreboard in the fifth as Kata came around to score after a leadoff double, but the ‘Jackets answered with another run in the sixth. A two-out base hit up the middle by Holbrook plated Sternhagen as the MSUB offense provided Campeau with an insurance run. Bitow sparked another rally with a leadoff double in the seventh, and Luke Reinschmidt brought him home with a one-out base hit. The junior center fielder worked his way around to third on a wild pitch and a stolen base, and Toon came through with an RBI-single to give the ‘Jackets a 5-1 lead. A walk and a hit batter to start the seventh drove Campeau from the game, and DSU didn’t waste the opportunity to chip into the lead. Morache punched a base hit into right to score one run, and Donald Glover pulled the Red Storm within two runs on a sacrifice fly that scored Bice. An efficient, 1-2-3 inning for Alderman in the top of the eighth set DSU up for another chance to pull even, and the Red Storm capitalized with the game-changing offensive outburst. On the game the Yellowjackets out-hit the Red Storm 12-10, marking the fourth time this season MSUB has recorded more hits than its opponent in a loss. The big eighth inning also marked the fourth game in-a-row that MSUB has allowed at least five runs in an inning in the sixth or later. “This was a tough loss for our team,” Bishop said. “We definitely need a big performance from our bullpen to turn things around tomorrow.” NEXT UP: The series continues with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 3 p.m. at Bruce Hurst Field. The two games are the first of five total for the ‘Jackets in the next three days, as a three-game set against Minot State awaits MSUB after the conclusion of the series with Dixie State. 30 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Dixie St. Feb 19, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 5 (1-7) Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor dh Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Campeau,Jake p Busto,Lee p Baker,Bryon p Cox,Adam p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Dixie St.

Dixie St. 9 (2-6) ab

5 5 5 4 4 4 4 2 3 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

lob

2 1 0 3 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 3 1 7 0 0 8 3 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 3 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

5 12

0 0

1 0

0 0

1 1

1 0

2 2

0 6

0 X

Player

Morache, T. ss McLaughlin 2b Nelson, A. 3b Glover, D. cf Kline, K. 1b Hall, S. c Hatch, G. pr/c Gust, C. dh Hall, H. pr Watts, Z. rf Kata, Y. 3b/2b Bice, M. lf Pope, A. p Sveum, R. p Alderman, J. p Parker, E. p Totals R H 5 12 9 10

4 4 0 4 3 3 1 3 0 3 2 4 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

2 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0

3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

9 10

lob

1 2 0 3 9 4 1 0 0 3 1 3 0 0 0 0

5 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 12

E 2 1

E - Reinschmidt; Holbrook; Hall, S.. DP - Yellowjacket 1; Red Storm 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 7; Red Storm 8. 2B Bitow; Kata, Y.. HBP - McLaughlin; Kata, Y.. SH - Merritt 2. SF - Morache, T.; Glover, D.. SB - Reinschmidt; McLaughlin. Reached on CI - Bitow. MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Busto,Lee Baker,Bryon Cox,Adam

6.0 1.1 0.0 0.2

5 3 2 0

r er bb so ab bf

3 4 2 0

3 3 0 0

3 2 0 1

5 21 26 1 6 10 0 2 2 1 2 3

Dixie St.

Pope, A. Sveum, R. Alderman, J. Parker, E.

5.0 1.1 1.2 1.0

5 4 2 1

2 2 1 0

er bb so ab

1 2 1 0

0 0 0 0

2 17 20 0 8 8 2 7 7 1 4 4

Win - Alderman, J. (1-0). Loss - Busto (0-3). Save - None. WP - Campeau; Cox 2; Alderman, J.. HBP - by Campeau (Kata, Y.); by Busto (McLaughlin). CI - Hall, S.. Umpires - HP: Blake Jensen 1B: Luke Mangum 3B: Matt Marziale Start: 6:04 pm Time: 3:01 Attendance: 178 Weather: 68, partly cloudy, NW 4mph Campeau faced 2 batters in the 7th. Baker faced 2 batters in the 8th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 31

Games 9 & 10: February 20, 2015 Dixie State 7, MSU Billings 0 Dixie State 3, MSU Billings 2

Red Storm silences Yellowjackets in doubleheader sweep February 20, 2015 Surrendering just two total runs to visiting MSUB, the Dixie State baseball team defeats the Yellowjackets 7-0 and 3-2 in a doubleheader to sweep the series 3-0. ST. GEORGE, Utah – A pair of stellar pitching performances baffled the Montana State University Billings baseball team on Friday, as the Dixie State staff allowed just eight combined hits in 7-0 and 3-2 victories at Bruce Hurst Field to sweep a three-game set between the teams. Porter Clayton (1-2) recorded eight strikeouts and just one walk while scattering three hits in seven innings of work to earn the victory in Game 1 for the Red Storm (4-7). Jordan Dreibelbis and Julian Burrola each turned in a perfect inning in relief to preserve the shutout win. The Yellowjackets (1-9) rallied in Game 2 by tying the score at 2-2 in the fourth inning, but a sacrifice fly by Kevin Kline in the fifth served as the winning run as DSU escaped with the victory. It was a quality start by Chance Abrath that limited MSUB’s offense, as he struck out 10 Yellowjackets and allowed just two runs over six innings in earning the win. “We pitched well today with the exception of a hiccup in Game 1,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Our offense went cold today but a good portion of that was great pitching by Dixie. They are a great club and we will learn from this experience.” Jacob Foley was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day, turning in 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief and striking out two batters while not allowing a hit in Game 1. Game 1 – Dixie State 7, MSU Billings 0 Kyle Durbin singled through the right side to start the game before Clayton retired the next five Yellowjackets. MSUB again received a leadoff single in the top of the third, this time by Corey Morris, but the ‘Jackets came up empty in the inning stranding runners on second and third. DSU was aided by two double plays in the first game, one of which ended the inning in the sixth with the ‘Jackets trailing just 1-0. The twin-killing sparked momentum into DSU’s favor, as the Red Storm picked up three runs in the bottom of the frame and three more in the seventh to build a secure lead. 32 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Tanner Morache finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Zach Watts also had a pair of hits for the Red Storm. Cam Gust was the lone player to drive in two runs – and did so without a hit – for DSU, and neither team had an extra-base hit in the first game. For the ‘Jackets, Morris had two of the team’s three hits, while Durbin had the other out of the leadoff spot. Dixie State had one hit for each of their seven runs, and played a clean game defensively without any errors.

Junior Corey Morris. Game 2 – Dixie State 3, MSU Billings 2 (7 Innings) With the tying run in scoring position and two outs in the top of the seventh, Evan Parker earned his second save in as many days by getting Durbin to ground out to end the game. Parker’s effort came in relief of a strong start by Abrath, who allowed just three hits and two earned runs with 10 strikeouts and only two walks to earn the victory. Durbin created the first run of the game for the ‘Jackets, leading off the series finale with a base hit into left field and then stealing second. Kevin Toon came through with two outs, plating MSUB’s shortstop with a single into right field as MSUB got out to the early 1-0 lead. MSUB starter Griffen Pape worked around a leadoff single by Morache and struck out two DSU players to complete the shutdown inning in the first, keeping the lead in the hands of MSUB. Kline came through with a big two-run single that plated Drew McLaughlin and Morache as DSU grabbed a 2-1 edge in the bottom of the third. Toon drew a leadoff walk in the next half inning however, and Conner Holbrook picked up a two-out, RBI-single to even the score at 2-2 midway through Game 2. The first and only extra-base hit by either team on the day was a double by McLaughlin with one out in the fifth, and Kline’s sacrifice fly with two outs plated the sophomore to put DSU up for good, 3-2. Four of the final six batters Abrath faced resulted in strikeouts, before he handed the ball off to Parker to close the door. COMING UP: The ‘Jackets are back in action on Saturday, with a single game against Minot State starting at 1 p.m. MSUB then completes its nine-game road trip with an 11 a.m. doubleheader against the Beavers on Sunday, with all games featuring live stats and being played at Bruce Hurst Field in St. George. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 33

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Dixie St. (Game 1) Feb 20, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 0 (1-8) Player

Durbin,Kyle 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter dh Nix,Trevor c Morris,Corey ss Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Cooper,Cody p Cox,Adam p Foley,Jacob p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Dixie St.

Dixie St. 7 (3-7) ab

3 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

1 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 4 2 13 0 2 0 0 2 4 2 0 4 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 10

0 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0

24 16

Player

Morache, T. ss Hall, H. ph/ss McLaughlin 2b Nelson, A. 3b Glover, D. cf Kline, K. 1b Hall, S. c Davison, J. ph/c Gust, C. dh Watts, Z. rf Kata, Y. 3b/2b Bice, M. lf Clayton, P. p Dreibelbis p Burrola, J. p Totals

0 0

0 1

0 3

0 0

0 X

R 0 7

H 3 7

lob

3 0 0 1 3 3 3 0 2 4 3 4 0 0 0

1 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 12 0 1 7 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0

27 15

E 1 0

E - Miller. DP - DSU 2. LOB - MSUB 5; DSU 7. HBP - Durbin; Miller; Gust, C.. SH - Toon; Berkram; McLaughlin; Glover, D.; Kata, Y.. CS - Morache, T.; McLaughlin. MSU Billings

Cooper,Cody Cox,Adam Foley,Jacob

r er bb so ab bf

6.0 7 4 4 3 2 21 27 0.1 0 3 1 4 0 0 5 1.2 0 0 0 1 2 5 6

Dixie St.

Clayton, P. Dreibelbis Burrola, J.

7.0 1.0 1.0

3 0 0

0 0 0

er bb so ab

0 0 0

1 0 0

8 21 26 1 3 3 1 3 3

Win - Clayton, P. (1-2). Loss - Cooper (0-1). Save - None. WP - Clayton, P.. HBP - by Clayton, P. (Durbin); by Clayton, P. (Miller); by Cooper (Gust, C.). PB - Hall, S.. Umpires - HP: Lyle Mangum 1B: Matt Marziale 3B: Blake Jensen Start: 4 pm Time: 2:34 Attendance: 203 Weather: Sunny

34 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Dixie St. (Game 2) Feb 20, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 2 (1-9) Player

Durbin,Kyle 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody dh Toon,Kevin 2b Loran,Blake 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Pape,Griffen p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Dixie St.

Dixie St. 3 (4-7) ab

lob

4 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 0 0 0

1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 4 2 6 1 3 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 11

1 0

0 0

0 2

1 0

0 1

0 0

0 X

R 2 3

H 5 5

Player

Morache, T. ss McLaughlin 2b Glover, D. cf Kline, K. 1b Gust, C. dh Watts, Z. rf Kata, Y. 3b Hatch, G. c Bice, M. lf Abrath, C. p Parker, E. p Totals

lob

2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 0 0

1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 1 4 1 1 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 11 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0

E 1 0

E - Holbrook. LOB - MSUB 5; DSU 4. 2B - McLaughlin. SF - Kline, K.; Gust, C.. SB - Durbin; Morache, T. 2; Kline, K.; Watts, Z.. CS - Glover, D.. MSU Billings

Pape,Griffen Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas

r er bb so ab bf

4.1 5 3 3 3 4 17 21 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 3 3

Dixie St.

Abrath, C. Parker, E.

6.0 1.0

3 2

2 0

er bb so ab

2 0

2 10 21 23 0 1 5 5

Win - Abrath, C. (1-1). Loss - Pape (0-1). Save - Parker, E. (1). PB - Hatch, G.. Umpires - HP: Matt Marziale 1B: Blake Jensen 3B: Lyle Mangum Start: 7:10 Time: 2:05 Attendance: 360 Weather: clear, breezy

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 35

Game 11: February 21, 2015 MSU Billings 7, Minot State 6

‘Jackets rally for 7-6 comeback win, Durbin plates Merritt with walk-off single in 10th February 21, 2015 Entering the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-4, MSUB ties the game with a pair of runs and Kyle Durbin plays hero with a walk-off single for the win in the bottom of the 10th. ST. GEORGE, Utah – A two-run, game-saving rally in the bottom of the ninth set up a walk-off base hit by Kyle Durbin in the 10th as the Montana State University Billings baseball team rallied for a dramatic 7-6, series-opening victory over Minot State Saturday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Field. Casey Merritt led off the bottom of the 10th by pulling a single into right field, and Bret Bitow laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the winning run into scoring position. Durbin punched a 1-2 pitch through the middle and Merritt raced home to give MSUB the victory. Adam Cox pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the 10th inning, stranding all three runners by striking out Nicholas Hammerl on three pitches as he gave the ‘Jackets the chance to win in the bottom of the inning. Back-to-back doubles by Durbin and Luke Reinschmidt kicked off a two-run ninth-inning rally that kept MSUB alive. Reinschmidt’s third hit of the game plated Durbin, and after a single by Brody Miller, a ground ball by Kevin Toon brought home MSUB’s center fielder to tie the score at 6-6. With runners on first and second and no outs, Colter Sternhagen laid down a sacrifice bunt, but after an intentional walk MSU reliever Wyatt Moore got Conner Holbrook to ground into an inning-ending double play as the game headed to extras. MSUB starter Jake Mills threw six strong innings, allowing three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in the no-decision. Cox earned his first victory of the season for the ‘Jackets, keeping his composure under duress.

36 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

“Jake gave us exactly what we needed with a tired bullpen,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Adam was terrific for us late and a lot of guys stepped up and played a role today. I am really happy for our guys.” For Minot State (0-1), Moore was tagged with the loss in the team’s season-opener. Beaver starter Austin Zorn matched Mills’s effort with six innings and three runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and no walks. Mills got through the first inning with a little help from his battery mate, as Holbrook fired a strike to Durbin to mow down Kyle Williamson on a stolen base attempt. The senior starter retired the next two Beaver batters, and the ‘Jackets took the lead in the bottom of the frame on Reinschmidt’s fourth home run of the season. Mills retired the side in order in the second and struck out a pair, and Sternhagen helped MSUB increase its lead with a leadoff double in the bottom half. Holbrook came through with an RBI-double into right center, as MSUB doubled its lead to 2-0 early on. MSU got a run back in the top of the third, as Keith Ailes hit a solo blast to center field with one out to make the score 2-1. The ‘Jackets (2-9) took advantage of a mishap by MSU in the fifth, as Bitow laid down a perfect bunt for a hit and advanced to second on a throwing error. Durbin put the ball in play and another Beaver error allowed Bitow to cross the plate as MSUB moved ahead 3-1. After Mills recorded the first two outs in the top of the sixth, Paul Vogelsang brought the tying run to the plate with an infield single. Austin Berntson stepped up with a clutch, two-run home run to center field that knotted the score at 3-3. Another two-out rally in the seventh gave MSU its first lead of the game, as Jordan Schulz tripled to bring home Jared Young and Hammerl, and the score moved to 5-3. The Yellowjackets got one back in the bottom of the eighth, as a big two-out double by Merritt brought home Holbrook. The sophomore left fielder was stranded on third as the tying run however, as Alec Grothe got Bitow to line out and end the inning. Young came up with an RBI single to give the Beavers an insurance run in the top of the ninth, giving Grothe a two-run lead and an opportunity to earn the save. The ‘Jackets put together the desperation rally in the ninth, and the strong effort by Cox on the mound led to the extra-inning victory. On the game Reinschmidt was 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a double and a run scored in addition to his home run. Brody Miller and Holbrook each also finished with three hits, as the Yellowjackets out-hit the Beavers 17-14 on the game. Holbrook was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game, for his strong effort at the plate and for throwing out the only runner who attempted to steal on him. Berntson was the big hitter for the Beavers, with a line of 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. The Beavers committed four errors in their first game of the season, and two of the runs MSUB scored were unearned. UP NEXT: The ‘Jackets and Beavers are scheduled for a doubleheader on Sunday to close the series, with first pitch set for 11 a.m. at Bruce Hurst Field. It will be the final two games for MSUB before GNAC play begins with a four-game road series against Central Washington on Feb. 28. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 37

2014 MSU Billings Baseball Minot State vs MSU Billings Feb 21, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) Minot State 6 (0-1) Player

Williamson cf N. Hammerl 2b J. Young 3b J. Schulz rf P. Vogelsang c A. Berntson lf C. Johnson pr/lf J. Goertzen 1b M. Holmen 1b K. Ailes dh B. Rolff ss A. Zorn p Z. Thompson p A. Grothe p W. Moore p Totals Score by Innings Minot State MSU Billings

MSU Billings 7 (2-9) ab

4 6 4 5 5 4 1 3 1 5 4 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

2 2 1 1 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

6 14

4 11

lob

1 7 2 1 2 1 1 9 2 0 2 0 0 0 0

0 6 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 1

0 4 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

28 19

1 3 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Loran,Blake 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor dh Holbrook,Conner c Peterson,Landon c Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Mills,Jake p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Cox,Adam p Totals

0 1

1 0

0 0

0 1

2 0

0 1

1 2

0 1

R H 6 14 7 17

6 5 5 5 0 4 4 4 0 5 4 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

lob

4 3 3 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 10 1 0 2 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0

7 17

30 10

E 4 0

Note: 1 out, 1 runner LOB when the game ended. E - N. Hammerl; J. Young 2; B. Rolff. DP - Minot State 3. LOB - Minot State 11; MSUB 11. 2B - N. Hammerl 2; J. Goertzen; Durbin; Reinschmidt; Sternhagen; Holbrook; Merritt. 3B - J. Schulz. HR - A. Berntson; K. Ailes; Reinschmidt. HBP - Holbrook. SH - J. Goertzen; Sternhagen; Bitow. CS - Williamson; Durbin. Minot State

A. Zorn Z. Thompson A. Grothe W. Moore

6.0 1.2 0.1 1.1

9 2 3 3

r er bb so ab bf

3 1 2 1

2 1 1 1

0 0 0 1

2 27 27 0 6 7 0 4 4 0 5 8

MSU Billings

Mills,Jake Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Cox,Adam

6.0 2.0 1.0 1.0

6 3 2 3

3 2 1 0

er bb so ab

3 2 1 0

3 1 0 0

7 23 26 1 8 10 1 5 5 2 6 6

Win - Cox (1-0). Loss - W. Moore (0-1). Save - None. HBP - by Z. Thompson (Holbrook). BK - A. Zorn. Umpires - HP: Blake Jensen 1B: Lyle Mangum 3B: Matt Marziale Start: 1 pm Time: 2:45 Attendance: 100 Weather: cloudy, cool A. Grothe faced 2 batters in the 9th.

38 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 12: February 22, 2015 MSU Billings 15, Minot State 1

Muller ties career high with 11 strikeouts, ‘Jackets roll past Minot State 15-1 February 22, 2015 Brady Muller ties his career high with 11 strikeouts and Luke Reinschmidt hits his fifth home run of the season as the MSUB baseball team completes a dominant 15-1 win over Minot State. ST. GEORGE, Utah – Brady Muller tied a career high with 11 strikeouts and Luke Reinschmidt hit his fifth home run of the season and drove in five runs as the Montana State University Billings baseball team cruised to a 15-1 victory over Minot State Sunday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Field. Muller (1-1) exited after six innings, having allowed just five runners to reach base with three singles and two walks allowed. The senior earned his first win of the season, and Tanner Johnson completed the game and earned the save with three innings in relief. “Brady was very good today,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He was using all three pitches in and out of the zone.” Reinschmidt finished the game 2-for-4 with five RBIs, two runs scored and a double to go along with his home run. Senior Brody Miller went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI, and set the career record for doubles as his total moved to 35. Trevor Nix also had three hits and a pair of RBIs for the Yellowjackets. Leadoff batter Kyle Durbin scored three runs as did first baseman Blake Loran, and the ‘Jackets out-hit the Beavers 18-7 on the game. “Our bats were solid today again and Luke had another great game,” Bishop said. For Minot State (0-2) Kyle Williamson had three hits out of the leadoff spot, and Jared Young had the lone extra-base hit of the day with a double in the ninth inning.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 39

Starter Jesse Goertzen (0-1) lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on five hits with four strikeouts and five walks. Rolfson did a nice job in relief for MSU, scattering three hits and allowing no runs while striking out four and walking none in 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. Goertzen pitched out of a two-out jam in the first inning, striking out Colter Sternhagen to strand a pair of Yellowjackets after two walks. After allowing a leadoff single to Williamson in the first, Muller settled into a groove and retired the next eight batters including six strikeouts. The ‘Jackets (3-9) put together a rally in the top of the third, as Durbin punched a leadoff double into left center and Reinschmidt drew a walk. An error by the Beavers on a ground ball by Miller loaded the bases, and Kevin Toon drove in the first run of the game with a fielder’s choice groundout. Sternhagen followed with a sacrifice fly to right, giving MSUB a 2-0 lead early on. Loran helped set the stage for a big inning in the fourth with a leadoff single, and Reinschmidt followed with his second home run in as many games to make the score 5-0. The ‘Jackets added one more on an RBI single by Nix with the bases loaded and two outs. A big six-run sixth inning put the game away for the ‘Jackets, and a two-run double by Reinschmidt highlighted the outburst that eventually put MSUB up 13-0. Johnson took the ball from Muller in the seventh inning, and proceeded to strike out the side. The Beavers rallied for a run in the bottom of the ninth, but a great relay from Casey Merritt in left to Sternhagen at third to Nix at the plate cut down an MSU runner and ended the game. Muller was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his stellar starting effort. “We are looking forward to a couple of days off and then preparing for the GNAC opener next weekend,” said Bishop.

Senior Blake Loran.

THE BUZZ: Sunday’s game marked the ninth time in 12 games this season that MSUB was the first team to score…Muller’s last 11-strikeout game came his freshman season, when he achieved the total in 6 2/3 innings against Central Washington on May 5, 2012…Reinschmidt is now just three home runs away from tying the MSUB single-season record of eight, set by Colby Robison in 2013…the five RBIs were a career high for Reinschmidt and it was his third overall game with four or more RBIs…it was the first time an MSUB player drove in five runs in a game since Myles Berkram achieved the feat last season in a 15-7 win over Central Washington on April 25 in Billings…the teams were originally scheduled to play a doubleheader Sunday, but the game was switched to one 9-inning game due to inclement weather. AHEAD: The Yellowjackets kick off Great Northwest Athletic Conference play next weekend with four games scheduled against Central Washington. The teams will play doubleheaders on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Ellensburg, Wash., both starting at 1 p.m. Mountain time. 40 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2014 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings vs Minot State Feb 22, 2015 at St. George, Utah (Bruce Hurst Field) MSU Billings 15 (3-9) Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Morris,Corey ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Berkram,Myles pr/cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Foley,Jacob ph Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Peterson,Landon ph/c Loran,Blake 1b Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Muller,Brady p Johnson,Tanner p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Minot State

Minot State 1 (0-3)

4 2 4 2 5 2 1 4 4 2 6 5 5 0 0

3 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 0

h rbi

1 2 2 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 3 1 2 0 0

bb so

0 1 5 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 0

1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

46 15 18 13

lob

0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 0 10 1 1 4 0 1 5 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

0 0 0 2 1 0 2 4 1 0 3 0 1 0 0

5 11

27 11

0 0

2 0

4 0

1 0

6 0

0 0

2 1

Player

Williamson cf B. Rolff ss 31 ph/ss J. Young 3b P. Vogelsang c M. LaCroix ph/c J. Schulz rf T. Gust dh M. Holmen 1b C. Johnson lf C. Fornshell 2b J. Goertzen p J. Larsen p D. Rolfson p A. Grothe p Totals R H 15 18 1 7

5 2 2 3 3 1 4 2 4 3 4 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

lob

1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 11 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 3 4 1 2 4 0 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

3 14

0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

E 0 3

E - B. Rolff 2; M. Holmen. LOB - MSUB 14; Minot State 9. 2B - Durbin; Reinschmidt; Miller 2; Loran; J. Young. HR - Reinschmidt(5). HBP - Toon; Sternhagen; Merritt; J. Young. SF - Sternhagen; Bitow. SB - Bitow. MSU Billings

Muller,Brady Johnson,Tanner

r er bb so ab bf

Minot State

6.0 3 0 0 2 11 21 24 3.0 4 1 1 1 3 12 13

J. Goertzen J. Larsen D. Rolfson A. Grothe

3.2 2.0 2.1 1.0

5 7 3 3

6 7 0 2

er bb so ab

5 4 0 2

5 0 0 0

4 16 22 3 15 16 4 10 11 0 5 7

Win - Muller (1-1). Loss - J. Goertzen (0-1). Save - Johnson (1). WP - Muller 2; D. Rolfson. HBP - by J. Larsen (Sternhagen); by D. Rolfson (Toon); by Muller (J. Young); by A. Grothe (Merritt). PB - P. Vogelsang. Umpires - HP: Brian Frisch 1B: Azim Jessa 3B: Al White Start: 11 am Time: 3:01 Attendance: 75 Weather: cloudy, rainy

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 41

Reinschmidt named NCBWA National Player of the Week February 25, 2015 Luke Reinschmidt picks up NCBWA National Player of the Week honors, after hitting four home runs in eight games last week. DALLAS – Luke Reinschmidt, a junior center fielder on the Montana State University Billings baseball team, has been selected as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association National Player of the Week announced by the organization Wednesday. The week of plaudits started with Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week for Reinschmidt, who then earned the NCBWA’s Regional Player of the Week honor on Tuesday. All regional honorees become eligible for the national player of the week honor, and the announcement was made by the organization on Wednesday that Reinschmidt was the recipient. “This is a great honor for Luke and our program,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He deserves this honor with the week that he put together on the road.” The Billings, Mont., native hit four home runs and went 12-for-33 overall in eight games last week during a road trip at St. George, Utah. He beat out seven other NCBWA regional players of the week and became the second national player of the week honoree of the 2015 season by the organization.

42 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Reinschmidt added three doubles and a triple to his four long balls, totaling 29 bases and a slugging percentage of .879 on the week. He also drove in a team-high 13 runs and scored nine times, while posting an on-base percentage of .447. Reinschmidt had a dozen putouts starting all eight games in center field, and was also 2-for-2 on the base paths. He is now batting .340 on the season and leads the team with five home runs and 18 RBIs. He is also tied for the MSUB career record in triples with eight, and is No. 9 on the all-time list in stolen bases with 11 (records date back to 2006). After becoming just the third player in GNAC history to hit for the cycle in a game last season, Reinschmidt garnered his first career Player of the Week honor from March 24-30, 2014. The Yellowjackets kick off GNAC play this weekend with a four-game road series against Central Washington on Saturday and Sunday. Angelo State pitcher Steven Naemark was selected as the NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week, after setting a new school record with 15 strikeouts in a win over Regis last Saturday. Reinschmidt becomes the second-ever GNAC student-athlete to earn NCBWA National Player of the Week honors, joining Grady Wood of Western Oregon who earned the honor on April 30, 2012.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 43

Yellowjackets carry momentum into GNAC opener this weekend February 25, 2015 Coming off a pair of victories over Minot State last week, the MSUB baseball team kicks off GNAC play this weekend with a pair of road doubleheaders against Central Washington. BILLINGS, Mont. – Gearing up for Great Northwest Athletic Conference play this weekend, the Montana State University Billings baseball team is getting set to face Central Washington on the road in a pair of doubleheaders. The Yellowjackets (3-9) will then continue their road trip next week, heading to Riverside, Calif., to face California Baptist in four single games March 4-7. Live statistics will be available for both the series against CWU in Ellensburg, Wash., as well as the series against Cal Baptist, via www.msubsports.com. “We will have our hands full on the road against Central Washington,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Anybody can show up on any day in the GNAC and beat you, so we tried to play the best possible preseason schedule to prepare us.” MSUB is coming off two straight victories over Minot State University, which closed an eight-game road trip in St. George, Utah. The ‘Jackets defeated MSU in comeback, extra-inning fashion 7-6 on Feb. 21, before storming to a 15-1 victory the next day over the Beavers. Yellowjacket junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt made headlines Wednesday, becoming just the second player in GNAC history to earn National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association National Player of the Week plaudits, after he homered four times, had three doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs in MSUB’s eight games last week. “Personally I am just so happy for Luke because he has worked his tail off,” said Bishop with regard to Reinschmidt’s performance. “He is solid on the field and off the field in every way, and he competed against really high-level pitching very well.”

44 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Overall on the season Reinschmidt is batting .340 and has five home runs with 18 RBIs and three stolen bases. “Luckily I was getting a lot of fastballs, and that has to do with me batting in front of All-American Brody Miller,” Reinschmidt said, crediting the Yellowjackets’ No. 3 hitter as having a hand in his success. “That gives me a lot of good pitches to hit, and I was just focusing on getting a pitch I liked early in the count and swinging.” MSUB senior starter Brady Muller also had a terrific outing against Minot State on Sunday, tying a career-high with 11 strikeouts and pitching six strong innings to propel MSUB to the victory. Muller now has 19 strikeouts against just six walks in 14 innings pitched this season in three starts. Junior shortstop Kyle Durbin has opened the season on fire as well, batting .396 (19-for-48) early on in 11 starts out of the leadoff spot in the Yellowjackets’ lineup. He has also had a hand in four double plays, and one triple play, that ended up on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top-10 plays on Feb. 8. Senior right fielder Bret Bitow has also thrived at the plate for the ‘Jackets, batting .383 (18-for-47) and slugging .596 with three doubles, two triples and a home run in his first dozen games. Brody Miller has begun setting career records, as he entered the 2015 season on the verge of virtually every top mark in the Yellowjacket record books which date back to the 2006 season. On the season, the senior second baseman is hitting .327 (17-for-52) with three home runs, 11 RBIs, four doubles and seven runs scored. So far, Miller has become the MSUB career leader in runs (99), doubles (35), home runs (15), RBIs (115), and total bases (283). Entering Saturday’s games, he is No. 2 in at-bats (576), hits (201) and No. 3 in assists (368). Kevin Toon has also started all 12 games for the ‘Jackets, carrying a .318 batting average (14-for-44) and getting on base at a clip of .434 while driving in 10 runs.

Junior Kevin Toon. On the mound, Tanner Johnson has posted the best numbers thus far, spreading 14 innings over three appearances and holding a 3.86 ERA. Against Minot State on Sunday, he earned his first save of the season as he tossed three strong innings in relief of Muller’s quality start. “I thought Brady did really well and I was able to come through and have a good relief outing,” said Johnson. “We are constantly grinding and fighting for every run that we get, and we feel like we have been in every game this year.” Griffen Pape has also shown promise early on, striking out 10 batters in his first eight innings of the season including a start against Dixie State on Feb. 20. As a team the ‘Jackets are averaging 6.8 runs per game and have totaled 37 extra-base hits this season. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 45

Saturday, Feb. 28 – 1 p.m. MTN – CWU Baseball Field – Doubleheader (9 Inn, 7 Inn) Sunday, March 1 – 1 p.m. MTN – CWU Baseball Field – Doubleheader (9 Inn, 7 Inn) Central Washington University Wildcats 2015 Record: 5-3 Head Coach: Desi Storey, 24th season 2014 GNAC Finish: 2nd (31-18, 17-14 GNAC, GNAC Tournament Champions) The reigning GNAC Tournament Champions have started off the 2015 season 5-3 and most recently lost a fourgame series against Sonoma State three games to one. CWU opened its season with four-straight victories over GNAC opponent Saint Martin’s (in nonconference action), during which the Wildcats outscored the Saints 30-9. CWU’s roster features the reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Year in Brandon Williams, who threw a no-hitter against Saint Martin’s in a 9-0 victory on Feb. 7 in Ellensburg, Wash. Williams had 13 strikeouts and no walks in the game, and only a hit batsmen prevented his outing from being a perfect game. On the season, Williams is the owner of a 1.69 ERA and has struck out 17 batters in 10 2/3 innings in two starts. Mitch Yada has been another outstanding starter for the Wildcats, holding an ERA of 1.08 and striking out eight in 8 1/3 innings over two starts. Zach Johnson has also started a pair of games, throwing 11 1/3 strong innings with an ERA of 1.59 early on. Reigning GNAC Newcomer of the Year Cory Welch has already recorded two saves this season, and has 13 strikeouts in 7 1/3 relief innings out of the bullpen. Offensively, CWU is averaging 4.75 runs per game, and the Wildcats have scored more by manufacturing runs rather than with gaudy power numbers. Kasey Bielec, a first-team all-GNAC selection in 2014, is batting .478 (11-for-23) early on with five extra-base hits and a team-high six RBIs. Benjamin Dunbar is close behind, batting .474 (9-for-19) in five starts for the Wildcats. Catcher Zach Reay (.444) and Ryan Atkinson (.412) are also hitting above .400 for the Wildcats. Bielec, Dunbar, and Reay have combined to play perfect defense, with no errors in 129 combined chances between the three. The Series: The all-time series between the teams has been relatively even, with CWU holding a slight 32-31 edge dating back to the 2006 season. The Wildcats have won three of the last four games between the teams, and won five of the eight meetings between the two last season. The series is even at 16 wins apiece for the teams in games played at CWU. Last Time Out: The Yellowjackets picked up a big 15-7 victory in the first of a four-game series in Billings last spring, but the Wildcats responded by taking the next three games at Dehler Park. Williams was dominant in a 7-inning, complete game shutout in which he struck out eight, walked one and gave up just three hits propelling CWU to a 10-0 win on April 25, 2014.

46 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 13 & 14: February 28, 2015 MSU Billings 14, Central Washington 6 Central Washington 13, MSU Billings 4

Hot bats propel ‘Jackets in Game 1, CWU ace responds in Game 2 in doubleheader split February 28, 2015 MSUB puts up 14 runs in Game 1 to defeat Central Washington in the series opener, but the Wildcats respond with a 13-4 victory in Game 2 as the teams split a GNAC baseball doubleheader. ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Montana State Billings and Central Washington alternated excellent starts from their aces, splitting a Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader Saturday afternoon at the CWU baseball field. For the Yellowjackets (4-10, 1-1 GNAC), Brady Muller turned in 7 2/3 innings quality innings and was backed by a strong offensive showing as MSUB cruised to a 14-6 victory in Game 1. Muller struck out six and walked one, earning his second victory of the season. Brody Miller was 4-for-6 in the first game and hit his fourth home run of the season, and Trevor Nix totaled four hits on the day and drove in a pair. Reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Year Brandon Williams turned in a stellar complete game in the second end of the doubleheader, striking out 13 and walking one while scattering five hits over seven innings in a 13-4 win. The four runs he allowed were all unearned, as a dropped third strike that would have ended the inning resulted in a four-run outburst by the ‘Jackets with two outs in the fifth. Darren Honeysett homered twice in the second game, and Zach Reay also added a long ball and three RBIs for the Wildcats. CWU moved to 6-4 on the season and is now 1-1 in GNAC play. MSUB out hit CWU 17-13 in the first game, while the Wildcats out hit MSUB 11-5 in the second. Muller was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for the Yellowjackets. “Today was a great example of dominant pitching performances,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Brady was really good in Game 1 and Brandon was great in Game 2 for CWU.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 47

Game 1 – MSU Billings 14, Central Washington 6 Miller finished the game 4-for-6 and was one of six Yellowjackets to collect multiple hits. His home run was his fourth of the season and he also scored a pair of runs. Kyle Durbin led the team with three RBIs out of the leadoff spot, and Luke Reinschmidt was 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Nix also drove in a pair of runs and had two doubles. Muller spread a dozen hits over 7 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking just one while allowing four runs. The Wildcats managed just one extra-base hit off of MSUB’s ace, who finished the day throwing 126 pitches. For the Wildcats, starter Zach Johnson lasted five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and three walks. Five CWU relievers combined to throw the final four innings, and the staff walked eight Yellowjackets overall on the day. At the plate, leadoff batter Cory Welch was 3-for-5 and was the only Wildcat to collect multiple hits in the first game. Jeff Beckman had a pair of RBIs for CWU, and Austin Pernell and Mitchell Darlington each scored two runs. The Yellowjackets manufactured a run in the first inning, as a one-out walk by Reinschmidt and a single by Miller set the stage for Kevin Toon. The junior designated hitter sent a fly ball into center field that was caught, but a defensive miscue by the Wildcats allowed Reinschmidt to advance 180 feet and score from second. The Wildcats threatened to even the score in the bottom of the first, as Kasey Bielec and Randy Fuller each singled with two outs. Muller pitched out of the jam however, stranding both base runners with a harmless ground out to third to end the inning. Muller again pitched around a two-out rally by CWU in the second, and settled into a groove as he blanked the Wildcats’ lineup through the fourth inning. Johnson was equally as effective as Muller was through the early innings, allowing just three singles to the Yellowjackets through the fourth inning. The Yellowjackets loaded the bases in the top of the fifth, but Dillon Peterson snagged a line drive off the bat of Miller and Johnson got Toon to fly out as CWU dodged a bullet and MSUB left three on base. Colter Sternhagen sparked a rally for the ‘Jackets in the sixth with a leadoff single, and Nix followed with a double to left to give MSUB a 2-0 lead. Bret Bitow lofted a fly ball to right field that brought Nix home three batters later, as the ‘Jackets added one more run to their advantage. A shutdown inning from Muller in the bottom of the sixth set the stage for MSUB to extend its lead further in the seventh. Singles from Reinschmidt, Miller and Toon started the action, and a Sternhagen double made the score 5-0 in favor of the ‘Jackets. A three-run double by Durbin capped off a six-run inning, as MSUB put the game out of reach at 9-0. After adding two more in the eighth including one on an RBI double by Nix, CWU made some noise in the bottom of the inning and drove Muller from the game. Beckman punched a base hit into center to plate a pair of runs, and Welch and Myles Wesener followed with RBI-singles to make the score 12-4. Miller’s fourth home run of the season drove in Reinschmidt as MSUB answered in the top of the ninth with a pair of runs. CWU scored two more runs in the ninth, but reliever Lucas Blehm controlled the Wildcats’ bats and helped MSUB secure the victory. 48 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Central Washington (Game 1) Feb, 28 2015 at Ellensburg, Wash (sWU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 14 (4-9,1-0 GNAC)

Central Washington 6 (5-4,0-1 GNAC)

Player

Durbin,Kyle 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Morris,Corey ss Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Muller,Brady p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Central Washington

h rbi

6 0 2 3 4 3 3 0 6 2 4 2 5 2 1 1 5 3 3 1 6 2 2 2 5 0 2 0 3 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 14 17 12

Welch,Cory lf/cf 5 Wesener,Myles cf/rf 4 Bielec,Kasey 1b 5 Fuller,Randy dh 4 Pernell,Austin pr/dh 0 Atkinson,Ryan 2b 3 Darlington,Mitchell ph/2 1 Dunbar,Benjamin c 5 Honeysett,Darren rf 2 Harper,Cameron ph/lf 2 Peterson,Dillon 3b 4 Romo,Tanner ph 1 Archibald,Ryan ss 3 Beckman,Jeff ph/ss 2 Johnson,Zach p 0 Cook,Travis p 0 Engel,Davis p 0 Terrell,Garrett p 0 Zehner p 0 Dailey,Jonathan p 0 Totals 41

1 0

0 0

2 0

6 0

3 4

2 2

R 14 6

H 17 13

h rbi

0 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 13

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

E 2 2

E - Morris 2; Dunbar(1); Peterson(3). DP - Wildcats 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 11; Wildcats 12. 2B Durbin; Sternhagen 2; Nix 2; Welch(3); Dunbar(2). HR - Miller. HBP - Morris. SH - Wesener(2). SF - Bitow. SB - Dunbar(1). Strikeouts - Durbin; Reinschmidt; Miller; Toon; Merritt 2; Bitow; Wesener; Fuller; Atkinson; Dunbar; Peterson; Archibald. Walks - Reinschmidt 2; Toon; Sternhagen; Merritt 2; Bitow 2; Pernell; Darlington; Honeysett. MSU Billings

Muller,Brady W,1-2 Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Central Washington

Johnson,Zach L,1-1 Cook,Travis Engel,Davis Terrell,Garrett Zehner Dailey,Jonathan

7.2 12 0.1 0 1.0 1 ip

5.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0

7 4 2 0 1 3

4 0 2 r

3 4 2 2 1 2

4 0 2

3 4 2 2 0 2

1 0 2

3 1 2 2 0 0

6 0 0

5 0 1 0 1 0

0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

0 0 0

1 0 0

0 0 0

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

36 38 1 1 4 6 ab

22 25 5 7 5 7 0 2 4 5 6 6

7 10 0 1 1 2

6 1 0 0 1 2

3 1 2 0 1 1

np 126 3 31 np 104 31 24 13 18 16

WP - Busto. HBP - by Zehner (Morris). PB - Dunbar(6). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 2/0; Cook 2/1; Engel 2/2; Zehner 2/2. Pitches/strikes: Muller 126/87; Busto 3/1; Blehm 31/12; Johnson 104/63; Cook 31/18; Engel 24/11; Terrell 13/5; Zehner 18/15; Dailey 16/12. Umpires - HP: Brian Hertzog 1B: Carl Ramsey 3B: Erick Holden Start: Noon Time: 3:02 Attendance: Johnson faced 3 batters in the 6th. Cook faced 4 batters in the 7th. Terrell faced 2 batters in the 8th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 49

Game 2 – Central Washington 13, MSU Billings 4 (7 Innings) Williams retired six of the first seven batters he faced, striking out two over that span. Cody Cooper matched his counterpart’s effort by retiring the side in the first, but a single by Pernell with the bases loaded plated a pair of runs and gave CWU a 2-0 lead in the second. Welch also had an RBI in the second, and after Williams shut down the ‘Jackets in the third CWU scored two more to make the score 5-0. A leadoff single by Reay spelled trouble for MSUB in the fourth, and Honeysett followed three batters later with a three-run blast that gave Williams an 8-0 cushion. Refusing to give in, the ‘Jackets rallied for a big inning in the fifth. Sternhagen and Nix led off with back-toback singles, and despite a strikeout, Bitow reached first with two outs on a passed ball to load the bases. MSUB cashed in on the mishap, as Durbin doubled to right to score two and a Reinschmidt single into center plated two more as the Yellowjackets cut the deficit in half, 8-4.

Senior Trevor Nix. Reay and Honeysett picked the Wildcats up in the bottom of the frame, each hitting a two-run home run as CWU went up 12-4. Williams got into the zone the rest of the way, striking out the final five Yellowjackets he faced. Cooper tossed four innings in the start, allowing eight runs on eight hits with three walks. Honeysett drove in five runs with his two homers for the Wildcats and Reay added three while also crossing the plate three times. “CWU is a great team so we have a good opportunity tomorrow to set the stage for the GNAC season,” said Bishop. UP NEXT: The series wraps up Sunday with another doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. Mountain time. The ‘Jackets will then remain on the road to take on Cal Baptist in a four-game series over the weekend. 50 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Central Washington (Game 2) Feb 28, 2015 at Ellensburg, WA (CWU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 4 (4-10,1-1 GNAC) Player

Durbin,Kyle ss Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Loran,Blake dh Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Cooper,Cody p Pape,Griffen p Goldsack,Dylan p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Central Washington

3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0 26

Central Washington 13 (6-4,1-1 GNAC)

h rbi

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4

1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

Player

1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

Welch,Cory lf/cf Honeysett,Darren rf Bielec,Kasey 3b Fuller,Randy 1b Dunbar,Benjamin dh Beckman,Jeff 2b Dailey,Jonathan ss Reay,Zach c Pernell,Austin cf Harper,Cameron ph/lf Williams,Brandon p Totals

0 0

0 3

0 2

0 3

4 4

0 1

0 X

R 4 13

H 5 11

h rbi

2 2 1 1 4 2 2 5 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 3 3 2 1 2 2 1 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 13 11 12

E 1 0

E - Bitow. DP - Wildcats 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 2; Wildcats 5. 2B - Durbin. HR - Honeysett 2(3); Beckman(1); Reay(2). HBP - Welch; Dailey. SH - Fuller(1). SB - Welch(1); Dailey(3). Strikeouts - Durbin; Miller; Toon; Sternhagen 2; Nix; Loran 2; Berkram 2; Bitow 3; Harper. Walks - Miller; Welch; Bielec; Fuller; Beckman; Dailey; Reay. MSU Billings

Cooper,Cody L,0-2 Pape,Griffen Goldsack,Dylan Central Washington

Williams,Brandon W,2-1

4.0 1.0 1.0 ip

7.0

8 2 1

8 4 1 r

7 4 1

3 2 1

0 0 1

1 13

0 0 1

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

0 0 0

1 0 1

0 0 0

1 0 0

0 0 0

bk hbp ibb sfa sha cia

18 23 5 7 4 6 ab

26 27

6 2 1

5 1 1

np 64 24 20 np 101

WP - Goldsack; Williams(2). HBP - by Cooper (Welch); by Goldsack (Dailey). PB - Reay(2). Inherited runners/scored: None. Pitches/strikes: Cooper 64/36; Pape 24/12; Goldsack 20/11; Williams 101/71. Umpires - HP: Carl Ramsey 1B: Erick Holden 3B: Brian Hertzog Start: 3:35 Time: 1:42 Attendance: 223

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 51

Games 15 & 16: March 1-2, 2015 MSU Billings 11, Central Washington 9 Central Washington 4, MSU Billings 3

‘Jackets fight back for 11-9 win in Game 1, second game suspended tied 3-3 in 8th March 1, 2015 Trevor Nix hits a big three-run home run to give MSUB the lead in the eighth inning of Game 1, and Game 2 is currently suspended after a solo blast by Luke Reinschmidt sends it to extra innings. ELLENSBURG, Wash. – A game-tying solo home run by Luke Reinschmidt sent the series finale between the Montana State University Billings and Central Washington baseball teams into extra innings, and the game has been suspended due to darkness tied at 3-3 in the top of the eighth, to be resumed Monday at 1 p.m. Mountain time. The Yellowjackets received a huge three-run home run from Trevor Nix in the top of the eighth in Game 1, sparking a come-from-behind 11-9 victory. Scheduled for seven innings, the final game of the series was prolonged by Reinschmidt’s clutch blast and MSUB starter Jake Campeau’s shutdown inning in the bottom of the seventh. With the win in Game 1, MSUB improved to 5-10 on the season and 2-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. Central Washington is now 6-5 and 1-2 in conference action. “This was a great team win for us,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Trevor had a great game at the plate and we definitely needed someone to put us over the top.” 52 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

CWU’s Darren Honeysett hit his third home run of the series in the second game Sunday, and also had a big RBI double in Game 1 of the doubleheader. A full recap of Game 2 will follow on Monday upon the completion of the series. “The suspended game is a challenge for both teams, because it impacts pitching so much,” commented Bishop. “It should be an exciting finish tomorrow.” Game 1 – MSU Billings 11, Central Washington 9 The middle of MSUB’s order combined for 10 hits and had all eight of the team’s RBIs. Nix had great timing with his first home run of the season, as it pushed the Yellowjackets back in front, 10-8 with two outs in the eighth. Benjamin Dunbar answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth to pull CWU within one, but the ‘Jackets added an insurance run in the top of the ninth as Reinschmidt scored on a balk. MSUB starter Tanner Johnson lasted 4 1/3 innings, striking out four and scattering five hits. Despite allowing six runs, only two were earned as CWU capitalized on four MSUB errors. Jake Mills earned the victory for MSUB, throwing the final three innings and helping the ‘Jackets hold on for the win. Junior right hander Lee Busto was crucial in relief of Johnson, as he blanked CWU for 1 2/3 innings and did not allow a hit while striking out one. “Our pitching staff did a great job keeping us in the game, and Jake was solid to close it out,” Bishop said. For the Wildcats, Alhanon Miller was tagged with his first loss of the season after surrendering the late home run to Nix. CWU starter Mitch Yada threw three innings and struck out four, while allowing five runs on six hits with a pair of walks. The lead changed hands six times throughout the game, but in the end it was big individual innings from MSUB offensively that made the difference. Trailing 3-0 in the third, Reinschmidt, Brody Miller and Kevin Toon strung three singles together to give the ‘Jackets their first two runs of the game. Colter Sternhagen followed with a big two-out single that plated Toon and Miller, as MSUB jumped ahead 4-3. The Wildcats responded in the bottom of the frame, as a pair of walks and an error loaded the bases. A hit batter and a wild pitch later and CWU was back on top, 5-4. MSUB picked up two more runs in the fourth thanks in part to a CWU error, and a single Wildcat run in the fifth evened the score at 6-6. Reinschmidt drove Kyle Durbin in with a double down the line in right in the sixth, but another fielding miscue by the ‘Jackets in the seventh allowed the tying run to cross the plate. After homering twice on Saturday, Honeysett split the gap in left center with a double that gave CWU an 8-7 edge, but MSUB took the lead for good with Nix’s heroics in the eighth. Nix was one of five Yellowjackets to finish with a pair of hits in the game, and he, Toon and Sternhagen each had multiple RBIs. The senior catcher was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. Honeysett finished 3-for-5 for the Wildcats, and he and Dunbar each had a pair of RBIs. Jonathan Dailey was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and he made six plays defensively at shortstop. Game 2 – MSU Billings 3, Central Washington 3 – SUSPENDED, TOP 8TH RECORD WATCH: With four at bats in the first game, Miller became the MSUB career leader in that category, upping his total to 586…the previous record of 585 was held by Matt Schoonover, who played at MSUB from 2007-10…Miller is now five hits away from tying the all-time mark of 213, also set by Schoonover…the senior second baseman also needs just three more assists to tie Schoonover’s career record of 377. THE BUZZ: Chandler Tracy of Saint Martin’s also hit his sixth home run of the season Sunday, as he and Reinschmidt kept pace with one another as the co-leaders of the GNAC…with the Game 1 victory, MSUB has now won four of its last five games. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 53

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Central Washington (Game 1) Mar 01, 2015 at Ellensburg, Wash (CWU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 11 (5-10,2-1 GNAC) Player

Durbin,Kyle 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Morris,Corey ss Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Johnson,Tanner p Busto,Lee p Mills,Jake p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Central Washington

5 5 4 6 3 4 5 5 4 0 0 0

2 2 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

Central Washington 9 (6-5,1-2 GNAC) a

lob

0 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 1 0 2 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0

1 11 0 1 5 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 6 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

4 0 0 1 0 2 3 1 1 0 0 0

41 11 13

27 10

Player

Welch,Cory lf Honeysett,Darren rf Bielec,Kasey 3b Fuller,Randy 1b Dunbar,Benjamin c Beckman,Jeff 2b Dailey,Jonathan ss Reay,Zach dh Darlington,Mitchell pr Atkinson,Ryan ph Pernell,Austin cf Yada,Mitch p Miller,Alhanon p Hamilton,Dustin p Totals

0 2

0 1

4 2

2 0

0 1

1 0

0 2

3 1

1 0

R H 11 13 9 10

6 5 5 3 4 4 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

1 3 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 10

lob

1 3 0 8 9 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0

1 0 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0

27 11

E 4 3

E - Durbin(3); Reinschmidt(2); Sternhagen(4); Mills(1); Honeysett(1); Bielec(1); Dailey(2). DP - Yellowjacket 1. LOB - Yellowjacket 14; Wildcats 12. 2B - Reinschmidt(4); Berkram(1); Honeysett(3); Dailey(2). HR - Nix(1); Dunbar(1). HBP - Sternhagen; Fuller; Dunbar; Reay. SH - Morris(1); Reay(3). SB - Sternhagen(1); Honeysett(2); Dailey(4); Darlington(1). CS - Welch(1). MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Busto,Lee Mills,Jake

r er bb so ab bf

4.1 5 6 2 5 4 18 26 1.2 0 0 0 2 1 4 7 3.0 5 3 3 2 0 13 15

109 22 58

Central Washington

Yada,Mitch Miller,Alhanon Hamilton,Dustin

3.0 4.2 1.1

6 7 0

5 5 1

er bb so ab

4 3 1

2 3 4

4 15 17 3 22 27 2 4 8

Win - Mills (1-0). Loss - Miller (0-1). Save - None. WP - Johnson(1); Yada(3); Miller(1). HBP - by Johnson (Reay); by Johnson (Fuller); by Busto (Dunbar); by Miller (Sternhagen). BK - Johnson(1); Hamilton 3(3). PB - Nix 3(5); Dunbar 2(8). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 2/1; Miller 1/1; Hamilton 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Johnson 109/63; Busto 22/11; Mills 58/34; Yada 70/43; Miller 80/50; Hamilton 36/16. Umpires - HP: Brian Hertzog 1B: Carl Ramsey 3B: Erick Holden Start: Noon Time: 3:05 Attendance: Yada faced 1 batter in the 4th.

54 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

80 36

Wildcats win in wild walk-off fashion, defeat ‘Jackets 4-3 in series finale

March 2, 2015 After being suspended with the score tied 3-3 heading to the top of the eighth on Sunday due to darkness, Central Washington wins in the bottom of the inning Monday 4-3 over MSUB in baseball. ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Nearly 24 hours after the first pitch, Kasey Bielec of Central Washington hit a walk-off double as the Wildcats completed a 4-3, extra-inning win over the Montana State University Billings baseball team in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference matchup that wrapped up Monday at the CWU Baseball Field. Facing a 3-2 deficit entering the last inning on Sunday, MSUB’s Luke Reinschmidt came up huge with his sixth home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning. After CWU failed to score in the bottom of the frame, the game was put on hold due to darkness before the start of the eighth inning. Resuming action on Monday at 1 p.m. Mountain time, the Yellowjackets came close to scoring in the top of the eighth as Casey Merritt reached third before a ground out ended the inning. CWU followed MSUB’s lead in the bottom half, but with two outs Bielec’s hit fell in the outfield and Benjamin Dunbar came across the plate for the winning run. The victory helped CWU (8-6, 2-2 GNAC) earn a split in the series with the ‘Jackets, after MSUB won games one and three. The Yellowjackets fell to 5-11 and 2-2 in conference play with the loss. “This was a tough loss for our guys today,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “We competed our tails off for the entire series and CWU is a solid club. I am proud of our effort and we are looking forward to the upcoming series at Cal Baptist.” Reinschmidt and Brody Miller each had a pair of hits for the ‘Jackets, and they each drove in a run as well.

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Jake Campeau had an excellent start for MSUB, throwing seven strong innings with five strikeouts and zero walks, as he scattered three CWU hits and allowed three runs on Sunday. Lee Busto (0-5) took the loss for MSUB as he surrendered Bielec’s game-winning double in the eighth. Cory Welch had a strong start for CWU as well, spreading eight hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings on Sunday. Davis Engel (2-1) entered on Monday and stranded Merritt on third to earn his second victory of the season. Reinschmidt singled and stole his fourth base of the season in the first, but Welch stranded the Yellowjackets’ center fielder in scoring position. Campeau retired the first three batters of the game, and an error on the Yellowjackets in the second allowed CWU to take a 1-0 lead. A two-out single by Jeff Beckman plated Randy Fuller, who led off the inning by reaching on a misplayed ground ball. An RBI double by Miller helped MSUB answer back in the third, as he plated Kyle Durbin and tied the score at 1-1. Darren Honeysett hit his third home run of the series in the bottom of the frame, but thanks to a pair of ground outs to start the inning his swing of the bat accounted for just one run. Campeau settled into a groove after giving up the long ball, retiring the next seven Wildcats. Welch was equally effective, blanking MSUB in the fourth and fifth. An infield single by Trevor Nix to lead off the sixth led to a game-tying run, as he eventually came around to score on a throwing error on a ground ball hit by Bret Bitow. Welch helped himself out in the bottom half however, leading off with a base hit through the right side. Honeysett moved him over with a sacrifice bunt, and after Welch got to third on a wild pitch Bielec plated him with a fly ball to left. Down to their final three outs in the seven-inning series finale, Reinschmidt temporarily extended the game with his solo blast in the seventh. Campeau was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his strong starting effort. Reinschmidt is now tied with Chandler Tracy of Saint Martin’s for the GNAC lead in home runs with six. NEXT UP: The Yellowjackets remain on the road this week, scheduled to play four nine-inning games Wednesday through Saturday in Riverside, Calif., against Cal Baptist. The first three games will start at 7 p.m. Mountain time under the lights, and the series finale is set for a noon Mountain time first pitch.

56 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Central Washington (Game 2) Mar 01, 2015 at Ellensburg, WA (CWU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 3 (5-11,2-2 GNAC) Player

Kyle Durbin ss Luke Reinschmidt cf Miller, B. 2b Kevin Toon 1b Colter Sternhagen 3b Trevor Nix dh/c Casey Merritt lf Landon Peterson c Corey Morris ph Bret Bitow rf Jake Campeau p Lee Busto p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Central Washington

h rbi

Central Washington 4 (8-6,2-2 GNAC)

lob

5 2 4 3 4 4 2 1 0 4 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0

0 0 5 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 13 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

4 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0

23 13

0 0

0 1

1 1

0 0

1 1

1 0

0 1

Player

Welch,Cory p/dh Honeysett,Darren rf Bielec,Kasey 3b Fuller,Randy 1b Dailey,Jonathan ss Atkinson,Ryan lf Beckman,Jeff 2b Reay,Zach c Dunbar,Benjamin pr Wesener,Myles cf Engel,Davis p Totals

lob

4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 2 0

1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

h rbi

0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 2 1 12 0 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

24 11

10 R 3 4

H 8 5

E 1 2

Note: 2 outs, 2 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Durbin; Bielec 2. LOB - Yellowjacket 10; Wildcats 3. 2B - Miller, B. 2; Bielec. HR - Reinschmidt; Honeysett. SH - Reinschmidt; Toon; Merritt; Morris; Honeysett; Wesener. SF - Bielec. SB - Reinschmidt; Merritt. MSU Billings

Jake Campeau Lee Busto

r er bb so ab bf

Central Washington

7.0 3 3 2 0 5 23 25 0.2 2 1 1 1 0 3 5

Welch,Cory Engel,Davis

6.1 1.2

8 0

3 0

er bb so ab

2 0

3 1

1 25 31 0 4 6

107 14

Win - Engel (2-1). Loss - Busto (0-5). Save - None. WP - Campeau; Welch. PB - Reay. Inherited runners/scored: Engel 1/0. Pitches/strikes: Campeau 85/59; Busto 15/11; Welch 107/66; Engel 14/8. Umpires - HP: Carl Ramsey 1B: Erick Holden 3B: Brian Hertzog Start: 3:35 Time: Attendance:

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Baseball resumes road trip with 4 games at Cal Baptist March 3, 2015 After opening GNAC play last weekend with a series split against Central Washington, MSUB remains on the road for four games against Cal Baptist this week. BILLINGS, Mont. – After having the final game of the series extended into Monday because of a darkness delay Sunday evening, the Montana State University Billings baseball team split its first four-game Great Northwest Athletic Conference set of the season against Central Washington as the teams alternated wins over the weekend in Ellensburg, Wash. The Yellowjackets are off on Tuesday, before beginning a four-game series in Riverside, Calif., against Cal Baptist on Wednesday. The teams are scheduled to play four nine-inning games on March 4-7, with the first three being 7 p.m. Mountain time starts under the lights at Totman Stadium. Saturday’s series finale will begin at noon Mountain time, and all games will feature live video and statistics. MSUB (5-11, 2-2 GNAC) took the series opener over Central Washington 14-6, as the Yellowjackets’ bats rang loud in support of a big start from Brady Muller. Facing the reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Year in Game 2, CWU’s Brandon Williams struck out 13 and didn’t allow an earned run as the Wildcats responded with a 13-4 victory. The ‘Jackets battled for an 11-9 win on Sunday, and senior Trevor Nix played the role of hero with a three-run home run in the eighth that gave MSUB a late lead. After battling to a 3-3 tie through the scheduled seven innings in the series finale, Sunday’s second game was delayed and finished on Monday when CWU’s Kasey Bielec hit a walk-off double to end it 4-3 in the eighth. As a team MSUB is leading the conference offensively, averaging 7.13 runs per game and having hit a dozen home runs. The Yellowjackets have the most hits (184) and are tied with Northwest Nazarene for the most extra-base hits with 50 apiece. Additionally, the ‘Jackets have the best slash line as a team at .318/.395/.452, and have the second-fewest strikeouts among GNAC teams with only 124 in 676 plate appearances. 58 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

As a pitching staff, MSUB holds an ERA of 8.49 with 106 strikeouts and 91 walks in 128 1/3 innings pitched. The staff ’s average of 7.43 strikeouts per nine innings ranks second-best in the conference. HOT BAT LUKE: Luke Reinschmidt hit four of his GNAC-leading six home runs in an eight-game week at Dixie State, and the offensive outburst propelled him into becoming just the second player in GNAC history to earn National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association National Player of the Week honors. The junior center fielder continued his hot hitting against the Wildcats, batting .571 (8-for-14) with four RBIs, six runs scored, and hitting a crucial, game-tying solo home run in the seventh inning on Sunday that extended the series finale. On the season Reinschmidt is batting .391 and leads the GNAC in RBIs with 22 and runs scored with 19. He ranks second in the conference in slugging percentage at .766 and in extra-base hits with 11. MILLER MAKING MARK ON MILESTONES: Entering this week’s series, MSUB senior All-American Brody Miller needs just nine hits to tie the Yellowjacket career record of 213 set by Matt Schoonover (2007-10). So far this season, Miller has become MSUB’s all-time leader in at-bats (597), runs (104), doubles (37), home runs (16), RBIs (119), total bases (293), and assists (384). MSUB’s record books for baseball date back to the 2006 season, when baseball was reinstated as a sport. Miller currently ranks eighth in the GNAC in batting at .368, and he is one of four players in the conference to hold a slugging percentage north of .600 at .632. Miller’s 14 RBIs rank third in the GNAC and his six doubles are tied for second most. He is also one of eight players to have scored at least 10 runs with 11 this season. In the context of the GNAC record books, Miller is approaching or has already reached the top-10 lists in several major categories. He ranks fourth in assists, sixth in RBIs, eighth in hits, doubles, and total bases, ninth in at bats, 13th in games started (156), 14th in runs scored, and 18th in home runs. NUMBER SIX TREVOR NIX: Sporting No. 6 and playing a key role as a senior catcher for the Yellowjackets, Nix is off to a red-hot .383 batting average with 18 hits in 47 at-bats over his first dozen starts. The Tigard, Ore., native holds a .511 slugging percentage and .431 on-base percentage, and a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 having made the play on all 48 of his defensive chances so far. BITOW AND DURBIN TURN OVER LINEUP: Senior Bret Bitow and junior Kyle Durbin have established rhythm with one another as the Yellowjackets’ ninth-place and leadoff hitters, respectively. The duo has started the last 12 games in tandem at those positions in MSUB’s lineup, and on nine different occasions Bitow and Durbin have gotten on base in back-to-back plate appearances. Bitow, MSUB’s right fielder, is batting .333 so far this season (20-for-60), and has three doubles, two triples and a home run. He has also driven in 10 runs and scored 11 as a key contributor for the ‘Jackets. A triple play that Durbin turned at shortstop ended up on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top-10 Plays on Feb. 8 as he stole headlines in a game against Colorado State Pueblo. Overall the junior is batting .343 (23-for-67) in 15 starts and ranks second on the team in runs scored with 16 behind Reinschmidt. Durbin is reaching base at a clip of .397 out of the leadoff spot, and also has four doubles and 10 RBIs. Senior Bret Bitow.

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STEADY STERNHAGEN: Colter Sternhagen has provided a consistent supply of offensive production, leading the team in doubles with eight and batting .293 (17-for-58) so far in 15 starts. After missing all of 2014 with an injury, the third baseman is now reaching base at a clip of .400 and slugging at .431. His 13 runs scored are thirdmost on the team as well. OTHER NOTES ON OFFENSE: Filling a platoon role as a middle infielder, Corey Morris has started seven games and is batting .371 (13-for-35) and reaching base at .395…junior Kevin Toon has started all 16 games for the ‘Jackets and has driven in 13 runs while scoring 10…Conner Holbrook has complemented Nix behind the plate, batting .379 (11-for-29) in seven starts with five RBIs and an on-base percentage of .419…as a team the Yellowjackets are 8-for-11 in stolen base attempts this season.

Senior Conner Holbrook. MULLER, CAMPEAU FINDING RHYTHM: Over their last two starts, senior starting pitchers Brady Muller and Jake Campeau have gained momentum and given the Yellowjackets opportunities to win games. Against Minot State on Feb. 22, Muller tied a career-high with 11 strikeouts and allowed just three hits in six quality innings. He followed that with 7 2/3 big innings against CWU, striking out six and walking just one to help MSUB win Game 1. Overall in his last two starts Muller struck out 17 and walked just three, and allowed just one extra-base hit – a double – in recording a 2.63 ERA. He is now just 4 1/3 innings away from tying the MSUB career mark for innings pitched, which is held by Brian Howe (2008-11). Campeau has had a similarly-impressive stretch over his last two games, tossing six innings and striking out five against Dixie State and throwing seven with five more strikeouts against CWU. Overall Campeau has an ERA of 3.46 over his last 13 innings, striking out 10 against just three walks and scattering eight hits. STARTS, SAVES FOR JOHNSON: Pitching consistently all season for the ‘Jackets, junior Tanner Johnson holds a 3.93 ERA and has started three games and closed another. He took the ball from Muller and threw the last three innings to earn his first save of the season in MSUB’s 15-1 triumph over Minot State. He has also thrown 15 1/3 innings over his three starts, striking out a dozen and allowing just three doubles among 19 hits. OTHER MENTIONABLES FROM THE MOUND: Jacob Foley has had an excellent start to his career as a Yellowjacket, having allowed no earned runs in 2 2/3 relief innings…Lee Busto leads the team with 10 appearances, and has struck out nine in 15 2/3 innings…Jake Mills and Cody Cooper have filled in starting roles for MSUB as well, with three and two starts, respectively…freshman Griffen Pape has shown potential with 10 strikeouts in nine innings over four appearances and one start. 60 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MSU Billings vs. California Baptist University Lancers Wednesday, March 4 – 7 p.m. MTN – Totman Stadium Thursday, March 5 – 7 p.m. MTN – Totman Stadium Friday, March 6 – 7 p.m. MTN – Totman Stadium Saturday, March 7 – 12 p.m. MTN – Totman Stadium 2015 Record: 6-8, 0-0 PacWest Conference CBU enters Wednesday’s game having lost six of its last seven games including 3 of 4 last weekend against No. 9 Cal Poly Pomona. The Lancers kicked off a series against No. 3 Colorado Mesa with a huge 17-3 upset, but dropped the final three games against the national powerhouse. The Lancers’ series against the Yellowjackets this week will serve as their final tune-up before beginning PacWest Conference play on the road against Academy of Art on March 12 in San Francisco. Through their first 14 games, Stephen Lohr is batting .383 (23-for-60) and has hit two home runs with a teamhigh 13 RBIs. He also has four doubles and a slugging percentage of .550, and has made 84 of 86 plays defensively for a fielding percentage of .977. Zack Norris has also started all 14 games, and is batting .347 (17-for-49) with three doubles and a triple. He is one of three Lancers to have scored 10 runs on the season, and he is getting on base at a clip of .453 thanks in large part to a team-high 12 walks. Brian Ruhm leads the team with three home runs and has added 11 RBIs, and he holds a .229 batting average in a dozen starts. Andy Crowley is a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts, and is hitting .339 (21-for-62) with three doubles and a home run. On the mound, Jeremy McDonald has struck out 31 batters in 22 innings over four starts, and holds an outstanding 2.05 ERA. Adam Hofacket has also put up big numbers as a starter, striking out 25 in 26 2/3 innings with an ERA of 3.71 in four starts. Serving as a relief man and spot starter, Stephen Carabajal holds an ERA of 3.18 with 15 strikeouts and just four walks in 17 innings. He has held opponents to just a .210 batting average and has earned two saves this season. As a team CBU averages 5.42 runs per game while allowing 4.50. The Lancers are batting .309 as a team and have been successful in 19 of 21 stolen base attempts. CBU also has a fielding percentage of .961, and 31 percent of the team’s hits have gone for extra bases (48 of 156). CBU has an impressive team ERA of 3.53 and has struck out 111 batters in 120 innings pitched. As a team the Lancers have allowed just eight home runs in 473 at-bats, averaging one home run allowed every 59.1 at-bats. The Series: This will be the first meeting between the teams since MSUB reinstated baseball during the 2006 season.

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For Jake Mills, passion for baseball stems from unique father-son connection as umpires March 4, 2015 A senior right-handed pitcher for MSUB, Jake Mills has an umpire for a father, and this is what drives his passion for the game and pushes him to pursue the career of an umpire after his playing days. MSUB SPORTS – Coming set in a high-leverage situation late in the game, Jake Mills prepares to throw arguably the most important pitch of the day. The tying run looms on second base, and the Montana State University Billings baseball team has entrusted him with a precious one-run advantage in the final inning. The senior right hander studies the sequence of fingers thrown down by catcher Trevor Nix, an unspoken understanding between the two of the necessity to get this call right. The runner begins his curling descent into the base path as he takes a cautious lead off the bag, Mills straining his neck temporarily away from Nix’s target to stop his opponent’s feet. Fully set now, Mills delivers to the plate, a knee-high fastball that perfectly catches the outside corner, untouchable as it paints the black and meets Nix’s unmoved target. It’s a pitcher’s dream pitch, tempting but unhittable, and the type that suggests such control from its author that more often than not umpires are inclined to reward the pitcher with a strike call. But this time, there is no such luck out of the man in blue, no raise of the fist or emphatic bellow to signal a game-ending strikeout. He has called Mills’ work of art a ball, pushing the count full and the intensity of the situation to a new level. Many pitchers would struggle to stifle their emotions in such a situation, throwing up their arms or verbally expressing their disbelief at what, in their eyes, was a perfectly-executed pitch. But as Mills holds his glove up for Nix’s return throw, a stoic gaze covers his face, an expressionless look signaling the fact that he has already forgotten about the missed call and begun preparing to repeat the sequence from the start. 62 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Mills possesses a perspective that is rare among college players, but it is one that sets him apart and gives him an angle of understanding that even the most successful baseball players usually never come to fully grasp. Mills has been in that umpire’s shoes, wearing the blue and holding the balance of a game within his ability to fairly judge where a 90 mile-per-hour fast ball crossed the plate. After years of work on that side of the game, he knows that a reaction this time will only jeopardize his team’s chance of holding on to win the game. MONTANA TO IDAHO AND BACK AGAIN Mills was born in Dillon, Mont., but quickly moved to Burley, Idaho where he grew up in the town of around 10,000 people. He emerged into a three-sport athlete by high school, starring at quarterback in football and playing basketball to keep in shape for the spring baseball season. The 6-foot-2 right hander committed himself to pitching his senior year of high school, fitting into a position that draws many parallels from quarterbacking an offense on the gridiron. “You are in control of the game at both of those positions,” Mills said. “At quarterback nothing can happen unless you orchestrate it, and it’s the same thing on the mound. The game can’t go anywhere unless you throw the pitch. Everything is controlled at your fingertips.” Mills credits his development as a pitcher to his high school coach Devin Kunz and also to his father Craig. It was those two that taught Mills to have an approach on the mound and transformed him from the mindset of playing catch into being a pitcher. As college offers began to flow in his senior year, Mills elected to return to the state he was born in and attend Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont. It was then-Pioneer head coach Rob Bishop who initially recruited Mills. “I actually recruited Jake during my last year at Miles CC so I knew of him from his high school career,” commented Bishop who is now in his fifth season at the helm of the Yellowjackets’ program. “I followed him closely during his time at Miles and recruited him from there.” It was during Mills’s first two seasons as a college player that he took his game to the next level, applying what he had learned from Kunz and his father in high school and enhancing it through another huge role model in his junior college coach, Jeff Brabant. “Jeff is the most intelligent pitching guy I have ever worked with,” Mills said. “He passed on a lot of mechanical and conceptual stuff on the mound, and introduced me to a couple of new pitches. He definitely refined me as a pitcher and as a player as a whole, and turned me from a thrower into a pitcher.”

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A NATURAL FIT “Jake is a student of the game. He is always looking for an edge either mentally or physically. There is never an excuse regarding his performance and he always competes. There isn’t much more you can ask from a guy.” – MSUB head coach Rob Bishop on senior Jake Mills. Continuing his career at the junior college ranks, Mills knew it would be a matter of time before he had to transition from the two-year school if he wanted to keep playing baseball. His familiarity with MSUB’s skipper made MSU Billings a natural choice, and it didn’t take long for Mills to realize the difference in level of play in the NCAA Division II. “This is definitely a step up from the junior college level,” Mills said. “Here you are facing older guys who are more mature, and you have to step up, work harder and adapt to a quick learning curve.” Mills had no problem making the adjustment in his first season as a Yellowjacket, as he led the team in appearances with 20 and had the squad’s lowest earned run average at a stellar 2.98. Mills recorded 26 strikeouts against just 12 walks in 42 1/3 innings, and was a second-team all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selection as a relief pitcher. The immediate success Mills enjoyed was not easily attained, as he adapted to a new role moving from being a starter into the bullpen. “I definitely embraced that, and there are quite a few games that are lost in the sixththrough-ninth ‘bridge’ innings,” Mills said regarding his role as a closer. “It is nice to come in, take care of business and close the door when I need to.” No one appreciates Mills’s ability to handle dual roles more than his head coach, as Bishop feels he has a valuable arm he can use as an experienced starter or pressure pitcher. “One of Jake’s best attributes is his ability to be successful in many different roles,” Bishop said. “He was great out of the ‘pen all of last year for us and has given us a couple of quality starts early in the 2015 season. He is a great competitor and will do anything that helps our team succeed.” Mills credits Bishop with giving him every shot to be an impact player in different roles from the start, and his ability to shift his mindset from starting to relieving on any given day is perhaps his most valuable asset. “As a starter, you know 25 to 30 minutes before the game that it is time to get going,” Mills said. “There’s definitely a difference relieving because you don’t know when you’re going to throw. You could be in the dugout and the next thing you know you have to throw 10 warmup pitches and get out there.” As Mills has proven that he excels in tricky situations, he also credits his teammates for making the transition to a new school easy for him. The excruciating road travel the team endures with 15-hour bus rides to the West Coast helps bring the squad together according to Mills. “I wouldn’t have a bad thing to say about anybody on the team,” Mills said. “Everyone wants everyone else to succeed, and we all enjoy each other’s company, especially on those longer trips.” Sometimes those trips are passed with a three-hand cribbage game rigged across the laps of Mills, Conner Holbrook and Luke Reinschmidt. Others it is watching the “longest movies known to man” and listening to music. Others they may spend talking of the goals they are striving towards this season. “All of us seniors are on the same page thinking how nice it would be to end our careers with a conference championship,” Mills said. “That would be something I’d enjoy thoroughly if we could go out on top.” 64 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

BEHIND BLUE EYES Last year when the Northwest Athletic Association of Community College Baseball Championships rolled around, Craig Mills was preparing himself for his game assignments. For the seasoned veteran with decades of experience calling balls and strikes, working the championship tournament was just a routine he had grown accustomed to. But this time, when tournament coordinators realized they were short umpires, Craig turned his head and looked across the table he was sitting at towards his son. “Jake was sitting there and he said to me, ‘Dad, I can do it!’” Craig Mills recalled. “The assignor had actually worked with Jake in the past and it ended up working out for us to do the games together. As a dad that was a great feeling.” Umpiring is something Jake Mills has grown up with, as his father’s love for the game has transcended down to him. When Craig chose to pursue an academic scholarship rather than try to be a college baseball player, he made the decision on the condition that he would find a way to stay involved with the game that was his true passion. He began accepting assignments to umpire college games when he was 25, and when Jake was old enough he served as his father’s travel companion. “I would throw batting practice to him in the cages between games and he got to know a lot of my partners that I worked with,” Craig said. “I managed to get him hungry to start umpiring too, and he has spent a lot of time working American Legion ball.” More often than not, the father-son combo worked together, developing their craft in tandem while bonding on the road. “We worked quite a bit together, between Idaho Falls and back to Dillon,” Craig said. “It was really great father-son time and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” “My dad got me started umpiring at an early age, I think I worked my first Legion game at 16 or 17,” Mills said. “It is a really cool situation to be in because he passes his knowledge of the game on to me.” Particularly, Mills remembers umpiring games in which some of his now-current teammates played in. In last season’s NWAACC Championships, now-Yellowjacket middle infielder Corey Morris was standing at shortstop while Mills worked on the base paths. “I remember he kept asking me to take a step left or right in between pitches,” Mills said with a grin. “I’ve umpired for other guys on the team too like Jacob Foley, Landon Peterson, Griffen Pape and Casey Merritt.” Perhaps the most valuable thing Mills has learned from his time spent on the other side of the lines is the perspective of the officials of the game. He has been able to apply this to his own career as a player, and it is something that has helped him become stronger mentally. “It’s nice because I am able to put myself in their shoes when I am on the mound,” Mills said regarding umpires. “There is no umpire out there trying to mess up or make a mistake, and the last thing they want is to catch flak from a 21-year-old.”

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EXTENDING THE LEGACY Similar to his father, Mills recognizes that his days as a player on the diamond are limited. While this is his final season as a Yellowjacket, he is not ready to give up the connection he has to the game as his passion for baseball burns as strongly as his father’s does. Mills plans to attend the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School, a prestigious academy where the next generation of professional baseball umpires is bred and developed. It is a dream of his to continue his father’s legacy and pursue umpiring for as long as he can. “For now, my career goal would be umpiring and going to the Wendelstedt School would be the ticket,” Mills said. “It’s something I’m definitely going to pursue after college.” Craig is fully supportive of his son’s drive to become an umpire, and explained that if there’s any time to pursue a career as demanding as being a professional ump that it must be done at a young age. “Jake is in a perfect situation to pursue this,” he said. “He is going to have a great education behind him and he can always fall back on his accounting degree. My wife and I have always stressed the academic side with all of our kids, and that’s what I am most proud of with Jake as he will graduate on time after transferring schools and being a college athlete.” With a world of potential in front of him, there is no doubt Mills will one day find his calling on the field as an umpire. For now, he’ll get back to pitching out of tough situations for the Yellowjackets, and giving his team a chance to win. “I definitely like throwing in uncomfortable situations, first and second and no outs in a one-run ball game,” Mills said. “We call it ‘trial by fire, sink or swim,’ and there is not a lot of margin for error being a reliever. You have to step up, be good right away, and you can’t waste pitches.” You also have to realize that no matter what happens when your pitch hits the catcher’s target, whether the call is good, bad, or downright wrong, you have to get back up there, and throw the next pitch.

66 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 17: March 4, 2015 Cal Baptist 4, MSU Billings 3

Lancers walk off in extra innings, defeat ‘Jackets 4-3 in series opener March 4, 2015 The Yellowjackets take the lead in the eighth inning, but Cal Baptist rallies to tie it in the ninth and win it in extra innings as MSUB falls in the series opener 4-3. RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Jake Gallaway smoked a sharp ground ball into the hole at short, and Lohr crossed home plate in the 10th inning as host Cal Baptist University walked off with a 4-3 victory over Montana State University Billings in a nonconference baseball game Wednesday night at Totman Field. Trevor Nix hit a go-ahead RBI-single in the top of the eighth inning, pushing the Yellowjackets ahead 3-2. The Lancers pieced together a rally in the bottom of the ninth however, and Tyler Johnson came through with a one-out single to left that tied the score at 3-3. After the ‘Jackets were silenced in the top of the 10th, CBU loaded the bases with no outs before sealing the win on the base hit. “I am proud of our pitching staff,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “They competed all night against a tough team. We missed a couple of early opportunities that cost us. This is a great venue to play in and we will be ready to go tomorrow.”

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Kyle Durbin, Brody Miller and Nix each had a pair of hits for the Yellowjackets, who fell to 5-12 on the season with the loss. MSUB starter Cody Cooper logged five strong innings, striking out five and allowing just two runs on four hits. Jake Mills (1-1) suffered the loss, but didn’t walk a batter while throwing the final 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. For the Lancers (6-6) 10 different players each had a single hit, and CBU managed to earn the victory without the use of an extra-base hit. Both teams left nine runners on base throughout the game, and CBU committed two errors while MSUB had just one. A single by Miller in the first was the only noise the ‘Jackets made against CBU starter Adam Hofacket, and Cooper responded with a 1-2-3 inning to set the tone for the game. CBU threatened in the second, loading the bases on a two-out walk drawn by Gallaway. Cooper kept his composure however, striking out Luke Navigato and leaving three Lancers on base while avoiding the harm. The Lancers broke through in the bottom of the third, as Zack Norris drew a leadoff walk and Brian Ruhm followed with a single that pushed the former all the way to third. A bunt single by Andy Crowley plated the first run of the day, and a sacrifice fly from Antonio Chavarria two batters later gave CBU a 2-0 edge. A leadoff double by Miller in the fourth set MSUB up to respond, but Hofacket pitched around it and retired the next three Yellowjackets. Senior Brody Miller. Both starters did their part to keep the offenses at bay through the middle innings, and the ‘Jackets finally got to Hofacket in the seventh. Nix led off with an infield single, and back-to-back walks to Blake Loran and Casey Merritt loaded the bases with Yellowjackets. MSUB plated a run on a ground ball by Bret Bitow, but it came at the cost of two outs as CBU shortstop Gallaway stepped on second and relayed to first for a twin killing. Durbin stepped up with a clutch two-out single to center that brought home pinch runner Myles Berkram and tied the score at 2-2. The Yellowjackets secured the late, 3-2 lead, but the Lancers found a way to force extra innings and use their home field advantage to walk off with the victory. Hofacket threw 6 2/3 quality innings for CBU, striking out seven and walking three while scattering six hits and allowing a pair of runs. Austen Zimarik (2-2) earned the win for CBU, tossing the final 2 1/3 innings and striking out four with no walks and only two hits allowed against 10 batters. Cooper was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his strong start. THE BUZZ: This was the second-straight game MSUB lost by the score of 4-3…MSUB is now 2-2 in extra-inning games this season…with his two hits, Miller moved within seven of tying the all-time career mark of 213. NEXT UP: The series continues with another night game on Thursday, with a 7 p.m. Mountain time first pitch scheduled at Totman Field. Live video and statistics will be available via www.msubsports.com.

68 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at California Baptist Mar 04, 2015 at Riverside, Calif. (Totman Stadium) MSU Billings 3 (5-12) Player

Durbin,Kyle 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter ss Nix,Trevor c Loran,Blake dh Berkram,Myles pr Merritt,Casey lf Bitow,Bret rf Cooper,Cody p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Mills,Jake p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings California Baptist

California Baptist 4 (7-8)

5 5 5 4 4 5 1 1 3 4 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

lob

2 2 5 1 3 0 1 3 3 1 13 0 2 1 3 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

4 11

1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

28 16

Player

Norris rf Ruhm lf Crowley cf Lohr c/2b Chavarria 3b David 1b Pena ph Antoun dh Wetzel dh Morabito pr/dh Gallaway ss Navigato 2b Johnson ph Williams pr Fleming pr/c Hofacket p Booth p Gonzales p Zimarik p Totals

0 0

0 2

0 0

2 0

1 0

0 1

R H 3 9 4 10

4 5 4 5 3 3 1 2 1 0 2 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 0 1 1 5 1 11 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 10

30 15

E 1 2

Note: 1 out, 3 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Mills(2); David(1); Navigato(6). DP - CBU 1. LOB - MSUB 9; CBU 12. 2B - Miller(7). HBP - Sternhagen. SH David(1); Gallaway 2(2). SF - Chavarria(2). SB - Ruhm(4). CS - David(1). MSU Billings

Cooper,Cody Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Mills,Jake

5.0 1.0 1.0 2.1

4 0 1 5

r er bb so ab bf

2 0 0 2

5 0 0 0

5 16 24 1 2 2 0 4 4 1 13 14

np 121 11 9 35

California Baptist

Hofacket Booth Gonzales Zimarik

6.2 0.0 1.0 2.1

6 1 0 2

2 0 1 0

er bb so ab

2 0 1 0

3 0 1 0

7 24 27 0 1 1 0 3 4 4 9 10

101 4 10 40

Win - Zimarik (2-2). Loss - Mills (1-1). Save - None. HBP - by Zimarik (Sternhagen). PB - Nix 2(7); Lohr(7). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 1/0; Booth 1/1; Gonzales 1/0; Zimarik 1/1. Pitches/strikes: Cooper 121/73; Busto 11/9; Blehm 9/6; Mills 35/26; Hofacket 101/64; Booth 4/3; Gonzales 10/5; Zimarik 40/22. Umpires - HP: Bill Barnes 1B: Stephen Fritzoni 3B: Paul Graham Start: 6:00 PM Time: 2:50 Attendance: 143 Cooper faced 1 batter in the 6th. Booth faced 1 batter in the 7th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 69

Game 18: March 5, 2015 Cal Baptist 4, MSU Billings 3

EXTRA, EXTRA: ‘Jackets fall to Lancers 4-3 in longest game in GNAC history March 5, 2015 A 16-inning marathon ends with a 4-3 loss for the Yellowjackets, as Cal Baptist breaks an 11-inning scoring drought with a run in the bottom of the 16th for the win. RIVERSIDE, Calif. – For the third consecutive game, the Montana State University Billings baseball team headed to extra innings tied with its opponent 3-3. In the first two games, the ‘Jackets fell victim to walk-off hits in the 10th inning, but on Thursday they battled into the 16th before a line drive off the bat of Cal Baptist’s Jake Gallaway brought home Stephen Lohr for the winning run in a 4-3 CBU victory at Totman Stadium that marked the longest game a Great Northwest Athletic Conference team has ever played in. Gallaway had his second-consecutive walk-off hit, as he also pushed CBU (8-8) to a 4-3 win on Wednesday in the 10th inning of the series-opener between the teams. The Yellowjackets (5-13) lost by the score of 4-3 in extra innings for the third game in-a-row. The Yellowjackets rallied from a 3-0 deficit with three runs in the fifth, but neither team scored again until Gallaway’s game-ender 11 innings later. MSUB starter Brady Muller turned in his third-straight excellent start, striking out nine and allowing just one earned run in 8 2/3 innings of work. Muller scattered nine hits over the 37 batters he faced, only one of which went for extra bases. Jacob Foley (0-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season, and he was one of five relievers utilized by the ‘Jackets in the extended outing. Tyson Miller started and threw five innings for CBU, striking out seven and walking three while allowing three runs on six hits. David Herd (3-1) earned the win after throwing the final four innings and striking out five without allowing a hit. 70 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Colter Sternhagen and Corey Morris were the lone Yellowjackets to collect multiple hits in the game, and MSUB did not have an extra-base hit. Senior Brody Miller went 1-for-4 with an RBI and three walks, and made nine plays at second base without an error. A leadoff single by Zack Norris in the first was negated on a nice 6-4-3 double play turned by the ‘Jackets to back Muller. A two-out double by Ryan Williams in the second plated the first run of the day as CBU took a 1-0 lead when Taylor Wetzel crossed the plate. The Lancers made more noise in the fourth, as back-to-back singles by Williams and Nathan Antoun each drove in a run with two outs and made the score 3-0. Morris led off the fifth with a base hit into center field, kicking off a big inning for the Yellowjackets. Luke Reinschmidt plated a run with a hit into left, Miller drove one in with a walk and Sternhagen kept the rally going as he tied the score at 3-3 with an RBI-single. The ‘Jackets had another chance in the eighth as Trevor Nix reached on a fielder’s choice and made his way to third with two outs, but reliever Patrick Gonzales got out of the jam and kept the score tied. Entering the game in a high-leverage situation with the winning run in scoring position at second in the ninth, Lee Busto struck out Andy Crowley to send the game to extra innings.

Junior Corey Morris.

The Lancers loaded the bases in the 11th, but with two outs a line drive off the bat of Crowley was snagged by Kevin Toon at first base. The ‘Jackets had a similar opportunity in the 12th with runners on second and third but this time Michael Davis coaxed a groundout off of Sternhagen’s bat to end the frame.

Foley had a big punch out to strand a runner on third in the 15th, but CBU took the game the next inning after a sacrifice bunt from Antonio Chavarria set up the winning run at third base. On the game CBU left 16 runners on base while MSUB left 14. Nix stole the lone base of the game, and each team grounded into one double play. THE BUZZ: The ‘Jackets approached the GNAC record of 60 team at-bats in the game as they finished with 55… Toon and Nix each finished the game with 15 putouts, four shy of the GNAC single-game record held by John Rosti of Northwest Nazarene…Miller is now one hit shy of tying the MSUB career record of 213 held by Matt Schoonover…Muller was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…the previous GNAC record for longest game was set by Saint Martin’s this season in a 15-inning 8-6 win over Concordia (Ore.) on Feb. 22 in Portland. NEXT UP: The teams continue the series on Friday with another 7 p.m. start time at Totman Stadium. The finale is set for a noon Mountain time first pitch.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 71

2013 MSU Billings Baseball Mont. State Billings at California Baptist Mar 05, 2015 at Riverside, Calif. (Totman Stadium) Mont. State Billings 3 (5-13) Player

Fosnes,Drew dh Birch,Brad cf Miller,Brody 2b Andriolo,Joe 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Trevor Nix c Jordan Knoll ss Myles Berkram lf Loran,Blake ph Casey Merritt lf Bret Bitow rf Muller, Brady p Busto,Lee p Adam Cox p Jake Mills p Blehm, Lucas p Bryon Baker p Totals

Score by Innings Mont. State Billings California Baptist

California Baptist 4 (8-8)

6 7 4 5 6 7 6 3 1 3 7 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

2 0 0 4 4 0 2 2 7 2 15 2 2 1 3 3 15 1 0 6 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

9 18

0 0 2 1 4 3 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

46 18

Player

Norris rf Crowley cf Lohr c/3b Chavarria 3b/1b Wetzel 1b Morabito pr Fleming c Ruhm ph Macy c David ph Gallaway ss Williams lf Antoun dh Navigato 2b Miller p Gonzales p Davis, J p Herd p Totals

0 0

0 1

0 0

0 2

3 0

0 0

10 11 12

0 0

5 8 7 6 4 0 0 1 1 1 7 6 5 7 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

13 14 15

0 0

h rbi

0 1

lob

3 1 0 3 6 0 2 11 1 1 9 1 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 9 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

3 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

4 15

8 14

R H 3 8 4 15

bb so

1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 4 0 0 0 0

48 19

E 3 1

Note: 1 out, 2 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Sternhagen(5); Knoll(4); Berkram(1); Chavarria(6). DP - MSUB 1; CBU 1. LOB - MSUB 14; CBU 18. 2B Williams(1). SH - Sternhagen(2); Norris(1); Chavarria(3). SB - Nix(1). Mont. State Billings

Muller, Brady Busto,Lee Adam Cox Jake Mills Blehm, Lucas Bryon Baker

8.2 0.1 1.1 1.2 2.0 1.1

9 0 0 1 1 4

r er bb so ab bf

3 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 0 0 0 1

4 0 2 1 0 1

9 32 37 1 1 1 0 4 6 2 6 7 1 8 8 1 7 9

np 118 8 28 27

California Baptist

Miller Gonzales Davis, J Herd

5.0 4.0 3.0 4.0

6 1 1 0

3 0 0 0

er bb so ab

3 0 0 0

3 1 2 3

7 2 4 5

21 13 10 11

24 14 12 15

17 37

Win - Herd (3-1). Loss - Baker (0-1). Save - None. WP - Muller(6); Herd(3). PB - Nix 4(11); Lohr(8). Pitches/strikes: Muller 118/75; Busto 8/5; Cox 28/11; Mills 27/17; Blehm 17/12; Baker 37/24; Miller 97/56; Gonzales 47/34; Davis, J 53/32; Herd 54/37. Umpires - HP: Bill Barnes 1B: Steven Fritzoni 3B: Paul Graham Start: 6:00 PM Time: 3:56 Attendance: 132 Weather: clear and sunny

72 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

47 53 54

Game 19: March 6, 2015 MSU Billings 6, Cal Baptist 3

‘Jackets rally for 6-3 win over Cal Baptist; Miller sets MSUB career hits mark March 6, 2015 MSUB takes the lead in the sixth and adds on two more in the ninth to back an excellent outing by Tanner Johnson, and Brody Miller sets the MSUB career hits mark in a 6-3 win over Cal Baptist. RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Tanner Johnson threw eight strong innings, striking out seven and allowing just six hits as he led the Montana State University Billings baseball team to a come-from-behind 6-3 victory over host Cal Baptist Friday evening at Totman Stadium. Brody Miller finished the game 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, and became the Yellowjackets’ all-time leader in hits with his second of the night. He broke Matt Schoonover’s mark of 213, as his double in the fifth moved him to the top of MSUB’s list. With the victory the Yellowjackets snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 6-13 on the season. Cal Baptist fell to 8-9 with the loss, which was credited to Travis Booth (0-1) after allowing two runs in 2/3 of an inning. Johnson (1-0) earned his first win and walked just two of the 35 batters that he faced. The junior right hander pitched to contact well, collecting 14 groundouts and allowing just one extra-base hit to the Lancers.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 73

For the strong start, Johnson was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. Freshman Adam Cox came on in relief, pitching a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout to close the door. “We have been playing well enough to win lately so I am glad to see our guys get rewarded with a W tonight,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Tanner and Adam were exceptional tonight and our defense was solid behind them. Brody had a great game and has certainly earned a place in the MSUB record books. I am really happy for him.” CBU starter Jeremy McDonald struck out the side in the first inning, and fanned five of the first seven he faced overall. Miller lifted a sacrifice fly to left to help MSUB break through in the top of the third and take a 1-0 lead. The Lancers bounced back in the bottom of the frame, as a single to center by Antonio Chavarria plated two and a line drive down the line in right off the bat of Taylor Wetzel helped CBU’s third baseman score all the way from first. MSUB had a good opportunity as Kyle Durbin drew a walk to load the bases in the fourth, but an ensuing ground out ended the inning and the score remained 3-1, Lancers. After leading off the fifth with a double to left, Miller moved over to third on a fly out by Trevor Nix. Colter Sternhagen plated MSUB’s senior second baseman to pull MSUB within one, 3-2. The ‘Jackets took advantage of a pair of fielding errors by CBU in the next inning, as a groundout by Durbin evened the score at 3-3. Nix had another productive at bat, giving MSUB the lead as his single into left scored Luke Reinschmidt. No Lancer advanced past second base after the fourth inning, as Johnson worked into a groove and Cox finished perfectly. The ‘Jackets added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the ninth, as a single by Myles Berkram brought home Sternhagen and Landon Peterson plated another with a sacrifice fly to left. MSUB benefitted from six CBU errors, as only one of the Yellowjackets’ runs was earned. The Lancers left eight runners on base while the Yellowjackets stranded 13.

Junior Kyle Durbin.

AHEAD: The series wraps up at noon Mountain time on Saturday with a single nine-inning game. The Yellowjackets then resume Great Northwest Athletic Conference play with road games against Western Oregon on March 13 and 14, and against Northwest Nazarene on March 20 and 21.

74 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at California Baptist Mar 06, 2015 at Riverside, Calif. (Totman Stadium) MSU Billings 6 (6-13) Player

Durbin,Kyle 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Merritt,Casey lf Miller,Brody 2b Nix,Trevor dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Morris,Corey ss Foley,Jacob lf Toon,Kevin ph Berkram,Myles lf/cf Peterson,Landon c Bitow,Bret rf Johnson,Tanner p Cox,Adam p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings California Baptist

California Baptist 3 (8-9)

5 5 0 4 5 3 5 3 1 1 2 4 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 1 0 2 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

lob

3 14 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

5 15

2 3 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0

27 13

Player

Norris rf Crowley cf Lohr c Fleming c Johnson ph Macy c Chavarria 3b Wetzel 1b David dh Williams lf Ruhm ph/lf Antoun ph Pena pr/lf Navigato 2b Gallaway ss McDonald p Booth p Zimarik p Totals

0 0

1 3

0 0

1 0

2 0

0 0

2 0

R 6 3

H 8 6

lob

5 5 2 0 1 0 4 2 4 2 1 0 0 4 3 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

3 2 8 1 0 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

E 2 6

E - Foley(1); Johnson(1); Chavarria(7); Wetzel(1); Gallaway 2(6); McDonald(1); Zimarik(1). LOB - MSUB 13; CBU 8. 2B - Miller(8); Wetzel(1). HBP - Wetzel 2. SH - Bitow(2); Gallaway(3). SF - Sternhagen(2); Peterson(1). SB Sternhagen(2); Berkram(1); Bitow 2(3); Wetzel(1). MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Cox,Adam

r er bb so ab bf

8.0 6 3 3 2 7 30 35 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3

133 10

California Baptist

McDonald Booth Zimarik

5.0 0.2 3.1

5 0 3

2 2 2

er bb so ab

1 0 0

4 1 0

9 19 25 1 4 5 5 15 16

112 15 62

Win - Johnson (1-0). Loss - Booth (0-1). Save - Cox (1). WP - Johnson 2(3); Booth(1); Zimarik(1). HBP - by Johnson (Wetzel); by Johnson (Wetzel). PB - Fleming 2(3). Inherited runners/scored: Zimarik 2/1. Pitches/strikes: Johnson 133/86; Cox 10/8; McDonald 112/72; Booth 15/10; Zimarik 62/40. Umpires - HP: Bill Barnes 1B: Steven Fritzoni 3B: Paul Graham Start: 6:00 PM Time: 2:35 Attendance: 151 Weather: warm and windy

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 75

Game 20: March 7, 2015 MSU Billings 15, Cal Baptist 7

‘Jackets score 8 in the first, cruise to 15-7 win over Cal Baptist in series finale March 7, 2015 A big eight-run first inning sets the tone as the MSUB baseball team exits Riverside, Calif., with a 2-2 series split against Cal Baptist and prepares to resume GNAC play next week. RIVERSIDE, Calif. – An eight-run first inning gave the Montana State University Billings baseball team immediate momentum and the Yellowjackets built on it throughout the game in a big 15-7 road win over Cal Baptist in the series finale Saturday afternoon at Totman Stadium. Six-straight Yellowjackets reached base to start the game, as MSUB drove CBU starter Stephen Carabajal from the mound before he recorded an out. Colter Sternhagen finished 4-for-6 with three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored for the ‘Jackets and was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. Kyle Durbin and Brody Miller had three RBIs apiece, and left fielder Myles Berkram was 2-for-5 and scored three times. Bret Bitow hit his first home run of the season, and also had a double and scored two runs. MSUB starter Jake Campeau struck out three and didn’t walk a batter in 6 1/3 solid innings of work. The senior right-hander scattered 11 hits and gave up four earned runs, mixing in 11 ground outs and four fly outs among the 30 batters he faced. 76 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Lee Busto, Lucas Blehm and Jake Mills combined to finish the game for the ‘Jackets, and the trio struck out four without issuing a walk.

Junior Lee Busto. “This was a great win for us after two tough losses earlier in this series,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “It was good to see our offense respond after a few quiet games. Our bullpen was great all week, and that is a good sign for us.” Antonio Chavarria went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBIs and a pair of runs scored to lead CBU’s offense. Zack Norris also had a nice day at the plate, batting 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored. Durbin and Reinschmidt each had a base hit and a walk in the first inning, as MSUB set the tone with the eightrun outburst. Chavarria homered in the bottom of the first, but MSUB added three more in the second to push its advantage out to 11-3. After the ‘Jackets added another run in the top of the third, Chavarria notched an RBI-double as CBU scored two in the bottom of the frame. Campeau then settled into a rhythm, retiring seven of the next eight batters he faced. Busto came on in relief in the seventh inning for 2/3 innings, and Blehm and Mills each tossed an inning to finish the game. A leadoff double in the eighth by Berkram led to two more runs by MSUB, as an RBI single by Durbin plated the Yellowjackets’ left fielder and a sacrifice fly by Miller brought home Landon Peterson. The ‘Jackets out hit the Lancers on the game 19-15, and improved to 7-13 with the victory. CBU is now 8-10 overall on the season, and the Lancers left seven runners on base while the ‘Jackets stranded 11. The Lancers utilized six relievers to get through the game, and they combined for nine strikeouts and five walks while allowing nine runs. THE BUZZ: Yellowjacket pitchers did not allow a walk for the first time since May 1, 2014 in a 5-4 win over Northwest Nazarene…Sternhagen is the third Yellowjacket this season to record a four-hit game, joining Durbin and Miller…MSUB has scored 10 or more runs in six games this season, and the 15 scored Saturday tied the team’s individual game-high for 2015…all 15 of MSUB’s runs were earned. NEXT UP: The Yellowjackets return to the diamond next Friday, with a four-game Great Northwest Athletic Conference series on the road against Western Oregon in Monmouth, Ore., over the weekend. MSUB will then take on Northwest Nazarene in a road series before challenging Saint Martin’s in its home opener on March 27 at Dehler Park in Billings. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 77

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at California Baptist Mar 07, 2015 at Riverside, Calif. (Totman Stadium) MSU Billings 15 (7-13) Player

Durbin,Kyle 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter dh Morris,Corey ss Berkram,Myles lf Peterson,Landon c Bitow,Bret rf Campeau,Jake p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Mills,Jake p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings California Baptist

California Baptist 7 (8-10)

4 4 3 5 6 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0

1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

3 1 1 2 4 3 2 1 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

3 1 3 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

2 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

42 15 19 14

lob

1 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 8 0 14 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 2 0 2 6 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

0 2 1 4 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

7 10

27 15

Player

Crowley cf/p Morabito cf Norris rf Chavarria 3b/ss Antoun dh Pena cf Lohr c Fleming c Wetzel ph Macy c David 1b Navigato 2b Ruhm lf Williams lf Gallaway ss Rinehart ss Johnson ph/2b Porter 3b Carabajal p Herd p Davis, J p Gonzales p Stowell p Prater p Robinson p Totals

8 1

3 1

1 2

1 0

0 0

0 2

2 0

0 1

R H 15 19 7 15

5 0 5 5 4 1 3 0 1 1 4 4 4 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

0 0 3 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 15

lob

0 0 5 1 0 1 4 3 0 2 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

E 3 2

E - Morris(5); Berkram(2); Peterson(1); Norris(2); Davis, J(1). DP - MSUB 1; CBU 1. LOB - MSUB 11; CBU 7. 2B Toon(2); Sternhagen 3(11); Berkram(2); Bitow(4); Chavarria(2); Pena(1); Gallaway(8). HR - Bitow(2); Chavarria(2). HBP - Berkram. SF - Miller 2(2); Morris(2). SB - Norris(5). MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Mills,Jake

6.1 0.2 1.0 1.0

11 0 1 3

r er bb so ab bf

6 0 0 1

4 0 0 1

0 0 0 0

3 30 30 1 2 2 1 3 3 2 6 6

np 109 6 17 25

California Baptist

Carabajal Herd Davis, J Gonzales Stowell Prater Robinson Crowley

0.0 1.0 0.2 1.1 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.0

4 4 3 1 2 1 3 1

6 2 3 1 1 0 2 0

er bb so ab

6 2 3 1 1 0 2 0

2 0 0 1 2 0 2 0

0 0 0 2 3 2 2 1

4 6 6 7 5 6 4 6 7 9 4 4 8 11 4 4

Win - Campeau (1-1). Loss - Carabajal (0-3). Save - None. WP - Campeau(3); Prater(6); Robinson. HBP - by Davis, J (Berkram). PB - Lohr(9). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 2/1; Herd 2/2; Gonzales 1/0. Pitches/strikes: Campeau 109/73; Busto 6/5; Blehm 17/12; Mills 25/18; Carabajal 29/15; Herd 17/13; Davis, J 21/14; Gonzales 22/15; Stowell 41/25; Prater 13/8; Robinson 48/27; Crowley 3/3. Umpires - HP: Bill Barnes 1B: Steven Fritzoni 3B: Paul Graham Start: 12:00 PM Time: 2:50 Attendance: 192 Weather: hot and sunny Carabajal faced 6 batters in the 1st.

78 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

17 21 22 41 13 48 3

Number 6 Trevor Nix: From Little League World Series to Yellowjacket baseball March 11, 2015 After the unique experience of playing in the Little League World Series, MSUB baseball senior Trevor Nix finishes his collegiate career this season as a key player catching for the Yellowjackets. MSUB SPORTS – For most children at the 9-12 age range, Little League Baseball is when the fundamentals of the game are first developed. From throwing the baseball with a four-seam grip to keeping the head down on a swing, Little League is the environment in which boys first learn the ins and outs of America’s pastime. From parent coaches to free snow cones after games, the atmosphere of a Little League game is one that promotes having fun and enjoying the game above all else. But there exists a place, even at the most introductory level of the game, which embodies the true spirit of the game. A place where the grass is a little bit greener and the hands crafting the mound and chalking the base lines are a step up from the Average Joe volunteer at a given ball field. A place where boys are treated like celebrities, shepherded from place to place and limited in contact to the outside world – even from their parents. A place where the true international side of the game converges into one, a taste of cultural diversity rarely experienced by boys of this age. The place is Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Penn., and the setting is the Little League World Series. It’s a reminder that, if your team can bond together and play well enough, there is a promise land even for the most innocent and amateur of participants. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 79

Tune in to the Little League World Series, and you’ll get a glimpse of the fantasy world these boys live in for a week or two. From the ESPN-like video introductions to the microphones worn by coaches that capture in-game audio, it is truly a world-class production. It is an experience that garners local support beyond belief, with entire states and even regions banding together to back boys who have become hometown heroes. Step into the mind of someone who has participated in the LLWS, however, and you’ll truly begin to understand just how unique of an experience reaching baseball’s youth paradise is. Step into the shoes of Montana State University Billings senior catcher Trevor Nix, and you’ll find out just how far the game he loves can go, even at its lowest level. STAR STRUCK When Nix and his teammates from Murrayhill Little League in Beaverton, Ore., first pulled into Williamsport, the top of Lamade Stadium was all that was in their line of sight. The towering light poles and illuminated, white, “Welcome to Howard J. Lamade Stadium” sign commanding their gaze and beckoning them to venture forth towards the most unforgettable experience of their lives. “I remember turning the corner and there was the stadium,” Nix remembered. “It was unbelievable – the dream field.”

cluded – from getting in.

The team had no more than a few minutes to take in their new surroundings, as they were quickly delivered to what would be their new home for the next few weeks. Teams were stationed in The Grotto, a makeshift dormitory-style setup that was designed strictly for the young athletes and secured tightly to prevent anyone – parents in-

“The only contact we were allowed to have with our parents was for about an hour after each game, right inside the gates,” Nix remembered. “It was like a college experience for a 12-year-old.” With the setup of the LLWS pitting the top international teams against the top teams from the United States, The Grotto served as home to boys from across the globe. Stationed adjacent to Murrayhill was the team from Japan, and the two got to know each other well throughout the week. “Each U.S. team was put next to an international team by design, and we were right next to Japan,” Nix remembered. “That was a really cool experience and we learned a lot from them.” The swimming pool, arcade, table games, and full-service cafeteria hinted that Nix and company were in some form the youngest college athletes in the country. The lanyards they were provided with, along with two sharpies each for autographs, suggested maybe what they were about to be a part of was incomparable to anything. “I have never seen 12-year-olds sign as many autographs as I saw back there,” said Nix’s coach at Murrayhill Jeff Keller. “They kind of became the darlings back there. Here we were this Podunk team from Oregon and we just kept winning.” 80 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

All Nix’s team had done before arriving in Williamsport was win games, as they entered the tournament undefeated after cruising through the district, state, and regional playoff levels. After winning the Oregon state championship, Murrayhill took off on the road, with the return to their home state undefined. It ended up being a month-long (28 days) venture away from their parents and families, a rare journey for a band of sixth-graders to share together. One of Murrayhill’s opponents along the way in regional play was the Little League team from Missoula, Mont., which featured another budding young star who would go on to rewrite the record books at MSU Billings in his college career. “I remember we played against Brody Miller and the Missoula team,” Nix said. “We played them twice – in pool play and again in the semifinals.” Little did Nix know the connection he had made with one of his future college teammates, whom he surpassed as Murrayhill advanced to the finals. “We ended up winning a very close game in the regional finals against Alaska, and from then on it was all a dream,” said Nix. “It was surreal.” After losing the first game at the LLWS – the team’s first loss of the season – Murrayhill rallied for a couple of pool play wins and advanced all the way to the United States Championship game. It was there that the magical journey came to an end, as eventual champion Georgia knocked off Nix and his team. “It was a rollercoaster the whole way, but we definitely thought we could win the whole thing,” Nix said. “To lose was pretty devastating, but I told my mom before the game that it didn’t matter what happened from there on out. We had an amazing season and were never going to match it again.” Upon departing in what seemed like an hour after he arrived, Nix was headed 2,700 miles back to the West Coast and his home town of Tigard, Ore. His bags weighed heavier on his shoulders than when he had arrived, filled with relics of remembrance such as his home run ball signed by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and notable LLWS commentator Joe Morgan. But more than anything else, the dream he had lived and shared with his friends was one that had a permanent effect on the rest of his life. DOWN, NOT OUT The summer after Nix’s freshman season at Treasure Valley Community College, he began feeling his passion for baseball fade. After everything he had been through in his youth, through a successful prep career under head coach Tom Campbell at Tigard High School, the experience of college baseball left something to be desired. Nix was considering transferring to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore., to pursue his education and remain close to home. A week before classes were scheduled to start, he received a call from Greg Hawk, the head coach at Linn-Benton Community College, who had his eye on Nix since early on in his career at Tigard High.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 81

“I tried to recruit him out of high school, but he had already signed with Treasure Valley by the time we got to him,” Hawk, who has since retired, said. “I saw him play his junior year and had him in the Class 6A All-Star Series, and I knew by the time I contacted him again that he wanted to go to Oregon State. We were very fortunate to get him for his sophomore season.” “Coach Hawk called me that night and he was so excited,” Nix remembered with a smile. “I went on to play there and had one of the most fun years of my life.” It was during his season as a Roadrunner that Nix underwent some of his most important transformations, as his time spent with Hawk taught him much more than just about baseball. “Coach Hawk was incredible, helping us grow up and become real men,” Nix said. “He was very big on responsibility and helping us become the men that we wanted to be.” Even after helping Linn-Benton reach the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Baseball Championships, Nix was still convinced that his sophomore year would be his last as a student-athlete on the diamond. At the championships, Nix crossed paths with MSUB head coach Rob Bishop, who was impressed by the maturity and leadership potential Nix showed as a catcher. When it came time to decide yet again if he would say goodbye to baseball, Nix couldn’t help but give it one more shot and venture out to MSU Billings. BIG CATCH FOR THE ‘JACKETS “You coach for a lot of different reasons, but one is to have an impact on your players and give back to them. Trevor was one of those kids who saw that even back in Little League. We have always had a good coach-player relationship, but now that has grown into a friendship with love and respect.” – Jeff Keller on Trevor Nix. Nix knew little about Montana before electing to become a Yellowjacket for his final two season of eligibility, but from what he had come to know about the Division II level he felt it would be a good fit. Moving to an environment that was conducive to his biggest hobbies – being outdoors and hunting – was also appealing to Nix. Filling a valuable role for the ‘Jackets behind the plate, Nix has started 46 games over the past two seasons. So far through 15 games his senior year, Nix is batting .328 with four extra-base hits, 10 RBIs and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 71 total chances. “Trevor has settled in this year and is definitely more comfortable at the plate,” Bishop said. “His numbers early in the year show a drastic improvement in all areas on the offensive side.” In particular, Nix has fostered a strong relationship with the pitchers for the Yellowjackets, as there is a common understanding between them that carries off the field as well. “I’ve gotten really close with guys like Cody Cooper and Brady Muller, and they both love to hunt and fish like I do,” Nix said. “With those guys being pitchers, there is a certain kind of relationship and we have just meshed especially well together.” After getting off to a 2-2 start in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play, Nix has high hopes for the ‘Jackets in reaching the conference championship tournament this season. “I would like to go out with a bang and try to have the best record that Coach Bishop has ever had here at MSUB,” Nix said. “All of our coaches have been great, and Rob has been incredible being there and motivating me.” “Trevor is a people person,” Bishop said. “He is respected by all of our younger guys and does a great job encouraging and helping guys that need some positive reinforcement.” 82 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE After starting out his baseball career with an unimaginable run to the LLWS, Nix has had time to consider what the game has meant to him as he completes his career as a college player this spring. “Baseball teaches you more about life than people think,” Nix said. “It is a game that breaks you down and really teaches you how to deal with failure. It teaches you to be a teammate and have peoples’ backs, because it’s not a one-on-one game and one person can’t win the game by himself. “I have also learned a lot about school, and that we are here as students first getting our degrees. It is really important to start life off how you want to – on the right foot.” Nix will graduate with a degree in environmental science, and has spent time in an internship with Ballard Petroleum Holdings in Billings. To those influences in his life, past and present, the level of ambition Nix has displayed towards pursuing his career is not surprising. “I get the feeling that he has the ability to set his mind and heart on something and achieve it,” Keller said. “No matter what it takes to get there, Trevor is willing to do it, and that is an example of the passion that he has in everything he does.” Among Nix’s biggest role models are his parents Julie and Dave Nix, who have been by his side and had the chance to experience his baseball life along with him. “My dad has always been my inspiration for baseball and both of my parents in general have always been there for me,” Nix said. “They raised me to be a kind, responsible person, to smile, and to always do the right thing.” Each time that Nix comes to bat for MSUB this spring, somewhere in the back of his mind he’ll see the bright lights of Lamade Stadium. He’ll remember the sound of the thousands of fans, the signs held up by the Murrayhill parents spelling out the team’s mantra; Dream, Believe, Achieve. “The way I explained it to those guys is like we were writing a book, and every level of our season was a new chapter,” said Keller. “Every game was a page, and we were going to take it one page at a time.” For Nix, the piece he co-authored with his Murrayhill teammates was just one chapter of his own book, one that he continues to write today, one page at a time.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 83

‘Jackets get back into GNAC this week at Western Oregon March 11, 2015 After a four-game series at Cal Baptist last week, the MSUB baseball team returns to conference play with four games against the Wolves this weekend in Monmouth, Ore. BILLINGS, Mont. – Twenty games down, and eight to go before the Montana State University Billings baseball team makes its 2015 home debut, which is set for March 27 against Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent Saint Martin’s University at Dehler Park. Until then, MSUB will return to the road for a four-game series against Western Oregon this weekend followed by four more at Northwest Nazarene the following weekend. This week’s series in Monmouth, Ore., is set to begin on Friday with a 2 p.m. Mountain time first pitch in a doubleheader at the WOU baseball field. The teams will play another doubleheader on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. Mountain time start. Live statistics will be available for all games in the series via www.msubsports.com. “We feel like we should be able to go anywhere any time and compete with anyone,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “How Western’s preseason has gone and how our preseason has gone are very similar, and both of us are much better than our records show. We have both played against great competition, and the last two years there we have played really good baseball.” The Yellowjackets (7-13, 2-2 GNAC) are coming off a pair of big victories to close the series at Cal Baptist last week. Behind a great start by Tanner Johnson last Friday, MSUB rallied and overcame a 3-1 deficit for a 6-3 victory. The Yellowjackets’ offense then caught fire in the series finale, posting eight runs in the first inning on Saturday en route to a 15-7 victory. The ‘Jackets lost the first two games in the series by the score of 4-3, and set a GNAC record for the longest game in conference history when their bout against the Lancers lasted 16 innings last Thursday. In MSUB’s win on Friday, senior second baseman Brody Miller became the program’s all-time hits leader, lashing a double in the fifth inning to give him 214 in his four-year career. The previous mark was held by Matt Schoonover (2007-10), and Miller now ranks seventh in GNAC history in hits with 215.

84 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

GNAC 200 Hit Club Rk. Hits Name School Years Played 1 295 Jamie Nilsen Central Washington 2005-08 2 276 Joey Price Western Oregon 1999-02 3 241 Sean McDonald Northwest Nazarene 2009-12 4 235 Greg McCarthy Western Oregon 2002-05 5 222 Shane Schoeneberg Saint Martin’s 2005, 2007-09 6 218 Bryce Gardinier Western Oregon 2000-03 7 215 Brody Miller MSU Billings 2012-15 8 209 Travis Chetock Western Oregon 2000-03 9 204 Matt Lowe Northwest Nazarene 2000-03 MILLER, MULLER MOVING UP: While Miller continues to rewrite the MSUB record books, senior lefthander Brady Muller is taking care of the pitching side as he became the Yellowjackets’ career leader in innings pitched with his start last week. He is also steadily ascending the GNAC ranks, as his 34 strikeouts this season rank fourth in the league. His 10.09 strikeouts per nine innings is the second-best mark behind reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Year Brandon Williams’s 13.14, and Colben McGuire of Northwest Nazarene is the only other pitcher to average more than 10 in that category among qualifiers. “It’s good to see Brady get over the hump and have two or three good starts in-a-row,” Bishop said. “I am really confident in our guys and whoever we throw out there that we can compete.” Miller has raised his batting average to .369, which ranks seventh in the conference and second on the team. His 19 RBIs are tied for third-most in the GNAC, and he has an on-base percentage of .450 and a slugging percentage of .607. The second baseman has not made an error in his last 52 chances, holding a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage over his last 11 games. Miller is also the owner of a modest six-game hitting streak, and has reached base in each of his last nine games. “Last weekend was really good for us down in California, and we got some momentum rolling as a team,” Miller said. “The extra-inning games are a big wear and tear on the body, but we just have to stay positive and keep playing with confidence.”

Senior Brady Muller.

MORE FROM COREY: Catching fire at the plate last week was infielder Corey Morris, who is now seven for his last 16 at the plate. He has raised his season batting average to a team-best .392 and he ranks fourth in the conference in that category. REINSCHMIDT’S HITTING STREAK: With a single hit in every game last week, junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt extended his hitting streak to 10 games and held his lofty batting average at .341. His 24 RBIs lead the GNAC and his six home runs rank second to Saint Martin’s Chandler Tracy (8). Earlier in the year, Reinschmidt was just the second player in GNAC history to earn the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association National Player of the Week honor, after he hit four home runs over an eight-game stretch at Dixie State.

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STERNHAGEN’S DOUBLE EFFORT: With three doubles in the series finale against Cal Baptist, junior third baseman Colter Sternhagen simultaneously tied a GNAC single-game record and assumed command of the top spot in the conference. No player has ever hit four doubles in a game in conference history, and Sternhagen became the 30th to total three. On the season he now has a GNAC-best 11 two-baggers and has bumped his batting average north of .300 at .312 in 19 starts. QUALITY ROTATION: Jake Campeau and Johnson have followed Muller’s lead on the mound, each finding a groove and pitching well as of late. Between the trio, eight of their last 11 combined starts have been quality ones, in which they have thrown at least six innings and allowed four or fewer earned runs. Campeau has walked just five batters in the 21 1/3 innings he has thrown, and has not walked a batter over his last two starts. Johnson has lowered his ERA to a team-best 3.76, and had arguably his best start of the season against Cal Baptist Friday. In eight innings, Johnson scattered six hits and walked two while striking out seven and allowing three earned runs.

Senior Jake Campeau. OTHER NOTES FROM LAST WEEK: Reliever Lee Busto, who leads the team in appearances with 13, made three last week and totaled two perfect innings and three strikeouts…with seven extra-base hits against Cal Baptist on Saturday, MSUB became just the second team this season to have six or more in a single game…the Yellowjackets have five total games with six or more extra-base hits, and no other GNAC team has more than one such game against Division II opposition. As a team the Yellowjackets are batting a GNAC-best .304, 10 points higher than the next closest team (Northwest Nazarene, .294). The ‘Jackets average 7.05 runs per game, and a GNAC-best 4.3 walks per game. MSUB is reaching base at a clip of .384 and slugging .421, and its 228 hits are the most in the conference as well. On the mound the ‘Jackets have a team ERA of 7.11 and have struck out 142 while walking 106.

86 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Friday, March 13 – 2 p.m. MTN – Monmouth, OR – DOUBLEHEADER Saturday, March 14 – 1 p.m. MTN – Monmouth, OR – DOUBLEHEADER Western Oregon University Wolves 2015 Record: 10-14, 6-2 GNAC Head Coach: Kellen Walker, 3rd season 2014 GNAC Finish: 1st (30-21, 22-10 GNAC) Standing as the 13-time reigning GNAC regular season champions and host of the first two GNAC Baseball Championship tournaments, the Wolves of Western Oregon have begun their 2015 campaign with a 10-14 overall record and a strong 6-2 start in GNAC play. After six-straight losses to open the season, WOU has responded and won its first two conference sets 3-1 over Saint Martin’s and Central Washington. Most recently, the Wolves suffered a 4-1 Game 1 loss to Central Washington, before storming back to win the next three over the Wildcats and take the series. WOU is being led by Matt Taylor, who is batting .355 with seven doubles and 15 RBIs and reaching base at a clip of .406. Garret Harpole has supplied the majority of the power for the Wolves, leading the team with four home runs and 20 RBIs while slugging .520. Cody Poznanski has proven to be a threat on the base paths with five stolen bags in six attempts, and Nathan Etheridge joins Taylor and Harpole as one of three Wolves to have 10 or more RBIs. The Wolves have a solid cast of pitchers, and Darrien Moran and Jesse Pratt have been the most consistent among starters with ERAs of 2.93 and 3.19, respectively. Pratt’s 32 strikeouts are fourth-most in the conference, and he has logged the lone complete game of the year for WOU. The Wolves’ bullpen has been outstanding as well, with Brady Miller leading the way with a 0.75 ERA in a teamhigh 10 appearances. Miller has 10 strikeouts against six walks in 12 innings, and has allowed only one earned run so far. Shawn Domke and Michael Bennett have both been solid also in relief roles combining for just 10 walks in 23 1/3 innings. Also earning a save this season was Jacob Storedahl, who holds a 1.12 ERA in eight innings pitched over nine appearances. As a team WOU ranks No. 2 in the GNAC in pitching with an ERA of 4.24 and has 156 strikeouts against 95 walks in 193 1/3 innings. The Series: The ‘Jackets have an all-time 9-49 record against the Wolves, and are 5-24 on the road against WOU. Last Time Out: The Wolves won both of the four-game sets played between the teams last year, 3-1.

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Games 21 & 22: March 13, 2015 Western Oregon 7, MSU Billings 6 Western Oregon 8, MSU Billings 1

Yellowjackets fall in extra innings in Game 1, swept by Wolves in doubleheader March 13, 2015 Despite taking a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth in Game 1, MSUB falls in 11 innings and then loses the second game of the doubleheader 8-1 as Western Oregon completes the sweep Friday. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Holding on to a 6-4 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning, the Montana State University Billings baseball team came up just short as Western Oregon rallied to win Game 1 7-6 in 11 innings and then stormed to an 8-1 victory in Game 2 as the Wolves swept the Yellowjackets in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference doubleheader on Friday at the WOU Baseball Field. The Wolves received late game heroics in the form of a two-out, two-run single by Nathan Etheridge that tied the score at 6-6 and kept WOU alive in Game 1. That set up Cody Sullivan’s RBI-double in the bottom of the 11th that brought Garrett Harpole around from first to end the game. “That was a tough loss for us after having a commanding lead,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop on the Game 1 defeat. “We will need to show our resilience Saturday and come ready to play.” WOU (12-14, 8-3 GNAC) carried the momentum directly into Game 2, scoring three runs in the first inning and never looking back in the decisive victory. The Wolves’ Jesse Pratt (4-1) was nearly untouchable, tossing a two-hit complete game while striking out six in the nightcap. For MSUB (7-15, 2-4 GNAC) Myles Berkram was the lone player to finish the day with three total hits, as he went 3-for-6 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored while playing left field. Etheridge and Harpole were each 3-for-6 in Game 1, and the latter added his fourth hit of the day and second RBI in the second game.

88 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 1 – Western Oregon 7, MSU Billings 6 (11 Innings) Sullivan stroked a double into the gap in left field, and Harpole scored all the way from first as Western Oregon completed a come-from-behind victory in the 11th inning with the 7-6 win. Sullivan reached base on an error with two outs, as the game-winning run was unearned for WOU. The Wolves were down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth, with the Yellowjackets clinging to a 6-4 lead. After an infield single advanced Austin Hamilton to third base, Matt Taylor stole second to put the tying run into scoring position. First baseman Etheridge came through with a huge two-run base hit into right field that tied the score and set the Wolves up for the extra-inning heroics. The ‘Jackets survived the ninth despite WOU loading the bases, as Adam Cox got Adam Bloom to fly out to left field and send the game to extras. Etheridge and Harpole each had three hits in the first game for the Wolves, while Berkram and Bret Bitow had a pair of singles each for the ‘Jackets. MSUB starter Brady Muller turned in 7 1/3 quality innings, striking out five and walking three while giving up four runs on seven hits. Muller’s counterpart Darrien Moran tossed six innings, striking out two and walking four while scattering five hits and giving up five runs for WOU. Cox (1-1) suffered the loss for the ‘Jackets, but allowed just two base runners in his two innings out of the bullpen. Shawn Domke (1-1) earned the victory for WOU, as he shut down MSUB in the top of the 11th and posted two strikeouts after Jacob Storedahl tossed a scoreless 10th. The ‘Jackets struck right away with a run in the first, as a Brody Miller single brought home Luke Reinschmidt. After loading the bases in the second, a ground ball by Jacob Whisler plated Etheridge as WOU evened the score at 1-1. Both sides went down in order in the third, and a leadoff walk drawn by Kevin Toon in the fourth foreshadowed a big inning for MSUB. Two-out singles by Berkram, Bitow, and Kyle Durbin each plated a run, as the Yellowjackets rallied to jump ahead 4-1. A sacrifice fly by Trevor Nix cushioned MSUB’s lead further in the fifth, as he brought home Miller from third to make it 5-1. WOU manufactured a run in the seventh and added on two more in the eighth on singles by Harpole and Bloom to pull within one run. MSUB gave itself an insurance run on an RBI-single from Reinschmidt in the ninth, but the ‘Jackets couldn’t quite hold the lead as WOU tied the score and rallied for the win.

Junior Luke Reinschmidt.

Toon drew four walks in the game for MSUB, which was out-hit by WOU 13-9.

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2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Western Oregon (Game 1) Mar 13, 2015 at Monmouth, Ore. (WOU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 6 (7-14,2-3 GNAC) Player

Durbin,Kyle 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor c Morris,Corey ss Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Muller,Brady p Busto,Lee p Mills,Jake p Cox,Adam p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Western Oregon

h rbi

Western Oregon 7 (11-14,7-2 GNAC)

lob

6 4 6 2 6 3 5 4 5 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

2 15 0 0 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 5 0 5 1 2 1 5 1 2 1 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 2 0 1 4 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0

32 16

Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss/2b Hamilton,Austin dh Taylor,Matt lf Sherwin,Michael c Etheridge,Nate 1b Harpole,Garret 3b/ss Sullivan,Cody rf Poznanski,Cody cf Bloom,Adam cf Whisler,Jake 2b Cameron,Sam ph Shaffer,Brenden 3b Moran,Darrien p Miller,Brady p Bennett,Tyler p Storedahl,Jacob p Domke,Shawn p Totals

1 0

0 1

0 0

3 0

1 0

0 0

0 1

0 2

1 2

10 11

0 0

0 1

R H 6 9 7 13

5 3 6 6 6 6 4 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

1 0 2 0 3 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 3 5 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 8 0 1 11 0 0 0 4 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 13

33 15

E 3 2

Note: 2 outs, 1 runner LOB when the game ended. E - Miller(5); Sternhagen(6); Cox(1); Hinkle(11); Miller(1). DP - MSU Billings 1; W. Oregon 1. LOB - MSU Billings 11; W. Oregon 13. 2B - Sullivan(3). HBP - Reinschmidt; Sullivan; Poznanski. SH - Nix(1); Hinkle(1); Hamilton(2); Whisler(6). SF - Nix(1). SB - Taylor(4). MSU Billings

Muller,Brady Busto,Lee Mills,Jake Cox,Adam

7.1 0.2 0.2 2.0

7 2 3 1

r er bb so ab bf

4 0 2 1

3 0 1 0

5 27 33 0 3 3 1 5 6 0 8 10

Western Oregon

103

Moran,Darrien Miller,Brady Bennett,Tyler Storedahl,Jacob Domke,Shawn

6.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

5 2 0 2 0

5 1 0 0 0

3 24 27

er bb so ab

4 0 0 0 0

4 1 0 0 1

2 22 28 3 9 10 0 2 2 1 5 5 2 3 5

Win - Domke (1-1). Loss - Cox (1-1). Save - None. WP - Muller 2(8); Mills(3). HBP - by Muller (Poznanski); by Cox (Sullivan); by Domke (Reinschmidt). BK - Moran(2); Storedahl(1). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 2/1; Cox 2/0; Bennett,T 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Muller 103/70; Busto 3/1; Mills 24/13; Cox 27/14; Moran 91/59; Miller 30/17; Bennett,T 7/5; Storedahl 18/11; Domke 17/9. Umpires - HP: Kendall Snyder 1B: Jim Shulock 3B: Carl Ramsey Start: 1:00 pm Time: 3:05 Attendance: Miller faced 3 batters in the 9th.

90 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

30 7 18 17

Game 2 – Western Oregon 8, MSU Billings 1 (7 Innings) Sullivan picked up where he left off with an RBI in the first inning, part of a three-run outburst that put the lead into WOU’s hands and set the tone for the game. The Wolves added another in the second on an RBI-groundout by Markus Hinkle. The Yellowjackets did not hit a ball out of the infield until the seventh inning, as an infield single by Berkram was the only hit for the ‘Jackets to that point. Pratt was aided by a pair of double plays turned by his defense, each time negating a leadoff baserunner for the ‘Jackets. MSUB starter Cody Cooper (0-3) threw five innings, striking out two and walking four while allowing five runs on four hits. Jacob Foley threw the final inning for the Yellowjackets. Cooper retired eight-straight Wolves during a stretch between the second and fifth innings, but an RBI-double by Harpole in the fifth plated the fifth run of the day for WOU. The Wolves then took advantage of MSUB’s fourth error of the game in the sixth, pushing across three more runs to put the game out of reach. Pinch hitter Casey Merritt reached on an error, stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball in the seventh inning, and came around to score MSUB’s only run of the game on a groundout by Landon Peterson.

Sophomore Casey Merritt. The Wolves left eight runners on base in the second game while MSUB left four. Berkram was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for the ‘Jackets for his team-best three hits. THE BUZZ: Reinschmidt and Miller extended their hitting streaks to 11 and seven games, respectively in Game 1, but both came to an end as the duo went a combined 0-for-6 in Game 2…Toon walked five times total in the two games…the Yellowjackets committed seven errors while the Wolves made four. COMING UP: Saturday’s doubleheader, which was originally slated for a 1 p.m. first pitch, has been moved up one hour due to a poor weather forecast. The teams will complete the series with a nine-inning game starting at noon Mountain time and a seven-inning game shortly thereafter.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 91

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Western Oregon (Game 2) Mar 13, 2015 at Monmouth, Ore. (WOU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 1 (7-15,2-4) Player

Durbin,Kyle 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin dh Merritt,Casey dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Loran,Blake ph Morris,Corey ss Peterson,Landon ph Holbrook,Conner c Berkram,Myles lf Bitow,Bret rf Cooper,Cody p Foley,Jacob p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Western Oregon

Western Oregon 8 (12-14,8-2)

lob

2 3 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

6 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 0

0 0 3 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0

0 3

0 1

0 0

0 1

0 3

1 X

R 1 8

H 2 4

Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Bloom,Adam dh Taylor,Matt lf Etheridge,Nate 1b Harpole,Garret 3b Sullivan,Cody rf Oliver,Brandon c Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jake 2b Pratt,Jesse p Totals

lob

3 3 4 3 2 2 3 2 2 0

1 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

h rbi

1 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0

0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 5 2 0 0

21 15

E 4 2

E - Sternhagen; Berkram; Cooper 2; Hinkle; Harpole. DP - W. Oregon 2. LOB - MSU Billings 4; W. Oregon 8. 2B Harpole. 3B - Whisler. HBP - Hinkle; Etheridge; Poznanski. SH - Whisler. SB - Merritt; Taylor 2; Sullivan. MSU Billings

Cooper,Cody Foley,Jacob

r er bb so ab bf

5.0 4 5 4 4 2 21 25 1.0 0 3 0 2 0 3 9

101

Western Oregon

Pratt,Jesse

7.0

er bb so ab

6 23 26

Win - Pratt (4-1). Loss - Cooper (0-3). Save - None. WP - Foley. HBP - by Foley (Poznanski); by Foley (Hinkle); by Foley (Etheridge). PB - Oliver. Inherited runners/scored: None. Pitches/strikes: Cooper 101/62; Foley 17/5; Pratt 81/45. Umpires - HP: Jim Shulock 1B: Carl Ramsey 3B: Kendall Snyder Start: 4:00 pm Time: 1:47 Attendance: 211

92 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 23 & 24: March 14, 2015 Western Oregon 14, MSU Billings 5 Gm. 2 Suspended in 1st

‘Jackets lose to Western Oregon 14-5; Game 2 halted in 1st inning March 14, 2015 Western Oregon storms to a 14-5 victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday, and Game 2 is postponed due to rain with MSUB leading 1-0 and having the bases loaded in the top of the first. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Using a pair of big innings, Western Oregon cruised to a 14-5 victory over Montana State University Billings in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball game Saturday afternoon at the WOU baseball field. The Yellowjackets scored one run and had the bases loaded in the top of the first in the second game of the scheduled doubleheader, before play was halted due to rain. The final game will be resumed when the Wolves travel to Billings, Mont., for a four-game series April 17-18 at Dehler Park. Game 1 – Western Oregon 14, MSU Billings 5 Despite jumping out to a 3-0 lead through two innings, the Yellowjackets could not avoid allowing big innings as Western Oregon scored six in the fourth and packed on five more in the eighth to secure its third win in the series. The Yellowjackets (7-16, 2-5 GNAC) were hampered by three errors in the game, while the Wolves (13-14, 9-2 GNAC) played error-free baseball. Garrett Alvarez started for WOU and threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing four walks and five runs while striking out four and giving up four hits. Shawn Domke, Brady Miller, and Jacob Storedahl combined to finish the game without allowing a run out of the Wolves’ bullpen. Yellowjacket starter Tanner Johnson (1-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing eight runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and a walk in 3 2/3 innings. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 93

Matt Taylor went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored for the Wolves, as the team’s third-place hitter propelled their offense. Marcus Hinkle and Nathan Etheridge also had multiple hits in the game, and Garret Harpole scored three runs. For the ‘Jackets, Brody Miller went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored, and catcher Conner Holbrook also drove in a pair of runs. Corey Morris was 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored, and three assists defensively for MSUB. Johnson retired the side in order in the bottom of the first, and the ‘Jackets jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second. Kevin Toon drew a leadoff walk – his sixth of the series – and after a double by Morris a sacrifice fly by Holbrook plated the former and gave MSUB a 1-0 lead. Two more walks loaded the bases, and a two-out, two-run single by Miller gave Johnson some breathing room with a 3-0 edge. MSUB’s starter retired the first seven batters he faced overall, but the Wolves started a rally in the bottom of the third by executing a double steal of second and home. A wild pitch allowed Jacob Whisler to score, as WOU pulled within a single run, 3-2. After Alvarez cruised through the Yellowjackets’ batters 1-2-3 in the fourth, the Wolves rewarded him with six runs in the bottom of the frame. A bunt single by Cody Sullivan loaded the bases, and an ensuing groundout by Whisler followed by a single from Hinkle gave WOU its first lead of the day, 4-3. WOU didn’t look back after that, tacking on four more runs in the fourth and taking an 8-3 advantage. The Yellowjackets showed signs of life in the fifth as they responded with a pair of runs. Colter Sternhagen punched an RBI-single through the left side, and Miller crossed the plate on a walk drawn by Holbrook. MSUB’s bats went quiet after the fifth however, as the ‘Jackets managed just two more hits the rest of the way. Five different Wolves drove in a run in the eighth, as WOU put any thought of an MSUB comeback out of question. Miller was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. Game 2 – MSU Billings 1, Western Oregon 0 (Suspended Top 1) Four-straight Yellowjackets reached base to start Game 2, before the action was halted due to unplayable conditions. Trevor Nix was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in the first run, and the game has been halted with the bags full of Yellowjackets and no outs in the top of the first. Play will be continued at the exact moment where it left off, at some point during WOU’s visit to Billings for the teams’ second four-game series midway through April. “We didn’t play very well in Game 1 but came out strong in Game 2,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Western is a good team, and we have some work to do this week to prepare for a good NNU club on the road.” COMING UP: Just four more games lie between the ‘Jackets and their home opener, as MSUB will face Northwest Nazarene next weekend in a four-game GNAC series in Nampa, Idaho. The teams are set to play doubleheaders on March 20 and 21, with the first to start at 3 p.m. and the second set for 1 p.m. 94 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Western Oregon (Game 1) Mar 14, 2015 at Monmouth, Ore. (WOU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 5 (7-16,2-5 GNAC) Player

Bitow,Bret rf Merritt,Casey ph Reinschmidt,Luke cf Loran,Blake ph Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Berkram,Myles lf Johnson,Tanner p Busto,Lee p Goldsack,Dylan p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Western Oregon

h rbi

Western Oregon 14 (13-14,9-2 GNAC)

2 1 2 0 5 5 4 3 3 2 3 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

lob

2 0 1 0 4 0 1 9 0 6 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 1 0 1 2 0

0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

24 12

0 0

3 0

0 2

0 6

2 0

0 0

0 1

0 5

0 X

Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss/2b Hamilton,Austin dh Rausch,Tim dh Taylor,Matt lf Sherwin,Michael c Etheridge,Nate 1b Harpole,Garret 3b/ss Sullivan,Cody rf Poznanski,Cody cf Oliver,Brandon ph Bloom,Adam cf Whisler,Jake 2b Shaffer,Brenden ph/3b Alvarez,Garrett p Domke,Shawn p Miller,Brady p Storedahl,Jacob p Totals R H 5 6 14 14

5 3 1 3 4 5 3 4 4 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 0 2 0 1 3 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 1 0 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 0 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

37 14 14 11

lob

2 0 0 0 8 7 1 5 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0

6 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

E 3 0

E - Miller(5); Sternhagen(6); Busto(1). DP - MSU Billings 1; W. Oregon 1. LOB - MSU Billings 8; W. Oregon 9. 2B - Morris(1); Hinkle(2); Hamilton(2); Sherwin(2); Etheridge(5); Harpole(6). 3B - Taylor(1). HBP - Bitow; Reinschmidt; Hamilton; Harpole. SH - Hamilton(2). SF - Holbrook(1); Sherwin(2); Sullivan(1). SB Reinschmidt(5); Berkram(2); Hinkle(5); Poznanski 2(7); Whisler(2). MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Busto,Lee Goldsack,Dylan

r er bb so ab bf

Western Oregon

3.2 7 8 8 1 2 18 21 3.2 5 5 3 2 2 16 20 0.2 2 1 0 2 1 3 6

Alvarez,Garrett Domke,Shawn Miller,Brady Storedahl,Jacob

4.1 2.2 1.0 1.0

4 0 2 0

5 0 0 0

77 30

er bb so ab

5 0 0 0

4 2 0 1

4 16 23 2 7 9 0 4 4 2 3 4

98 42 15 23

Win - Alvarez (3-1). Loss - Johnson (1-1). Save - None. WP - Johnson(4); Busto(2); Goldsack 2(3). HBP - by Alvarez (Bitow); by Johnson (Harpole); by Johnson (Hamilton); by Alvarez (Reinschmidt). PB - Holbrook(1). Inherited runners/scored: Busto 1/1; Goldsack 1/1; Domke 2/1. Pitches/strikes: Johnson 80/44; Busto 77/48; Goldsack 30/14; Alvarez 98/57; Domke 42/28; Miller 15/10; Storedahl 23/13. Umpires - HP: Carl Ramsey 1B: Kendall Snyder 3B: Jim Shulock Start: 11:00 am Time: 3:30 Attendance: 140 Weather: Rainy & 50 degrees

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 95

Yellowjackets return to the road to take on Northwest Nazarene this weekend March 18, 2015 Playing its final four games before its 2015 home opener, MSUB hits the road to take on Northwest Nazarene in a GNAC baseball series this weekend in Nampa, Idaho. BILLINGS, Mont. – With four more road games on tap this weekend, the Montana State University Billings baseball team returns to the diamond for a Great Northwest Athletic Conference series against Northwest Nazarene on Friday and Saturday in Nampa, Idaho. The teams will meet at Vail Baseball Field on the NNU campus and are scheduled to play a pair of 9-inning/ 7-inning doubleheaders. Friday’s games will start at 3 p.m. and Saturday’s are set for 1 p.m. Live statistics will be available for all four games via www.msubsports.com. The Yellowjackets (7-16, 2-5 GNAC) will then return to Billings to open a 17-game homestand at Dehler Park with four games against Saint Martin’s on March 27-28. Coming off of three losses at Western Oregon, the ‘Jackets were left in suspense as the final game of the series was delayed with MSUB leading 1-0 and having the bases loaded in the top of the first inning. Action will resume when the Wolves visit the ‘Jackets in April at Dehler Park. Entering the series against the Wolves having won two-straight games, WOU put together a late rally in the opener to tie the score at 6-6 and won the game 7-6 in extra innings. MSUB struggled to find its footing after the tough loss in Game 1, falling 8-1 in Game 2 and 14-5 in Game 3 before the finale was suspended due to rain. “We definitely need to come back strong and play good baseball coming off a subpar performance at WOU,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “My goal is always to win the series and that doesn’t change this week.” MSUB continues to lead the GNAC in many offensive categories, including batting average (.290), on-base percentage (.376), runs (153), hits (245), RBIs (136) and walks (102). On the mound MSUB holds a 7.22 ERA and has struck out 155 batters against 121 walks as a staff in 195 2/3 innings.

96 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MORRIS STAYS STEADY: Shortstop Corey Morris kept his team-leading batting average at .377 by hitting 3-for-10 against the Wolves with a double and a walk in three games. He also made 17 plays at shortstop without committing an error. MILLER MOVING UP: Senior second baseman Brody Miller had three hits, drove in three runs and scored twice in last week’s series. He is now in the top10 in GNAC career history in several key categories including third in assists (412), fourth in RBIs (127) and walks (91), sixth in hits (218) and walks per game (0.56), seventh in at bats (627) and doubles (39), eighth in total bases (307) and hits per game (1.34), and ninth in games started (163). GNAC 200 Hit Club Rk. Hits Name School Years Played 1 295 Jamie Nilsen Central Washington 2005-08 2 276 Joey Price Western Oregon 1999-02 3 241 Sean McDonald Northwest Nazarene 2009-12 4 235 Greg McCarthy Western Oregon 2002-05 5 222 Shane Schoeneberg Saint Martin’s 2005, 2007-09 6 218 Bryce Gardinier Western Oregon 2000-03 218 Brody Miller MSU Billings 2012-15 8 209 Travis Chetock Western Oregon 2000-03 9 204 Matt Lowe Northwest Nazarene 2000-03

Junior Corey Morris.

MULLER STAYS IN GROOVE: On the pitching side, senior left-hander Brady Muller tossed his fourth-straight effective start, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 7 1/3 strong innings against the Wolves. Over his last four starts Muller has accumulated 31 strikeouts while walking 10 and holding an ERA of 2.76. Muller is now in the top-10 in GNAC career history in numerous pitching categories including fifth in games started (36) and strikeouts (201), seventh in innings pitched (228 1/3), and ninth in wins (16). “Brady has been solid on the mound and we look for him to continue that this weekend,” Bishop said. “Game 1 is important to the momentum of a series and it sets the stage for how each team will use its bullpen for the remainder of the series. We definitely look to Brady to be a leader on our staff.” GNAC All-Time Strikeout Leaders Rk. Ks Name School Years Played 1 269 Nick Waechter Western Oregon 2004-06 2 246 Roger Evenson Northwest Nazarene 2003-05 3 231 Steven Schutte Northwest Nazarene 2002-04 4 223 Mike Ward Western Oregon 2007-08, 2010-11 5 201 Brady Muller MSU Billings 2012-15 6 185 Mike Eisenhauer Western Oregon 2007-09 7 179 Kirk Lind Western Oregon 2009-12 8 175 Neil Elder Northwest Nazarene 2000-03 9 168 Blake Keitzman Western Oregon 2009-10

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 97

OTHER NOTES: Starter Jake Campeau has shown excellent command over his last two starts, striking out eight and not allowing a single walk…the senior right-hander has walked just five batters in 21 1/3 innings on the season and has an ERA of 4.05 over his last two starts…Luke Reinschmidt (.319), Trevor Nix (.313), and Kyle Durbin (.300) are the other Yellowjackets besides Miller and Morris to hold batting averages above .300… Colter Sternhagen remains as the GNAC leader in doubles with 11 on the season in 22 games…Reinschmidt is the conference’s leader in RBIs with 25 in 23 games…after drawing six walks in the series last week, junior Kevin Toon ranks second in the GNAC in that category with 19…reliever Lee Busto made two more appearances last week, pushing his GNAC-leading total to 15 on the season. Friday, March 20 – 3 p.m. – Vail Baseball Field – DOUBLEHEADER Saturday, March 21 – 1 p.m. – Vail Baseball Field – DOUBLEHEADER Northwest Nazarene University Crusaders 2015 Record: 14-11, 4-4 GNAC Head Coach: Rocke Musgraves, 2nd Season 2014 GNAC Finish: 4th (18-31, 13-19 GNAC) Junior Kevin Toon.

Coming off of a 3-1 series loss to Central Washington, the Crusaders enter this weekend’s series with an even 4-4 record in conference play.

NNU is being led offensively by Josh Hatfield, whose .389 batting average ranks third in the conference. He also leads the league in runs scored with 25, and is tied for second in hits with 35. Andrew Helmstadter and Kyle Thomson are each also batting north of .350, at .385 and .375, respectively. Helmstadter leads the GNAC in triples with five and has 16 total extra-base hits and a slugging percentage of .637. Thomson holds an on-base percentage of .453 to go along with his lofty batting average, and he has stolen seven bases in eight attempts on the season. On the mound, starters Jake Reppert and Colben McGuire have been terrific, with ERAs of 2.01 and 3.43, respectively. McGuire leads the GNAC with 47 strikeouts, and has walked just seven batters in his 44 2/3 innings pitched this season. In the bullpen, Andrew Groves is leading the squad with four saves on the season, and has 21 strikeouts against five walks in 17 1/3 innings pitched. Overall the ‘Saders average 6.12 runs per game while allowing 4.96. NNU is batting .289, slugging .419 and reaching base at a clip of .370 as a team. The Series: NNU holds an all-time 34-30 advantage over MSUB, and is 16-12 at home against the Yellowjackets. Last Time Out: MSUB won five of the eight games between the teams a season ago, including the last two of the season series 6-5 and 3-2 in Billings on back-to-back walk-off hits by Brad Birch. “Last week, our defense, pitching, and hitting were all well below where we have performed all year,” Bishop said. “I fully expect our guys to respond with a great effort this coming weekend and throughout the rest of the GNAC schedule. NNU has a great club this year and it will be a good challenge for us. I’m looking forward to the series.”

98 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 25 & 26: March 20, 2015 MSU Billings 5, Northwest Nazarene 3 MSU Billings 6, Northwest Nazarene 3

Durbin’s doubles lead doubleheader sweep for ‘Jackets; Bishop reaches 500 wins March 20, 2015 Kyle Durbin hits two-run doubles in the final inning of back-to-back games, both times scoring the game-winning run for the ‘Jackets as MSUB sweeps NNU in a Day 1 doubleheader and head coach Rob Bishop reaches 500 career victories. NAMPA, Idaho – Kyle Durbin twice found space in left field on Friday, as he provided two game-winning, two-run doubles in the final inning of each game in a doubleheader as Montana State University Billings beat Northwest Nazarene 5-3 and 6-3 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball action at Vail Baseball Field. Durbin broke a 3-3 score in Game 1 with his first hit of the game, and then lifted MSUB from a 3-2 deficit in the seventh inning of Game 2 with another two-run shot that gave the ‘Jackets the lead 4-3 in the last inning. MSUB head coach Rob Bishop earned his 500th career victory with the two wins Friday. Bishop entered the game with 498 victories, in a career that started at Huron University, lasted a decade at Miles Community College and is in its fifth season with the Yellowjackets. His combined record sits at 500-289-1 dating back to the 1999-2000 season. The Yellowjackets improved to 9-16 on the season and are now just one game below .500 in the GNAC at 4-5. The Crusaders fell to 14-13, and dropped below MSUB in the conference standings now with a record of 4-6. “Durbin came up huge in that last inning of Game 2,” said Bishop. “I am so proud of how our guys kept fighting today. We have been on the short end of a few of these games so it feels good to get it done. Our pitching was great today.” Both Yellowjacket starters turned in solid efforts, and MSUB’s bullpen did not allow a single run in 5 2/3 innings of work. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 99

Game 1 – MSU Billings 5, Northwest Nazarene 3 Loading the bases while trailing 3-2, Bret Bitow drew a walk to tie the score before Durbin pushed MSUB ahead with a tworun double to left that proved to be the deciding factor. For the third game in-a-row and for the sixth time in their last seven games, the ‘Jackets scored first with a run on an RBI-groundout by Brody Miller in the first inning. The senior second baseman was responsible for the next run MSUB scored seven innings later, as his fifth home run of the season brought the ‘Jackets to within a run 3-2 in the eighth. MSUB starter Jake Campeau retired eight of the first 10 batters he faced, using four strikeouts and a double play to get through the first three innings without allowing a runner past first base. A leadoff walk drawn by Josh Hatfield keyed NNU’s first run of the game in the fourth inning, as he stole second and then scored on an RBI-double by Kaleb DeHaas that evened the score at 1-1.

Junior Kyle Durbin.

After MSUB scored in the first, NNU starter Colben McGuire retired 10 straight ‘Jackets before a leadoff single by Corey Morris in the fifth. McGuire had a hand in a double play on the very next batter however, negating MSUB’s threat and helping keep the score tied. The Crusaders picked up two more runs in the sixth, as Kyle Thomson led off with a single, stole second and scored on a ground ball by Hatfield. Andrew Helmstadter followed that up with a solo blast to left center field, giving NNU a 3-1 lead heading into the final three innings. Campeau handed the ball off to Lee Busto with one out in the sixth, and the Yellowjackets’ bullpen took care of business from there. Busto retired his two batters on ground balls, and Lucas Blehm allowed just two hits and a walk in two scoreless innings to keep the ‘Jackets in the game. After MSUB took the lead in the top of the ninth, Adam Cox closed the door quickly by retiring the side in order and ending the game with a called third strike to snap MSUB’s three-game losing skid. Blehm (1-0) earned his first victory of the season for the ‘Jackets, while the save was the second for Cox. Andrew Groves (1-4) took the loss for NNU, giving up the narrow 3-2 lead by allowing all three of MSUB’s runs in the ninth. Luke Reinschmidt and Morris each had a pair of hits for MSUB in game one, and Miller and Durbin each drove in two.

100 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

The Automated ScoreBook Montana St Billings at Northwest Nazarene (Game 1) Mar 20, 2015 at Nampa, Idaho (Elmore Vail Field) Montana St Billings 5 (8-16,3-5 GNAC) Player

Bitow rf Miller 2b Durbin 3b Sternhagen dh Reinschmidt cf Toon 1b Morris ss Holbrook c Merritt lf Nix ph Berkram lf Campeau p Busto p Blehm p Cox p Totals Score by Innings Montana St Billings Northwest Nazarene

4 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0

2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

Northwest Nazarene 3 (14-12,4-5 GNAC) a

lob

1 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 2 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 0 1 10 0 0 0 3 0 8 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

2 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 11

27 10

1 0

0 0

0 1

0 0

0 2

0 0

1 0

3 0

Player

Thomson,Kyle cf Hatfield,Josh rf Helmstadter,Andrew c Davis,Tyler 2b DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Glasgow,Tate 1b Campbell,Tucker ss Lightfoot,Matt lf Strange,Nick lf Hilyard,Jesse dh McGuire,Colben p Groves,Andrew p Loomis,Colton p Totals

R H 5 11 3 7

lob

4 3 4 2 3 4 4 2 2 4 0 0 0

1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

h rbi

0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 1 0 0 6 0 2 0 3 1 0 2 0 14 0 2 3 5 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 14

E 1 1

E - Holbrook; Campbell. DP - MSUB 1; NNU 2. LOB - MSUB 8; NNU 6. 2B - Durbin; DeHaas. 3B - Bitow. HR Miller(5); Helmstadter(2). HBP - Morris; Davis. SH - Holbrook. SB - Thomson; Hatfield. CS - Hatfield. Montana St Billings

Campeau Busto Blehm Cox

5.1 0.2 2.0 1.0

5 0 2 0

r er bb so ab bf

3 0 0 0

2 0 1 0

4 19 22 0 2 2 3 8 9 1 3 3

Northwest Nazarene

McGuire,Colben Groves,Andrew Loomis,Colton

8.0 0.1 0.2

8 2 1

2 3 0

er bb so ab

2 3 0

1 1 0

4 30 32 0 3 5 1 3 3

Win - Blehm (1-0). Loss - Groves (1-4). Save - Cox (2). HBP - by Campeau (Davis); by Groves (Morris). Umpires - HP: Jim Klos 1B: Jeff Latter 3B: Vern Banks Start: 3 pm Time: 2:22 Attendance: 104 Weather: sunny, breeze, upper 50s

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 101

Game 2 – MSU Billings 6, Northwest Nazarene 3 Durbin again found magic in his bat in the final inning, stroking a go-ahead two-run double into the gap in left center that took MSUB from trailing 3-2 to leading 4-3. The hit was part of a five-run seventh inning, as the ‘Jackets rallied late to sweep the Crusaders in the first doubleheader of the four-game series. Jake Mills (2-1) had an excellent start for the ‘Jackets, striking out eight and walking just one while allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings. Cox again took the ball and earned his second save of the day by throwing a scoreless seventh with two strikeouts. It was NNU that got on the board first in Game 2, thanks to a first-inning sacrifice fly by Helmstadter that plated Thomson. The Crusaders added one run in both the fifth and sixth innings, as RBIs by Tucker Campbell and Tyler Davis gave NNU a late 3-1 advantage. The ‘Jackets had trouble against NNU starter Jake Reppert, who didn’t allow a runner past first base until the fourth inning. Overall Reppert struck out eight and walked three, allowing one run on eight hits in six innings of work. Nick Strange (0-1) was tagged with the loss, as he was responsible for MSUB’s five seventh-inning runs. Myles Berkram got the late rally started with an infield single, and scored on a throwing error after an ensuing infield single by Bitow. After an intentional walk issued to Miller, Durbin’s big swing gave MSUB the lead. Morris plated one more with a bases-loaded walk, and Reinschmidt crossed the plate on a wild pitch to seal the victory.

Senior Jake Mills.

rene dating back to last season.

THE BUZZ: Each team committed just two errors on the day… MSUB out hit NNU 22-16 in the doubleheader, as the ‘Jackets notched 11 hits in each game…Durbin was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for his two game-winning hits… MSUB has now won four games in-a-row against Northwest Naza-

UP NEXT: MSUB looks to keep the momentum rolling as the teams are scheduled to wrap up the series with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Live stats will be available for both games Saturday at Vail Field.

102 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

The Automated ScoreBook Montana St Billings at Northwest Nazarene (Game 2) Mar 20, 2015 at Nampa, Idaho (Elmore Vail Field) Montana St Billings 6 (9-16,4-5 GNAC) Player

Bitow rf Miller 2b Durbin 1b Sternhagen 3b Reinschmidt cf Nix dh Morris ss Peterson c Toon ph Holbrook c Berkram lf Mills p Cox p Totals

Score by Innings Montana St Billings Northwest Nazarene

4 2 4 3 3 3 3 0 1 1 4 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

h rbi

bb so

Northwest Nazarene 3 (14-13,4-6 GNAC)

lob

1 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 3 5 1 1 0 0 6 0 3 1 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0

0 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 0

6 11

0 1

0 0

0 1

1 1

5 0

R H 6 11 3 9

Player

Thomson,Kyle cf Chapman,Larsson ph Hilyard,Jesse 1b Hatfield,Josh rf Helmstadter,Andrew 3b DeHaas,Kaleb c Davis,Tyler 2b Hallman,Johnathon dh Jones,Tim lf Lightfoot,Matt lf Glasgow,Tate ph Campbell,Tucker ss Reppert,Jake p Strange,Nick p Clevenger,Ross p Totals

lob

3 1 4 3 1 3 3 3 2 0 1 3 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 5 3 2 9 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 10

E 1 1

E - Morris; Helmstadter. DP - NNU 2. LOB - MSUB 9; NNU 6. 2B - Durbin; Reinschmidt; Thomson; Helmstadter; Campbell. HR - Sternhagen(1). SH - Peterson; Hatfield. SF - Helmstadter. SB - Berkram; Thomson; Helmstadter. CS - Reinschmidt; Thomson. Montana St Billings

Mills Cox

r er bb so ab bf

6.0 7 3 3 1 8 22 25 1.0 2 0 0 0 2 5 5

Northwest Nazarene

Reppert,Jake Strange,Nick Clevenger,Ross

6.0 0.1 0.2

8 3 0

1 5 0

er bb so ab

1 5 0

3 2 2

8 22 26 0 4 6 0 2 4

Win - Mills (2-1). Loss - Strange (0-1). Save - Cox (3). WP - Clevenger 2. Umpires - HP: Jeff Latter 1B: Vern Banks 3B: Jim Klos Start: 5:50 Time: 2:22 Attendance: 202 Weather: overcast, 50s, light breeze

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 103

Games 27 & 28: March 21, 2015 MSU Billings 3, Northwest Nazarene 0 MSU Billings 8, Northwest Nazarene 0

Shutouts lead MSUB to 4-game road sweep of NNU March 21, 2015 Tanner Johnson, Lee Busto, and Lucas Blehm combine to shut out Northwest Nazarene in a 3-0 Game 1 win, and Cody Cooper strikes out 10 in a four-hit shutout in Game 2 as the ‘Jackets sweep the Crusaders. NAMPA, Idaho – For the first time since the 2009 season, the Montana State University Billings baseball team completed a Great Northwest Athletic Conference four-game sweep, as the Yellowjackets’ pitching staff allowed just seven hits and no runs in 3-0 and 8-0 wins over Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at Vail Baseball Field. The last time the ‘Jackets swept a GNAC series was in Nampa from March 6-7, 2009 against the Crusaders. Cody Cooper dominated the Crusaders in the series finale, scattering four hits and striking out 10 batters in a shutout performance that capped the sweep for MSUB. In the first game of the day, starter Tanner Johnson struck out eight in six scoreless innings, and Lee Busto and Lucas Blehm followed suit with three perfect innings of relief for MSUB’s first shutout. “Our starting pitching and bullpen were terrific all weekend,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop, who earned his 500th career victory in MSUB’s second win in the series on Friday. “They really picked us up.” At the plate in Game 2, Luke Reinschmidt came up a double short of hitting for the cycle, a feat he achieved 358 days ago at Nampa in a 16-7 win over the Crusaders on March 28, 2014. Reinschmidt was 2-for-4 in Game 1 and 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. Senior second baseman Brody Miller had five hits in the series, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the GNAC career hits leaderboard with 223. He surpassed Shane Schoeneberg of Saint Martin’s (2005, 2007-09), who had 222, and is now 12 shy of Greg McCarthy (Western Oregon, 2002-05) for the fourth spot.

104 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

“Our hitters competed all weekend and finally broke loose in Game 4,” Bishop said. “I am happy with our effort this weekend in all aspects.” Reinschmidt hit his seventh home run of the season and Kyle Durbin added his first in Game 2. With the wins MSUB is now 11-16 and moved above .500 in GNAC play at 6-5. The Crusaders dropped below the .500 mark at 14-15 overall, and are now 4-8 in conference action. Game 1 – MSU Billings 3, Northwest Nazarene 0 The Yellowjackets didn’t move past first base until the fourth inning, as Miller reached on a two-base error and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Durbin. Colter Sternhagen followed with a sacrifice fly as MSUB jumped ahead 1-0. Only two more MSUB players reached base before the eighth inning, when the ‘Jackets tacked on two more runs to secure their edge. Durbin plated a run on a fielder’s choice and Sternhagen hit his second sacrifice fly of the game to put MSUB ahead for good, 3-0. NNU’s best chance to score came in the sixth inning, when Tyler Davis led off with a double, and the Crusaders loaded the bases against Johnson. Myles Berkram tracked down a fly ball in left field to end the threat however, and Johnson handed the ball off to his bullpen to finish the game. Busto tossed a scoreless seventh, and Blehm earned the save with four strikeouts in two perfect innings. Johnson (2-1) finished with eight strikeouts against three walks and allowed just three hits in six plus innings of work. NNU starter Blake Mitchell (3-3) struck out five and walked one over 7 1/3 innings, and scattered five hits while allowing just one earned run. Berkram was 2-for-3 with a run scored in the first game, and Reinschmidt also had a pair of hits for the ‘Jackets. Game 2 – MSU Billings 8, Northwest Nazarene 0 Capitalizing from the get-go, Reinschmidt launched his team-leading seventh home run of the season over the left-field fence to give the ‘Jackets a 3-0 lead in the first inning. MSUB tacked on three more in the third on a two-run double by Blake Loran and a ground ball by Corey Morris. Cooper retired six of the first seven batters he faced with a pair of strikeouts. The Crusaders loaded the bases against MSUB’s right-hander in the third, but back-to-back strikeouts silenced NNU and preserved the Yellowjackets’ 6-0 advantage. The two strikeouts kicked off 11 straight retired hitters for Cooper, and a single up the middle by Skyler Penrod in the seventh was the lone blemish en route to his masterpiece. Miller lashed a double down the left field line in the sixth inning, and Durbin followed with a two-run shot to right field that put the game out of reach at 8-0. THE BUZZ: The last time MSUB swept a nonconference series was March 24-25, 2012 in a home set against Minot State…Cooper was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his first shutout of the season…MSUB pitchers combined to strike out 22 Crusaders while NNU’s staff managed just 10 strikeouts in the two games Saturday. AHEAD: The long-awaited home debut is now within site for the ‘Jackets, who will kick off a 17-game homestand after playing their first 27 games on the road. First up for MSUB is GNAC foe Saint Martin’s who will head to Dehler Park on March 27-28 for a four game series with two 1 p.m. doubleheaders featuring live stats and video. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 105

The Automated ScoreBook Montana St Billings at Northwest Nazarene (Game 1) Mar 21, 2015 at Nampa, Idaho (Elmore Vail Field) Montana St Billings 3 (10-16,5-5 GNAC) Player

Bitow rf Miller 2b Durbin 1b Sternhagen 3b Reinschmidt cf Nix dh Morris ss Holbrook c Berkram lf Johnson p Busto p Blehm p Totals

Score by Innings Montana St Billings Northwest Nazarene

h rbi

bb so

Northwest Nazarene 0 (14-14,4-7 GNAC)

lob

4 3 3 2 4 2 4 4 3 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 1 2 1 8 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 11 2 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0

1 0

0 0

2 0

0 0

Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Davis,Tyler 2b Helmstadter,Andrew c DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Hilyard,Jesse dh Hallman,Johnathon dh Glasgow,Tate 1b Campbell,Tucker ss Strange,Nick rf Lightfoot,Matt ph/rf Jones,Tim lf Mitchell,Blake p Loomis,Colton p Ferdinand,Jake p Totals R 3 0

H 7 3

4 3 4 4 2 1 3 4 2 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

3 12

lob

4 2 6 0 0 0 9 2 4 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

2 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

E 0 3

E - Hatfield; DeHaas; Campbell. DP - NNU 2. LOB - MSUB 5; NNU 7. 2B - Durbin; Davis. HBP - Glasgow; Jones. SH Durbin. SF - Sternhagen 2. SB - Reinschmidt; Jones. CS - Lightfoot. Montana St Billings

Johnson Busto Blehm

r er bb so ab bf

6.0 3 0 0 3 8 21 26 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 4 6 6

Northwest Nazarene

Mitchell,Blake Loomis,Colton Ferdinand,Jake

7.1 0.2 1.0

5 2 0

2 1 0

er bb so ab

1 0 0

1 1 1

5 24 27 0 3 5 0 2 3

Win - Johnson (2-1). Loss - Mitchell (3-3). Save - Blehm (1). WP - Johnson. HBP - by Johnson (Jones); by Johnson (Glasgow). Umpires - HP: Vern Banks 1B: Jim Klos 3B: Jeff Latter Start: 1 pm Time: 2:09 Attendance: 109 Weather: overcast, 50 degrees Johnson faced 1 batter in the 7th.

106 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

The Automated ScoreBook Montana St Billings at Northwest Nazarene (Game 2) Mar 21, 2015 at Nampa, Idaho (Elmore Vail Field) Montana St Billings 8 (11-16,6-5 GNAC) Player

Bitow rf Miller 2b Durbin 3b Sternhagen dh Reinschmidt cf Nix c Loran 1b Morris ss Berkram lf Merritt ph/lf Cooper p Totals

Score by Innings Montana St Billings Northwest Nazarene

3 4 3 4 4 2 4 4 3 1 0

1 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

Northwest Nazarene 0 (14-15,4-8 GNAC)

lob

1 2 2 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 0

0 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

0 1 1 0 1 9 7 0 1 0 1

0 5 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 0

8 11

3 0

0 0

3 0

0 0

2 0

0 0

R H 8 11 0 4

Player

Lightfoot,Matt rf Hatfield,Josh cf Helmstadter,Andrew 3b Davis,Tyler 2b Circeo,Ben 2b DeHaas,Kaleb c Lamb,Justin c Campbell,Tucker ss Brink,Coltin ss Hallman,Johnathon dh Penrod,Skyler dh Hilyard,Jesse 1b Brandt,Ethan ph Jones,Tim lf Groves,Andrew p Starr,Noah p Pilgrim,Justin p Sigrist,Tom p Totals

lob

3 2 3 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 6 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 10

E 0 1

E - Campbell. LOB - MSUB 7; NNU 5. 2B - Miller; Loran. 3B - Reinschmidt. HR - Durbin(1); Reinschmidt(7). SH Durbin. SB - Bitow. Montana St Billings

Cooper

r er bb so ab bf

7.0 4 0 0 1 10 25 26

Northwest Nazarene

Groves,Andrew Starr,Noah Pilgrim,Justin Sigrist,Tom

3.0 2.0 1.0 1.0

6 2 2 1

6 0 2 0

er bb so ab

5 0 2 0

2 0 0 1

2 15 18 1 8 8 2 5 5 0 4 5

Win - Cooper (1-3). Loss - Groves (1-5). Save - None. BK - Cooper. Umpires - HP: Jim Klos 1B: Jeff Latter 3B: Vern Banks Start: 3:45 Time: 2:42 Attendance: 113 Weather: party cloudy, 50s

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 107

Cooper, Durbin selected as GNAC Players of the Week March 23, 2015 Helping MSUB to a four-game road sweep at Northwest Nazarene last weekend, junior infielder Kyle Durbin and junior right-hander Cody Cooper are picked as the GNAC Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively. PORTLAND, Ore. – After leading the Montana State University Billings baseball team to a four-game sweep of Northwest Nazarene on the road, junior infielder Kyle Durbin and junior right-handed pitcher Cody Cooper have swept the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week awards announced by the conference office Monday. Cooper authored a complete-game shutout in the series finale, striking out 10 and walking just one to clinch the series sweep for the Yellowjackets. He scattered four hits over seven innings of work, none of which went for extra bases. The stellar start ensured MSUB’s first GNAC sweep since the 2009 season, when the ‘Jackets also swept NNU on the road. “Cody was terrific this weekend,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He had great command of three pitches and pitched out of a bases-loaded jam early in the game that gave him a chance to throw a complete game. He deserves this honor with a great performance this week.” Durbin played the role of hero for MSUB, coming through with back-to-back game-winning doubles in the final inning of each game, leading the Yellowjackets to a doubleheader sweep of Northwest Nazarene on Friday. He broke a 3-3 tie in Game 1 with a two-run double into left field to finish off a three-run, game-winning rally in the ninth inning for MSUB. In the nightcap, Durbin came through with a two-run double with MSUB trailing 3-2 that was part of a five-run seventh-inning rally for the win. The game-winning hit gave Bishop his 500th career victory, after five seasons at MSUB, 10 at Miles Community College and one at Huron University. Durbin finished the weekend 5-for-15 and hit his first home run of the season in the series finale on Saturday. He drove in a team-high seven runs, scored two, had two sacrifice hits, and slugged .733 on the weekend. The junior utility infielder also made 17 plays without committing an error defensively. “Kyle was clutch all weekend,” Bishop said. “He has been all over in the lineup and played various positions which is a lot to ask. He has done whatever is best for our team and weekends like this are the reward for him and us. Kyle has been great all year.” Carl Svanevik of Saint Martin’s shared the Player of the Week honor with Durbin, as he helped the Saints to a four-game sweep of Central Washington. Durbin and Cooper joined Luke Reinschmidt as 2015 GNAC Players of the Week, as the junior center fielder received the accolade in February after hitting four home runs in an eight game span. His performance eventually led to selection as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association National Player of the Week. The Yellowjackets have their home opener this weekend at Dehler Park in Billings, Mont., where MSUB will square off against Saint Martin’s in a four-game series spanning Friday and Saturday. 108 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MSUB’s Brody Miller to be featured on GNAC Insider Tuesday March 23, 2015 Brody Miller will be featured as a live guest on GNAC Insider, the conference’s weekly radio program, on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Mountain time. PORTLAND, Ore. – Montana State University Billings baseball senior second baseman Brody Miller will be featured on the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s weekly radio program, GNAC Insider, on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Mountain time. The show can be listened to live online via www.blogtalkradio.com, and it will be available for archived listening via the GNAC Stretch Internet portal and also via iTunes. The Yellowjackets earned the GNAC Team of the Week award after sweeping Northwest Nazarene on the road in a four-game series last week. It was the first time MSUB has swept a GNAC series since the ‘Jackets completed the feat against NNU in Nampa, Idaho, in 2009. Miller will talk about the momentum his team gained with the victories, which they collected coming off of three tough losses at Western Oregon the week before. Miller, who recently became MSUB’s all-time career hits leader, is a four-year letterwinner and became the first All-American in Yellowjacket history during the 2014 season. He is currently No. 5 all-time in GNAC history with 223 career hits and is 12 shy of Greg McCarthy (Western Oregon, 2002-05) for fourth place. MSUB currently sits in second place in the GNAC standings, with a 6-5 record in conference play. The Yellowjackets will open their home schedule this weekend with a four-game series against Saint Martin’s. The Saints shared the GNAC Team of the Week award with MSUB, after also completing a four-game sweep on the road against Central Washington. Miller is the fifth guest from MSUB to appear on the show during the 2014-15 academic year, joining MSUB director of athletics Krista Montague (March 3 and Jan. 6), softball head coach Lisa Allen (Feb. 10), cross country and track and field head coach Dave Coppock (Nov. 18), women’s soccer junior Katlyn Lokay (Oct. 28) and men’s soccer junior Cameron Lee (Sept. 23). Other guests on Tuesday’s program will be Simon Fraser director of athletics Milt Richards, and Saint Martin’s senior catcher Chandler Tracy.GNAC Insider airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Mountain time. All episodes are archived and available via iTunes or the GNAC Stretch Internet portal. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 109

4-game sweep earns MSUB baseball co-GNAC Team of the Week March 23, 2015 Montana State Billings sweeps Northwest Nazarene on the road in a four-game series, and Saint Martin’s matches the feat against Central Washington as the two teams share the GNAC Team of the Week honor. BILLINGS, Mont. – By the time Cody Cooper reached the bottom of the seventh inning Saturday, he was locked in. The junior right-hander had an 8-0 lead and eight strikeouts in his pocket, before he mowed down the first two Northwest Nazarene batters he faced in the last frame. When pinch hitter Ethan Brandt grounded out to end the game, Cooper had capped off one of the most successful weekends in recent memory for the Montana State University Billings baseball team. The ‘Jackets completed a four-game conference sweep for the first time since 2009, head coach Rob Bishop earned his 500th career victory, and the Yellowjacket pitching staff allowed just six runs and 23 hits in 32 innings of baseball. For the outstanding overall performance, MSUB was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference coTeam of the Week on Monday, sharing the honor with the Saint Martin’s baseball team which also had a fourgame road sweep. “I am proud of our team and how we played after a tough weekend at Western Oregon last week,” commented Bishop. “During the GNAC season, every team will have some ups and downs, but the teams that respond after a rough weekend are usually in the hunt at the end of the year.” The way the Yellowjackets ended their previous series against Western Oregon foreshadowed that they were in for a major rebound. The team lost the first three games of the series on the road, before the finale was postponed with MSUB leading 1-0 and having the bases loaded in the top of the first inning. Due for improvement offensively, MSUB batted .320 (40-for-125) as a team and outscored SMU 22-6 over the four-game series. Twelve of the Yellowjackets’ hits went for extra bases – including four home runs – and MSUB was outstanding defensively with 129 successful plays in 131 chances (.985). Cooper’s shutout earned him GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors, after he allowed just four hits and a walk in his seven-inning masterpiece. He wasn’t the first Yellowjacket to dazzle on the mound however, as Tanner Johnson, Jake Mills and Jake Campeau each also had quality starts for the ‘Jackets. 110 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Overall MSUB combined for 40 strikeouts against just eight walks, while holding NNU to a .204 batting average as a team. MSUB’s bullpen was nearly perfect, as Lucas Blehm, Adam Cox and Lee Busto combined to strike out 10, walk one and allow four hits in 7 2/3 innings. Blehm earned his first save of the season, and Cox recorded a pair of saves on Day 1 for the ‘Jackets. Offensively, junior utility player Kyle Durbin hit back-to-back game-winning doubles in the final inning of each game on Friday, as he sparked key rallies in both contests that led to wins. Durbin also hit his first home run of the season on Saturday, drove in a team-high seven runs, and played error-free defense in the series. During last season’s series at Northwest Nazarene, it was then-sophomore Luke Reinschmidt who earned GNAC Player of the Week honors after he became just the third player in GNAC history to hit for the cycle. He nearly pulled off the feat again last weekend, hitting a home run in the first and a triple in the third to complete the two hardest legs early on in the series finale. After an infield single in the fifth, the junior center fielder was just a double away from his second cycle 358 days after his first. In his final at bat in the seventh inning, he scorched a line drive into left center that hung up just long enough for NNU’s Josh Hatfield to track down, taking away what would have likely been a double and a historic moment. Reinschmidt finished the weekend batting a team-high .600 (9-for-15) and scored three runs while getting on base at .625 and slugging 1.000.

Junior Luke Reinschmidt. Hitting his sixth home run of the season in the series was senior second baseman Brody Miller, who moved into fifth place all-time in GNAC career hits with 223. He also played error-free defense in 18 chances at second base, and now has the third-most assists in conference history with 423. With the momentum of four-straight victories on their side, the second-place Yellowjackets will make their long-awaited 2015 home debut this weekend in what figures to be a classic matchup against co-Team of the Week Saint Martin’s. After beginning the season with 28-straight games on the road, MSUB is set to play its next 17 at home in the friendly confines of Dehler Park. The ‘Jackets played about as well as they could have last week, but in Bishop’s eyes it was only the start. “I believe our best baseball is still ahead of us,” he said. “We are looking forward to the rest of the GNAC season.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 111

Campeau to Holbrook: A lifelong battery culminates with Yellowjackets March 24, 2015 Now seniors at MSUB, Jake Campeau and Conner Holbrook bring more than a decade of playing baseball together to the Yellowjackets in their final collegiate season. MSUB SPORTS – When Jake Campeau was handed the ball to start Game 1 last week in a four-game road series against Northwest Nazarene, he was being called upon to give the Montana State University Billings baseball team a much-needed boost. The Yellowjackets were coming off of three losses at Western Oregon the week before, and needed to respond in a big way in their final Great Northwest Athletic Conference road series before making their home debut. Going up against Crusader ace Colben McGuire, Campeau turned in a solid start, throwing 5 1/3 innings and allowing just three runs on five hits with four strikeouts. More than anything, the effort he gave kept his team in the game and gave them a chance to win, which the Yellowjackets did thanks to a three-run ninth inning and a game-winning double by Kyle Durbin. The strong start was an inspiration for the rest of MSUB’s staff, as the Yellowjackets’ next three starters all turned in quality outings and led MSUB to its first conference sweep since the 2009 season. Campeau heading off the rotation was a big reason why the ‘Jackets were selected as the GNAC co-Team of the Week, and he has now struck out 17 and walked just five over his past four starts. While Campeau’s start wasn’t the best of the series for the ‘Jackets – see Cody Cooper, 10-strikeout shutout – it got MSUB back into a winning mindset and provided a sense of stability for his team. For Campeau, the sense of stability he needed during his latest start was squatting 60 feet, 6 inches downhill, throwing down sequences of signs he has literally seen thousands of times before.

112 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

SAY IT IS SO, JAKE “You know how catcher’s gear is with kids,” said Don Holbrook with a chuckle. “It’s a shiny object they like to chase.” The former University of Montana wide receiver recognized that his son Conner Holbrook had a natural athletic gift at an early age, but both of them agree that the unique gear involved with being a catcher played a role in drawing the young Holbrook to the position at 10 years old. “Initially, I liked that I got to wear the gear and that I was involved in every play,” Holbrook said regarding what drew him to catching. “I ended up being the only one who wanted to catch, and I just kind of stuck with it after that.” Holbrook grew up in Walla Walla, Wash., where his ability to play catch with his father as an 8-year-old without it being a “safety issue” told Don Holbrook his son had something special in him. “Conner has always had some physical gifts, but when you’re able to throw and catch well at eight, that is a big deal,” he said. Unlike many young boys, the fast-paced action of football and basketball did not draw Holbrook’s attention away from learning the fundamentals on the diamond. Baseball was the only sport he was ever interested in, and by the time he was 13 he had been a Little League all-star and moved on to a more competitive summer team. It was with that travel team, named the Black Sox, that Holbrook was introduced to Kim Cox, a coach who he says had the biggest impact in terms of solidifying fundamentals and teaching him how to play the game the right way at a young age. Being introduced to who would become one of his best baseball friends, Holbrook caught Campeau for the first time while on the Black Sox. “He was one of the first guys to throw a complete game,” Holbrook said of his longtime teammate. “High school is where he really took off and started developing his stuff.” It was during their time with the Cox’s ironically-named Black Sox that Don Holbrook remembers the boys taking their biggest strides as young players. A baseball euphemism for arguably the largest scandal in sports history, the Black Sox Cox coached were hardly bred to be cheaters. The owner of multiple Washington state baseball records, Cox instilled a blue collar mentality within his team, suiting them in plain t-shirts and preaching the concept of playing the game hard but in a humble manner. “Kim turned me from a kid that happened to play baseball into a baseball player,” Campeau said. “He really helped shaped me into the player that I am now.”

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FAB FIVE By the time Holbrook and Campeau had reached their senior year at Walla Walla High School, the chemistry the two had developed as teammates was unbreakable. It reached the point where the 5-foot-8 catcher needed little more than to make eye contact with the 6-foot-5 work horse to know what was coming out of his right hand. One game in particular that struck Campeau’s memory came in 2011 against Wenatchee High School, when he was especially dialed in. At that point, coach Keith Gradwohl was still signaling pitches to Holbrook to relay to Campeau. But when the skipper adjusted his sequence mid-game, Holbrook got off track. “We had a couple of different signs, and at one point Coach switched and Conner didn’t remember them,” Campeau said with a smile. “So I would just look at him and he would call a slider; I think we threw seven or eight in-a-row.” The reality was that it didn’t matter what Campeau threw that day, as he tossed a seven-inning shutout striking out an incredible 17 batters out of the 21 outs his team recorded. “What stands out to me was how great his command was in that game,” Gradwohl commented, without a single mention of the fudged signs. “He probably didn’t throw more than 71 pitches in that game, and it was our league-clincher. It was just unbelievable.” Not only did Campeau’s performance clinch the league title for his team, but it came a week after one of his teammates had turned in a similarly-impressive performance with 16 strikeouts. “I started to hear the guys kind of quietly giggling on the bench as they started to count Jake’s strikeouts in that game,” Gradwohl remembered. “The week before, Drew Christina had a 16-strikeout game so everyone was waiting to see if Jake was going to top it.” Christina, another ace for WWHS and a fellow senior, was part of a core of five Walla Walla natives who banded together throughout their baseball careers. Christina’s twin brother Bret Christina and Kevin Toon were all part of the same graduating class, and the quintet chose to pursue their careers at Walla Walla Community College. Carrying his well-developed slider with him to begin his collegiate career, Campeau was received by WWCC pitching coach J.C. Biagi and immediately noticed improvement in his overall game. “J.C. is one coach who really turned me into the pitcher I am now, and he was determined to get the most out of me that he could,” Campeau said. “Jake came into our program as a tall lanky kid, and he got a lot stronger during his time with us,” Biagi commented. “His overall development speaks to the work ethic he has, his ability to listen and develop, and he really owned that mindset.”

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While Campeau developed his craft and filled out his frame, Holbrook continued to impress his coaches with his defensive ability and knowledge of the game. “Conner was as hard a worker as I had ever seen, and he was able to walk in and really prove what he could do,” Biagi said. “He had a good arm and good foundation to work from.” Entering the junior college ranks, both players knew that after two seasons they would have a decision to make in terms of whether or not to pursue their careers further. It didn’t end up being difficult for either player to choose to keep playing individually, but when they both had an opportunity to stay together the move seemed almost natural. A COMFORTABLE TRANSITION TO NAVY AND GOLD Check out the MSUB baseball roster and the word ‘Walla’ appears 22 times between the Hometown and Previous School columns. The southeastern Washington town is somewhat of a recruiting hotbed for Yellowjacket head coach Rob Bishop, and Holbrook and Campeau represent the senior wave of players currently in the program. Campeau was one of the first to commit to MSUB, as Bishop solidified his staff with an experienced junior entering the 2014 season. “Coach Bishop first saw me at a showcase in the fall, and I really liked the ideas he had baseball wise and the plan he had for this team,” Campeau remembered. “After I had committed he was still looking for a middle infielder and a catcher, so I told him about Kevin Toon and Conner.” Holbrook began shifting his focus during his sophomore year, as his passion for receiving pitches took the lead in his ultimate decision to keep playing. “I was just having too much fun to stop after my freshman year, and I was just looking for an opportunity,” Holbrook said. “The guys who had signed at MSUB put in a good word for me and Coach Bishop called me in mid-May.” Bishop got a lot more than just a friend Campeau was recommending. The senior has developed into a .333 hitter for the ‘Jackets this season, and has posted an on-base percentage of .370 in a dozen games behind the plate. Most important to the ‘Jackets however, has been the chemistry the duo has brought to the team. “Conner and Jake have developed so much confidence and trust in each other, and I feel like that really improves tempo of the game,” Bishop commented. “Conner does a great job feeling what’s working on a given day with Jake, and Jake has so much confidence in Conner receiving. On top of them being solid players, they are great friends and have fun personalities, and are great fun to coach.” When Campeau referred to his time at MSUB as “the cherry on top of the sundae,” Holbrook was quick to emanate his words. “Being here at MSUB has been the bonus, it’s a great way to finish out a lifetime of baseball,” Holbrook said. “All of our coaches are great on and off the field and have helped us out a lot.” “Coach Bishop really helps us keep things in perspective,” Campeau said. “Baseball is great, but he has taught us that you can still be a good student and family member while enjoying your time playing.” The nature of their positions is such that they aren’t scheduled to play every game, but even when they aren’t in the lineup their personalities are appreciated by their teammates. “They are both great dugout and great clubhouse guys,” Bishop said. “They’ll be sorely missed next year.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 115

“Jake has always improved, and I think that is one of his strengths,” commented fellow pitcher Drew Christina. “He has been able to command both his fastball and secondary pitches all the way back to when I first started playing with him. Transitions from team to team have always been easy thanks to having Jake and Conner on the team with me.” Drew’s twin brother Bret cited Campeau’s development of his slider as a key turning point in a career he has also witnessed first-hand. “Jake really made that slider his own, and as he developed natural strength that pitch got sharper,” he said. “It has been cool to see him go from being a control pitcher who didn’t stand out to being an impact guy who can be dominant when he is on.” JOURNEY TOGETHER “They’ve always been baseball best friends. Looking back, they have been on eight separate baseball teams together. It has been a lot of fun to watch.” – Liz Campeau on her son Jake and his teammate Conner Holbrook. One of the witnesses for MSUB’s dominant performance at NNU last weekend was Liz Campeau, who made the four-hour drive east to watch her son take the mound. She had been going through some of her son’s old baseball relics over the weekend, quietly reminiscing some of the defining moments of his career. There was the time he spent on all-stars as a 9-year-old and when he helped his team to second place in state when he was 11. The old team photos of his days with the Black Sox and still shots of him ready to release a pitch to Holbrook wearing the royal blue of WWHS grabbed her eye as well. “Athletics in general have always been a big deal to him,” Liz said regarding her son’s status as a 12-season varsity athlete in football, basketball, and baseball in high school. “But baseball has always been his love.” It’s a love he and Holbrook have shared together through the years, and is one that is represented each time Campeau breaks off a slider. By the time it reaches the plate, it doesn’t matter if it’s a scud in the dirt or perfectly catches the black on the outside corner. Catching it has been, and still is Holbrook, and whether he’s saving 90 feet with a block or stealing a strike with a frame, he’s always had Campeau’s back.

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Co-GNAC Teams of the Week square off in Yellowjackets’ home opener this weekend March 25, 2015 After each collecting four-game sweeps on the road, the MSUB and Saint Martin’s baseball teams earn co-GNAC Team of the Week, and will square off this weekend at Dehler Park in Billings. BILLINGS, Mont. – After matching one another performance wise on the diamond last week each with fourgame road sweeps, co-Great Northwest Athletic Conference Teams of the Week Montana State University Billings and Saint Martin’s University will square off in a four-game baseball set this weekend in the Yellowjackets’ 2015 home opener at Dehler Park Friday and Saturday. MSUB (11-16, 6-5 GNAC) opened the season with 28-straight games on the road and will play its next 17 at home. The action begins on Friday with a 1 p.m. first pitch in a doubleheader against the Saints, and the teams will play another doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Live video and statistics will be available for all games in the series via www.msubsports.com. The Yellowjackets are coming off one of the best pitching performances in a series in recent memory, as MSUB hurlers allowed just six runs and struck out 40 against eight walks in 32 innings against Northwest Nazarene. The four wins moved MSUB into second place in the GNAC standings, and the ‘Jackets currently hold a halfgame lead over Saint Martin’s (12-14, 6-6 GNAC). Cody Cooper was selected as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week, after sealing the series sweep with a 10-strikeout complete game shutout of NNU in which he walked just one and allowed four hits on Saturday. Tanner Johnson and Jake Mills also turned in quality starts for MSUB, each striking out eight and throwing six innings in their starts. Out of the bullpen, Lucas Blehm, Adam Cox and Lee Busto were nearly untouchable, combining for 10 strikeouts, one walk, no runs and only four hits in 7 2/3 innings. Cox earned a pair of saves and Blehm added his first of the year. All told MSUB’s staff had an ERA of 1.69 and allowed 34 baserunners in 32 innings for a WHIP of 1.06. Offensively, Kyle Durbin was picked as the GNAC Player of the Week after back-to-back game-winning doubles on Day 1 that came in the final inning of each game for the ‘Jackets. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 117

REINSCHMIDT REMINDS OF LAST YEAR’S CYCLE: In the series finale, junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt came up a double short of hitting for the cycle. Almost exactly one year earlier, he became just the third player in GNAC history to hit for the cycle, achieving the feat at NNU’s Vail Baseball Field on March 28, 2014. On Saturday, Reinschmidt homered, tripled, and singled, before his sinking line drive into center field was tracked down and caught preventing a likely cycle-completing double. Overall on the weekend Reinschmidt hit .600 (9-for-15) with three runs scored and three RBIs. He is now second on the team and eighth in the GNAC in hitting at .358 on the season, and his seven home runs rank second in the conference to SMU’s Chandler Tracy (9). Reinschmidt is tied for first in hits (39), runs scored (26), and is leading the league in RBIs with 28 on the season. Reinschmidt also became MSUB’s all-time leader in triples, as the three-base hit in the series finale was the ninth of his career. MILLER MAKING MARK: Senior second baseman Brody Miller had a hit in every game last weekend, keeping pace as the GNAC co-leader in hits along with Reinschmidt at 39 on the season. The reigning GNAC Player of the Year moved into fifth place all-time in the conference record books for career hits (223), and is batting .348 with 24 RBIs and five home runs this season. He is also now tied for third in GNAC history in career walks (94), and eighth in games started (167), moving up one spot in each of those categories with his performance over the weekend. GNAC 200 Hit Club Rk. Hits Name School Years Played 1 295 Jamie Nilsen Central Washington 2005-08 2 276 Joey Price Western Oregon 1999-02 3 241 Sean McDonald Northwest Nazarene 2009-12 4 235 Greg McCarthy Western Oregon 2002-05 5 223 Brody Miller MSU Billings 2012-15 6 222 Shane Schoeneberg Saint Martin’s 2005, 2007-09 7 218 Bryce Gardinier Western Oregon 2000-03 8 209 Travis Chetock Western Oregon 2000-03 9 204 Matt Lowe Northwest Nazarene 2000-03 BERKRAM BREAKING OUT: Sophomore outfielder Myles Berkram made the most of his opportunity to start three games last week, batting .545 (6-for-11) with three runs scored and a stolen base. Berkram is now batting .294 on the season and has swiped three bases for the ‘Jackets. PACKING POP BEHIND THE PLATE: MSUB’s senior catchers Conner Holbrook and Trevor Nix have provided the ‘Jackets with consistency at the plate in addition to their defensive work, each batting north of .300. Holbrook holds a .333 batting average and has driven in seven runs in a dozen games. Nix is batting .307 with three doubles and nine runs scored in 20 games wearing the gear. BISHOP REACHES 500 WINS: MSUB head coach Rob Bishop reached a landmark with his 500th career victory over the weekend, achieving the feat in the Yellowjackets’ second win of the series. In his fifth season with MSUB, Bishop has accumulated 88 wins with the Yellowjackets. He brought 414 victories with him in 2011 from his decade at Miles Community College and single year prior to that at Huron University. His overall career record sits at 502-295-1.

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OTHER MENTIONABLES: Jake Campeau, who has been teaming up with catcher Conner Holbrook for more than a decade, got the nod in Game 1 last week, tossing at least five innings for the fourth straight start…the senior right-hander has allowed just five walks in his last four outings, while striking out 17…four ‘Jackets have recorded double-digit multi-hit games, with Miller’s 13 leading the group…Reinschmidt has a team-best five three-hit games…MSUB was without senior left-hander Brady Muller in last week’s series, who was temporarily sidelined with an injury. As a team the Yellowjackets lead the GNAC in runs with 6.48 per game and in hits with 285 in 27 games. The ‘Jackets are batting a conference-best .294, are reaching base at .378 and slugging .409. MSUB also leads the conference in RBIs with 156, in sacrifice bunts (23) and sacrifice flies (14), and its stolen base percentage of 82.6 (19-for-23) is also a GNAC-high. On the mound MSUB holds a 6.44 team ERA and its 195 strikeouts are second-most in the league. Friday, March 27 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – Doubleheader Saturday, March 28 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – Doubleheader Saint Martin’s University Saints 2015 Record: 12-14, 6-6 GNAC Head Coach: Ken Garland, 7th season 2014 GNAC Finish: 3rd (18-30, 14-17 GNAC) Matching the Yellowjackets’ accomplishment last week, the Saints took all four games from GNAC foe Central Washington on the road to pull their conference record even at 6-6. Carl Svanevik, who shared GNAC Player of the Week honors with MSUB’s Durbin, led the Saints by going 8-for-16 with nine RBIs on three home runs and four runs scored. Svanevik is the Saints’ leader with a .349 batting average, and he has totaled 13 extra-base hits and 23 RBIs this season while reaching base at a clip of .436. Chandler Tracy, the GNAC’s career leader in home runs, leads the league with nine this season and is tied with Svanevik for the team high in RBIs with 23. Adam Eskil is batting .308 with three doubles, and he and Travis Shaw are the other Saints to have driven in double-digit runs with 12 and 10 on the season, respectively. On the mound, SMU has relied on Nick Mailhot, Zach Carter and Josh Moss for the majority of its starts. Carter tossed a complete game in last week’s series at Central Washington, and holds an ERA of 4.53 with 25 strikeouts and 11 walks in a team-high 43 2/3 innings pitched this season. Out of the bullpen, Torin Dooley has been outstanding for the Saints, holding an ERA of 1.96 with 11 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings over eight appearances. Ryan Dorney has also been a reliable reliever, holding a 3.60 ERA over nine appearances and allowing just one extra-base hit – a double – in 10 innings. As a team SMU averages 4.73 runs and is batting .254. The Saints reach base at .331, and have a GNAC-high 21 home runs so far this season. SMU has the second-best ERA in the conference at 4.38, while giving up a conference-low nine home runs in 211 2/3 innings pitched. The Series: MSUB is 15-39 all-time against Saint Martin’s, and the ‘Jackets hold a mark of 6-20 at home against the Saints. The series dates back to the 2008 season. Last Time Out: After splitting the first four-game series in Lacey, Wash., last season, MSUB lost three of the four games played at Dehler Park in April, 2014. In the crucial series towards the end of the season, SMU edged MSUB for positioning and eventually the final spot in the GNAC Championships with a 21-7, 8-6 doubleheader sweep. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 119

Games 29 & 30: March 27, 2015 MSU Billings 11, Saint Martin’s 8 MSU Billings 9, Saint Martin’s 4

Muller fans 10, ‘Jackets hit 6 home runs in doubleheader sweep of SMU March 27, 2015 Brady Muller strikes out 10 – including the first seven he faces – and the Yellowjackets hit six home runs on the day in a doubleheader sweep of Saint Martin’s on Friday at Dehler Park. BILLINGS, Mont. – Making its 2015 home debut in grand fashion, the Montana State University Billings baseball team hit six home runs and stormed to 11-8 and 9-4 victories over Great Northwest Athletic Opponent Saint Martin’s University in a doubleheader Friday afternoon at Dehler Park. Brady Muller was handed the ball to start Game 1, and proceeded to strike out the first seven Saints that he faced in a seven-inning, 10-strikeout effort. Muller allowed three runs on nine hits, and did not walk a batter as he earned his second victory of the season. Senior second baseman Brody Miller hit two of MSUB’s six home runs, all of which cleared the fence in right field at Dehler Park. Luke Reinschmidt, Bret Bitow, Kyle Durbin and Trevor Nix also each had home runs for the ‘Jackets, who improved to 13-16 and 8-5 in GNAC play with the victories. MSUB, which has won six games in-a-row, entered the day 3.5 games behind conference leading Western Oregon. The Wolves lost the first game of a doubleheader at Northwest Nazarene 7-5 and were scheduled to complete the Day 1-doubleheader starting at 6 p.m. Mountain time with a 7-inning game. Despite losing both games, Saint Martin’s (12-16, 6-8 GNAC) out hit the ‘Jackets 26-21 on the day but left 17 runners on base. The Saints had five doubles in Game 1 and two more in Game 2. “We scored twenty runs today and we scored almost all of them in three big innings,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “One of our offensive game goals is to have a big inning, and doing whatever we need to do to keep the rally alive. Brady’s stuff was great today, and no matter what he has, he always competes.”

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Game 1 – MSU Billings 11, Saint Martin’s 8 The ‘Jackets exploded for nine runs in the first two innings, which put the game out of reach despite an aggressive comeback effort by the Saints. After Muller struck out the side in the first, Durbin plated MSUB’s first run of the day with a double into left. Colter Sternhagen and Kevin Toon each followed with RBI-singles as MSUB jumped ahead 4-0.

Junior Colter Sternhagen. The fireworks started in the second inning for the ‘Jackets, as Miller lofted his sixth home run of the season over the fence after Bitow reached on a picture-perfect bunt single. Reinschmidt hit his team-leading eighth homer of the season three batters later, driving in three more runs and making the score 9-0. With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the third, Carl Svanevik came through with a two-run double to give the Saints a sign of life. SMU tacked on another run in the fourth on an RBI-groundout by Blake Lord, as the Yellowjackets’ bats went silent against reliever Trevor Young until the sixth inning. Miller lifted his second home run of the game to the identical location in right field, giving the ‘Jackets an insurance run. Facing reliever Jake Mills in the eighth, SMU pushed back with a pair of runs on singles by Kameron Banister and Lord. Reinschmidt’s fourth RBI of the game put MSUB up 11-5 in the eighth, but the Saints refused to go down quietly. Zack Raczok lined a two-run double into left center and Josh Sontag followed with an RBI-single to bring SMU within three runs. Mills locked in and struck out Bannister on three pitches however, finishing the game and giving MSUB its fifth-straight win. Miller was 3-for-4 with three RBIs while Reinschmidt was 1-for-3 with four RBIs in Game 1. The Yellowjackets struck out just four times in Game 1, compared to 14 whiffs by SMU batters. “We were just letting the ball get deep and driving it the other way,” Miller said. “They were pitching us away the whole game and I just really worked on staying back and going with the pitch.” “I just felt comfortable overall with all of my pitches,” Muller said regarding his standout performance. “Having a 9-0 lead makes everything easy, and it feels like not every pitch has to be perfect. Saint Martin’s has always been a tough team that fights to the end and they never give up.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 121

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Saint Martin's at MSU Billings (Game 1) 03/27/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Saint Martin's 8 (12-15,6-7 GNAC) Player

Shaw,Travis 3b Hirashiki,Kaelen 2b Huskey,Jake 2b Svanevik,Carl rf Tracy,Chandler c Raczok,Zach c Eskil,Adam dh Sontag,Josh ph Ferreira,Chaz pr Banister,Kameron 1b Lord,Blake ss Kurihara,Shayne lf Bellamy,David cf Banker,Brad p Young,Trevor p Shuey,Ben p Totals Score by Innings Saint Martin's MSU Billings

5 4 1 5 4 1 3 2 0 5 4 4 4 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

h rbi

MSU Billings 11 (12-16,7-5 GNAC)

bb so

2 0 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

8 16

0 14

lob

1 1 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 6 3 1 6 0 0 0

1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0

24 10

2 2 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 4

0 5

2 0

1 0

0 0

0 1

0 0

2 1

3 X

Player

Bitow,Bret rf Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle 3b Sternhagen,Colter dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Peterson,Landon c Berkram,Myles lf Muller,Brady p Mills,Jake p Totals

R H 8 16 11 13

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 4 0 0

2 4 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

lob

0 3 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 1 3 1 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

4 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

35 11 13 10

1 3 2 2 1 2 0 0 2 0 0

bb so

27 10

E 2 0

E - Lord 2. DP - SMU 2; MSUB 1. LOB - SMU 7; MSUB 7. 2B - Svanevik; Tracy; Raczok; Eskil; Banister; Durbin. HR - Miller 2; Reinschmidt. HBP - Durbin; Reinschmidt. SF - Reinschmidt. Saint Martin's

Banker,Brad Young,Trevor Shuey,Ben

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

1.1 9 9 9 1 1 12 14 4.2 3 1 1 1 3 17 18 2.0 1 1 1 2 0 6 10

Muller,Brady Mills,Jake

7.0 2.0

9 7

3 5

er bb so ab

3 4

0 10 29 29 0 4 13 13

105

Win - Muller (3-1). Loss - Banker (3-3). Save - Mills (1). HBP - by Banker (Reinschmidt); by Shuey (Durbin). PB - Peterson. Inherited runners/scored: None. Pitches/strikes: Banker 43/31; Young 76/50; Shuey 30/19; Muller 105/76; Mills 42/31. Umpires - HP: Stu Bertrand 1B: Corky Fazio 2B: Reid Lester Start: 1 p.m. Time: 3:21 Attendance: Weather: Clear skies, 70 degrees

122 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – MSU Billings 9, Saint Martin’s 4 SMU loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning, threatening to score several runs right off the bat. MSUB starter Jake Campeau wiggled out of the jam however, striking out Chandler Tracy looking and using a key double play turned by Miller and Corey Morris to escape without giving up a run. Bitow hit MSUB’s fourth home run of the day in MSUB’s first at bat against SMU starter Riley Moore, sending the ball over the fence in the same spot Miller and Reinschmidt found in Game 1. Campeau sandwiched a fly out with a pair of strikeouts in the second inning, setting the stage for MSUB’s largest single-inning outburst of the day. After walking Reinschmidt and hitting Blake Loran, Moore struck out two batters and had Conner Holbrook in an 0-2 hole a strike away from getting out of the inning. MSUB’s senior catcher blasted a huge two-run triple into the corner in right field however, sparking a seven-run rally that squandered any chance of an SMU comeback. After Holbrook’s crucial swing, Nix hit a three-run home run to make the score 8-0, after a fielding error by the Saints extended the inning further. SMU chipped away with a run in the third on a Svanevik RBI, and two more in the fourth on hits by David Bellamy and Jake Husky to make it 8-3. The teams traded runs over the next inning, as Durbin launched his second home run of the season in the bottom of the fourth and Blake Lord made the score 9-4 with an RBI-groundout in the top of the fifth. The ‘Jackets turned their fourth double play of the day to silence SMU in the sixth inning, and Adam Cox closed the door in the seventh to secure the win. After Tracy struck out looking to start the final inning, Morris made slick play for the second out of the inning. The junior ranged to his left, made a diving stop, and hopped up to throw out Bannister at first on a tough ball up the middle. Campeau tossed 4 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and four walks. Lee Busto was perfect for 2/3 of an inning, and Lucas Blehm and Cox each tossed one to finish the day for MSUB. Huskey was 3-for-4 with an RBI in Game 2 for SMU, and Bellamy collected a pair of hits for the Saints. Moore was tagged with the loss after allowing nine runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. Ryan Dorney threw the final 2 1/3 for the Saints and did not allow a hit. Bitow was the lone Yellowjacket with two hits in the second game, as MSUB utilized the big second inning to do the majority of its damage. THE BUZZ: Miller and Reinschmidt entered the day as co-leaders in the GNAC in hits with 39 apiece, with Miller now leading at 43 and Reinschmidt at 41…Reinschmidt was also the GNAC leader in RBIs entering the game, and now has 32 on the season after his four in Game 1…Muller was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day, turning in a quality start after sitting out last week with an injury…the six-straight wins are the most for the ‘Jackets since the 2012 season, when they swept a four-game set against Minot State before winning the first two against Central Washington from March 24-30…Bishop was honored in a pregame ceremony, as MSUB director of athletics Krista Montague presented him with a certificate commemorating his landmark 500th win achieved during last week’s series at Northwest Nazarene…MSUB and Saint Martin’s entered Friday’s games as the co-GNAC Teams of the Week, as the Saints also picked up a four-game road sweep last week at Central Washington. UP NEXT: The series concludes with a doubleheader on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. start time at Dehler Park.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 123

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Saint Martin's at MSU Billings (Game 2) 03/27/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Saint Martin's 4 (12-16,6-8 GNAC) Player

Shaw,Travis 3b/1b Huskey,Jake 2b Svanevik,Carl rf Tracy,Chandler c Banister,Kameron dh Sontag,Josh 1b Eskil,Adam 3b Lord,Blake ss Kurihara,Shayne lf Bellamy,David cf Moore,Riley p Dorney,Ryan p Totals

Score by Innings Saint Martin's MSU Billings

3 4 3 3 3 2 1 4 4 3 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0

h rbi

MSU Billings 9 (13-16,8-5 GNAC) po

lob

1 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

bb so

1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

3 0 2 8 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1

0 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0

4 10

0 1

0 7

1 0

2 1

1 0

0 0

0 X

R H 4 10 9 8

Player

Bitow,Bret rf Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle 3b Nix,Trevor lf Berkram,Myles lf Reinschmidt,Luke cf Loran,Blake dh Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Campeau,Jake p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Cox,Adam p Totals

3 4 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 0 0 0 0

2 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

lob

2 0 0 0 0 1 0 9 4 5 0 0 0 0

0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 1 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

21 13

E 2 2

E - Huskey; Kurihara; Nix; Morris. DP - MSUB 3. LOB - SMU 10; MSUB 5. 2B - Eskil; Kurihara. 3B - Holbrook. HR Bitow; Durbin; Nix. HBP - Bitow; Loran. SB - Bitow; Reinschmidt. Saint Martin's

Moore,Riley Dorney,Ryan

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

3.2 8 9 6 2 6 20 24 2.1 0 0 0 1 2 7 8

Campeau,Jake Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Cox,Adam

4.1 0.2 1.0 1.0

8 0 1 1

4 0 0 0

er bb so ab

3 0 0 0

4 0 0 1

3 20 24 0 3 3 0 3 3 1 4 5

Win - Campeau (2-1). Loss - Moore (1-3). Save - None. HBP - by Moore (Loran); by Moore (Bitow). Inherited runners/scored: Dorney 1/0; Busto 2/1. Pitches/strikes: Moore 96/66; Dorney 27/15; Campeau 74/45; Busto 12/8; Blehm 7/6; Cox 17/9. Umpires Start: 4 p.m.

Time: 5:43

Attendance: 300

124 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

12 7 17

Games 31 & 32: March 28, 2015 MSU Billings 11, Saint Martin’s 10 Saint Martin’s 12, MSU Billings 7

‘Jackets walk off in Game 1, fall to Saints in Game 2 in doubleheader split Saturday March 28, 2015 Luke Reinschmidt lifts the Yellowjackets to an 11-10 victory in Game 1, but the Saints battle back in Game 2 to collect a 12-7 extra-inning triumph on Saturday. BILLINGS, Mont. – Luke Reinschmidt drove in five runs and had a walkoff single in Game 1 to help the Montana State University Billings baseball team to an 11-10 win, but visiting Saint Martin’s salvaged a victory with a 12-7 extra-inning triumph in Game 2 Saturday at Dehler Park. The victory in Game 1 gave the Yellowjackets seven wins in-a-row, after MSUB swept SMU in a doubleheader Friday to win the first two games of the series. The ‘Jackets are now 14-17 overall and are just a game behind Western Oregon in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings at 9-6. The Wolves lost 3 of 4 games at Northwest Nazarene this weekend, as MSUB cut into their lead atop the conference standings with a 3-1 weekend record. The Yellowjackets hit three more home runs in the final two games, totaling nine on the weekend. Brody Miller hit his third of the weekend in Game 1, as his crucial three-run blast to dead center gave MSUB the lead in the seventh inning after trailing 8-6. The Saints (13-17, 7-9 GNAC) responded in Game 2 on Saturday, hitting three home runs and scoring five in the ninth inning to put the game out of reach for the ‘Jackets. Carl Svanevik had four RBIs in the final two innings of the day, and had seven overall in Saturday’s doubleheader. “I am really happy and proud of our team,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “We fought the whole time. When you look up late in the game against Saint Martin’s, the score is always going to be close. They are not going to quit, and they were pretty good today.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 125

Game 1 – MSU Billings 11, Saint Martin’s 10 After driving in four runs on four hits, Reinschmidt delivered his biggest of the game with a walkoff base hit into left center with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth. After Miller had been intentionally walked, he came across the plate to score the winning run as the Yellowjackets erupted out of the third-base dugout and mobbed Reinschmidt. Reinschmidt and leadoff hitter Myles Berkram did the majority of the damage for the ‘Jackets, accounting for nine of the team’s 21 hits and combining to drive in seven runs. Berkram hit his first home run of the season, clearing the fence in right field for a solo blast in the sixth inning. The Saints got on the board in the first on a single by Svanevik, but a two-run double by Reinschmidt in the bottom of the frame was followed by an RBI-single by Colter Sternhagen as MSUB jumped ahead 3-1. Reinschmidt shot another two-run double into right field in the second, but Svanevik matched his effort in the third as the score moved to 5-3. With two outs in the fifth inning, freshman center fielder David Bellamy evened the score at 5-5 with a two-run single into center field. The Saints then moved ahead 8-5 on home runs by Chandler Tracy and Adam Eskil in the sixth. Berkram sparked a rally in the seventh with an RBI-single to right center, and Miller’s big three-run shot put the ‘Jackets up 10-8. Refusing to go away, Travis Shaw tied the game in the top of the ninth with a two-run double down the leftfield line. Facing a bases-loaded situation with two outs, reliever Adam Cox buckled down and struck out Jake Huskey to keep the score at 10-10. Conner Holbrook led off the ninth with a double, as the ‘Jackets rallied their way to the victory on Reinschmidt’s eventual game-winner. Sophomore Myles Berkram. The ‘Jackets used six pitchers in the first game, with starter Tanner Johnson lasting 2 1/3 innings. Jake Mills tossed 2 1/3 in relief, allowing no earned runs with two strikeouts and three hits. For SMU, starter Zach Carter was effective over seven innings, allowing 10 runs on 18 hits with two strikeouts and no walks. Chase DeCoito took the loss as he surrendered the game-winning run to the Yellowjackets. “Cox came in and did a good job in the bases-loaded situation getting us out of there,” Bishop said. “Luke and Miles both had big games for us in the first game with nine hits between them.”

126 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Saint Martin's at MSU Billings (Game 1) 03/28/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Saint Martin's 10 (12-17,6-9 GNAC) Player

Shaw,Travis 1b Hirashiki,Kaelen 2b Svanevik,Carl rf Tracy,Chandler c Huskey,Jake dh Eskil,Adam 3b Lord,Blake ss Kurihara,Shayne lf Banister,Kameron ph Ferreira,Chaz pr/lf Bellamy,David cf Carter,Zach p DeCoito,Chase p Dooley,Torin p Totals

Score by Innings Saint Martin's MSU Billings

5 2 5 4 5 3 4 4 1 0 4 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

MSU Billings 11 (14-16,9-5 GNAC) a

lob

2 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 10 2 1 2 3 2 4 0 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 1 2 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 2 4 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0

37 10 13 10

4 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

bb so

26 15

1 3

0 2

2 0

0 0

2 0

3 1

0 4

0 0

2 1

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle dh Nix,Trevor lf Merritt,Casey lf Reinschmidt,Luke cf Sternhagen,Colter 3b Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Johnson,Tanner p Mills,Jake p Busto,Lee p Pape,Griffen p Blehm,Lucas p Cox,Adam p Totals R H 10 13 11 21

6 4 5 4 2 6 5 4 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

4 1 1 1 0 5 1 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 3 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

46 11 21 11

lob

1 4 0 1 0 2 0 9 2 7 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 4 1 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 14

E 0 1

Note: 2 outs, 3 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Morris. DP - SMU 1; MSUB 1. LOB - SMU 13; MSUB 13. 2B - Shaw 2; Svanevik; Kurihara; Durbin; Reinschmidt 2; Holbrook. HR - Tracy; Eskil; Berkram; Miller. HBP - Shaw; Hirashiki 3; Bellamy; Miller; Toon. SH - Hirashiki; Huskey; Lord. Saint Martin's

Carter,Zach DeCoito,Chase Dooley,Torin

r er bb so ab bf

7.0 18 10 10 0 2 38 39 1.1 2 1 1 1 3 6 8 0.1 1 0 0 1 0 2 3

116 31 9

MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Mills,Jake Busto,Lee Pape,Griffen Blehm,Lucas Cox,Adam

2.1 2.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0

4 3 2 0 3 1

3 2 3 0 2 0

er bb so ab

3 0 3 0 2 0

2 2 0 0 0 1

0 2 2 3 0 1

9 15 9 13 7 7 3 4 5 5 4 6

50 50 28 16 14 21

Win - Cox (2-1). Loss - DeCoito (1-1). Save - None. WP - DeCoito 2; Busto. HBP - by Carter (Miller); by Johnson (Shaw); by Johnson (Hirashiki); by Mills (Hirashiki); by Pape (Bellamy); by DeCoito (Toon); by Cox (Hirashiki). BK - Carter. Inherited runners/scored: Dooley 2/1; Mills 3/0; Busto 2/0; Cox 2/2. Pitches/strikes: Carter 116/82; DeCoito 31/19; Dooley 9/5; Johnson 50/27; Mills 50/27; Busto 28/19; Pape 16/12; Blehm 14/11; Cox 21/12. Umpires Start: 1 p.m. Time: 4 p.m. Attendance: Weather: Clear Skies, 65 degrees Blehm faced 2 batters in the 9th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 127

Game 2 – Saint Martin’s 12, MSU Billings 7 (9 Innings) Despite leading 4-1 after three innings of play, the Yellowjackets failed to complete what would have been their second-straight GNAC sweep as the Saints rallied for the late victory. It took three tries for the Saints to pull away, as they took the lead in the seventh and eighth innings only to watch the Yellowjackets survive both times. MSUB nearly walked off with a win in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with just one out and the score tied at 5-5. Reliever Josh Moss recorded a strikeout and then a sinking line drive was snagged by Blake Lord in left field before it could land and end the game. Svanevik launched a monstrous home run well beyond the fence in right field in the eighth, a two-run shot that put his team up again 7-5. The Yellowjackets responded with a leadoff double by Brody Miller, and a two-out base hit by Reinschmidt to make it 7-6. Kevin Toon lifted a fly ball deep to center field, pushing Bellamy onto the warning track. As the freshman reached up in full stride, the ball glanced barely off of his glove and Reinschmidt scored the game-tying run from first. On the very next pitch, Colter Sternhagen blasted a sinking liner into center, and Bellamy made a diving, game-saving catch that prevented the ‘Jackets from walking away with the win as Toon was on his way home. Svanevik again had the big hit for SMU in the top of the ninth with a two-run single, and Tracy hit a deep home run to right center to put the game out of reach. The ‘Jackets loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame, but did not score as Dooley closed the door to earn the victory. “In the second game, we didn’t get it going all the way offensively,” Bishop said. “We had little spurts here and there and some chances early to score runs, but once it got to extra innings, it was back and forth.” Cody Cooper, the reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Week got the nod in Game 2, striking out six in 5 2/3 innings while allowing four runs on eight hits. Seven relievers combined to finish the job for MSUB, with freshman Griffen Pape (0-2) taking the loss. Nick Mailhot started for SMU, throwing 5 2/3 innings and striking out three against two walks with four runs on eight hits. Moss threw 1 1/3 innings of relief, and Dooley finished the game for the Saints. THE BUZZ: Reinschmidt and Miller entered Saturday ranked first and second respectively in the GNAC in hits, with the former collecting eight on the day and the latter collecting a pair…Miller is currently working on a nine-game hitting streak and has a hit in 17 of his last 18 games overall…Reinschmidt drove in eight runs on the day, pushing his GNAC-leading figure to 40 on the season…the Yellowjackets lead the GNAC in home runs with 26 on the season, and Miller and Reinschmidt are tied for second-most in the conference with eight apiece… SMU’s Tracy maintained his GNAC lead in home runs, with his pair on Saturday giving him 11 on the season… Reinschmidt was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day with his eight hits and eight RBIs. AHEAD: The Yellowjackets are off next weekend, and are next scheduled for a nonconference game against Dickinson State on April 8 at Dehler Park. MSUB’s next conference series is set for April 10-11 against Central Washington. 128 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Saint Martin's at MSU Billings (Game 2) 03/28/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Saint Martin's 12 (13-17,7-9 GNAC) Player

Shaw,Travis 3b Young,Trevor pr Sontag,Josh 3b Hirashiki,Kaelen 2b Huskey,Jake ph/2b Svanevik,Carl rf Tracy,Chandler dh Banister,Kameron 1b Eskil,Adam ss Kurihara,Shayne ph/lf Lord,Blake lf/ss Raczok,Zach c Bellamy,David cf Mailhot,Nick p Moss,Josh p Dooley,Torin p Totals

Score by Innings Saint Martin's MSU Billings

4 0 0 2 0 5 3 6 4 0 3 6 5 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0

h rbi

2 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 4 2 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0

38 12 14 12

1 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 0

MSU Billings 7 (14-17,9-6 GNAC) a

lob

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 10 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 6 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 0 1 2 2 0 0 0

12 10

0 0

0 2

1 2

2 0

1 0

0 0

1 1

2 2

5 0

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle 3b Nix,Trevor c Holbrook,Conner c Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Loran,Blake dh Sternhagen,Colter ph Morris,Corey ss Foley,Jacob lf Merritt,Casey lf Cooper,Cody p Busto,Lee p Cox,Adam p Blehm,Lucas p Bitow,Bret p Pape,Griffen p Mills,Jake p Goldsack,Dylan p Totals R H 12 14 7 14

5 2 5 5 1 5 5 2 2 5 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

1 1 0 2 0 3 4 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 14

lob

0 4 0 9 1 2 9 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

3 2 5 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 11

E 2 0

E - Eskil 2. DP - SMU 1; MSUB 1. LOB - SMU 15; MSUB 15. 2B - Banister; Miller; Toon 2. HR - Svanevik; Tracy; Bellamy; Toon. HBP - Shaw; Huskey; Berkram; Miller. SH - Hirashiki; Huskey; Merritt. SB - Shaw. Saint Martin's

Mailhot,Nick Moss,Josh Dooley,Torin

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

5.2 8 4 4 2 3 24 27 1.1 2 1 1 2 2 7 10 2.0 4 2 2 1 1 10 12

Cooper,Cody Busto,Lee Cox,Adam Blehm,Lucas Bitow,Bret Pape,Griffen Mills,Jake Goldsack,Dylan

44 37

5.2 0.0 0.1 1.0 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1

8 0 0 2 1 1 1 1

4 0 0 1 2 3 2 0

er bb so ab

4 0 0 0 2 3 2 0

4 1 0 1 3 1 2 0

6 23 29 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 5 6 1 3 6 1 2 5 1 2 4 0 2 2

107 5 3 19 35 21 16 2

Win - Dooley (2-1). Loss - Pape (0-2). Save - None. WP - Mailhot; Moss; Cooper. HBP - by Cooper (Huskey); by Moss (Berkram); by Pape (Shaw); by Dooley (Miller). PB Nix. Inherited runners/scored: Moss 1/0; Busto 2/0; Cox 3/0; Pape 2/0; Mills 1/1; Goldsack 2/1. Pitches/strikes: Mailhot 89/57; Moss 44/23; Dooley 37/21; Cooper 107/66; Busto 5/1; Cox 3/3; Blehm 19/10; Bitow 35/15; Pape 21/8; Mills 16/7; Goldsack 2/2. Umpires Start: 4 p.m. Time: 7:50 Attendance: 300 Weather: Clear Skies, strong east wind Busto faced 1 batter in the 6th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 129

Miller selected as GNAC co-Player of the Week after 3 home runs March 30, 2015 Brody Miller is tabbed the GNAC co-Player of the Week after hitting three home runs in last weekend’s series against Saint Martin’s. PORTLAND, Ore. – After hitting three of the Yellowjackets’ nine home runs in their home-opening series against Saint Martin’s last week, Montana State University Billings senior second baseman Brody Miller has been tabbed as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball co-Player of the Week announced by the conference office Monday. “Brody had a huge weekend for us,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He was pitched around during a lot of situations but really came up big at the right times. Brody definitely deserves recognition for his weekend.” Miller hit two home runs in Game 1 against Saint Martin’s on March 27 and his offensive output helped the Yellowjackets to a 3-1 series victory. Miller opened the series by going 3-for-4 with four runs scored and three RBIs as MSUB won the opener over the Saints 11-8. He then drove in a pair of runs in Game 2, helping MSUB to a 9-4 victory and its thirdstraight doubleheader sweep in GNAC play. Miller’s most important home run of the weekend came in Game 3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the Yellowjackets trailing 8-6 and with two outs, he launched a 3-run blast to dead center field, giving MSUB the lead in an eventual 11-10 victory to extend the team’s winning streak to seven-straight games.

130 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Miller finished the weekend hitting 6-for-14 (.429) with eight runs scored, eight RBIs and four extra-base hits. Miller also drew five walks – two of them intentional passes – and struck out just one time in 21 plate appearances on the weekend. On top of his offensive dominance, Miller made 24 plays at second base without committing a single error. On the season, Miller is batting .357 and is tied for second place in the GNAC in home runs with eight, along with teammate Luke Reinschmidt. Miller ranks second in the conference in hits (45), walks (21), and total bases (79), third in RBIs (32), fourth in runs scored (29), and fifth in doubles (10). Miller currently ranks No. 5 all-time in the GNAC in career hits with 229, and is six away from surpassing Greg McCarthy (Western Oregon, 2002-05) for the No. 4 spot. This is the second-career GNAC Player of the Week honor for Miller, who received the award from April 1-7, 2013. The reigning GNAC Player of the Year and All-American became the fourth player of the season from MSUB to win the GNAC’s weekly award, joining Reinschmidt and Kyle Durbin as Players of the Week and pitcher Cody Cooper as Pitcher of the Week. MSUB left-hander Brady Muller was credited with honorable mention Pitcher of the Week, after striking out 10 batters including the first seven he faced to help MSUB to a Game 1 win over Saint Martin’s last week. Tyler Davis of Northwest Nazarene was the co-Player of the Week, as he also hit three home runs and helped NNU to a 3-1 series victory over conference-leading Western Oregon. The Yellowjackets (14-17, 9-6 GNAC) are currently one game behind Western Oregon in second place in the conference standings. MSUB is next in action with a single, nonconference home game against Dickinson State on April 8, before resuming GNAC play by hosting Central Washington for four games April 10-11.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 131

‘Jackets host Central Washington in GNAC series this weekend April 7, 2015 After a week off, the MSUB baseball team returns to GNAC action with a four-game home series against Central Washington this weekend at Dehler Park. BILLINGS, Mont. – Currently just one game out of first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball standings, Montana State University Billings is getting set to resume action this week after a weekend off. The Yellowjackets (14-17, 9-6 GNAC) have won seven of their last eight games heading into this week’s action, and are currently in second place behind Western Oregon University (16-19, 12-7 GNAC). The Wolves split a four-game series with Central Washington last week, and it will be the Wildcats who come to Billings this weekend for a four-game set against the Yellowjackets at Dehler Park Friday and Saturday. The Yellowjackets will play 1 p.m. doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday against CWU, with both days featuring one 9-inning and one 7-inning game. Live video with play-by-play commentary and live statistics will be available for all four of this week’s games via www.msubsports.com. This will be the second series of the season for MSUB against Central Washington, after the teams split the four-game set in Ellensburg, Wash., on Feb. 28 and March 1. The Yellowjackets won Game 1 14-6 and Game 3 11-9, and fell in extra innings 4-3 in the series finale as the Wildcats salvaged a series split. “We felt like we played pretty well over there, and they are a good team,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Every game was a fight there and I am fully expecting the same thing this weekend. It will be four competitive games from start to finish.” Most recently, MSUB took 3 of 4 from Saint Martin’s in a GNAC tilt at Dehler Park on March 27-28. After winning the first three games of the series and extending their winning streak up to seven games, victory twice evaded the Yellowjackets by inches in the finale as SMU held on for a wild 12-7 extra-inning win. Senior Brody Miller earned GNAC Player of the Week honors for his three home runs and perfect defense in the series win over Saint Martin’s, and Luke Reinschmidt went 10-for-17 with two doubles, a home run and 10 RBIs in the series. As a team the Yellowjackets totaled nine home runs in the four games, and scored 38 runs while batting .376. MSUB is now averaging 6.87 runs per game and continues to lead the GNAC in many major offensive categories. 132 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

HOLBROOK HITTING, HANDLING STAFF: Senior catcher Conner Holbrook batted 4-for-9 last week with a crucial two-run triple in Game 1 that helped push MSUB to victory. He has started 13 games behind the plate this season, and is batting .353 while striking out just six times in 57 plate appearances. BERKRAM’S BAT BOOMING: After stepping into a starting role for the Yellowjackets, sophomore outfielder Myles Berkram has caught fire as of late, hitting .481 (13-for-27) over his last eight games. Berkram had his first career home run in the series against Saint Martin’s, and drove in three runs while scoring four for the ‘Jackets. Berkram is now batting .328 on the season while reaching base at a clip of .400. “I have been seeing the ball really well, and the lineup we have right now has really helped me succeed,” Berkram said. “I have just been really confident in my teammates and they have allowed me to become the player that I have.” REINSCHMIDT REMAINS RED HOT: With 10 more hits in the series against Saint Martin’s, Reinschmidt maintained his team-best .389 batting average and is currently tied with Miller for second place in the GNAC in hits with 49 apiece on the season. Reinschmidt drove in 10 runs for MSUB including one on a walk-off single in Game 3, to push his GNAC-leading RBI total to 38 on the season. He is now just 14 RBIs shy of the MSUB single-season record of 52 held by Colby Robison, with 16 games left on the regular-season schedule for the ‘Jackets. He and Miller are also tied for second in the conference with eight home runs each, and Reinschmidt is third in runs scored with 31 and in stolen bases with seven. The eight home runs tie the MSUB single-season record. TOON HEATING UP: After a slow start at the plate junior Kevin Toon has turned it around offensively, as he batted 9-for-16 in the series against the Saints while driving in five runs. In the finale he hit his first home run of the season, and added two doubles while driving in four and scoring twice. The first baseman has also been outstanding with the glove this season, making just one error in 195 chances. BUSTO DE-‘PEN’-DABLE: Currently ranking No. 2 in all of the NCAA Division II in pitching appearances this season is junior reliever Lee Busto, who with 20 thus far is just one away from tying the MSUB single-season record. Busto has been stellar over his last 13 outings, holding an earned run average of 4.97 with eight strikeouts and just six walks in 12 2/3 innings. The GNAC record for single-season appearances by a pitcher is 35, held by Tip Wonhoff of Saint Martin’s (2005). CAMPEAU CONTROLS CENTRAL: The last time MSUB starter Jake Campeau faced Central Washington he tossed a 7-inning complete game and struck out five while walking none. He allowed just two earned runs on three hits and will look to replicate the performance when he takes the mound the second time around. “We are all as confident as we have ever been and we all believe in each other right now,” Campeau said. “We are really starting to click as a pitching staff, and on offense we are starting to do what we do.”

Junior Lee Busto.

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ACCUMULATING ACCOLADES: Miller’s claim as the GNAC Player of the Week two weeks ago was the latest tip of the cap to the Yellowjackets in a season that has been packed with honors. Miller was the fourth Yellowjacket this season to earn the GNAC’s weekly honor, and after MSUB swept Northwest Nazarene in a four-game series on the road, the team was selected as the GNAC Team of the Week for March 16-22. Cody Cooper, Kyle Durbin and Reinschmidt were joined by Miller as former Players of the Week, and Reinschmidt became just the second player in GNAC history to earn National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association National Player of the Week honors when he homered four times in eight games during the Yellowjackets’ trip to Dixie State. MILLER CONTINUES CLIMB: With another solid weekend on the diamond, Miller continued his ascent up the GNAC alltime record books in many categories. Entering this week’s games Miller is now third alltime in assists (431) and walks (99), fourth in RBIs (138), fifth in hits (230), seventh in at-bats (639), total bases (333), and doubles (41), and eighth in games started (174), home runs (20), and runs scored (122). Brody Miller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School 3 Assists 431 436 Tim Andra, NNU 3 Walks 99 101 Adam Siler, SMU 4 RBIs 138 165 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 5 Hits 230 235 Greg McCarthy, WOU 7 At-Bats 639 682 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 7 Total Bases 333 336 Sean McDonald, NNU 7 Doubles 41 43 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 8 Starts 174 180 Tim Andra, NNU 8 Home Runs 20 22 Kevin McCarthy, NNU 8 Runs 122 138 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 12 Games 174 175 4 Players

Senior Brody Miller. GNAC Record, Name, School 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 105 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 183 2 Players 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 746 Joey Price, WOU 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 42 Chandler Tracy, SMU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU

MULLER BACK AT IT: After missing the NNU series with an injury, MSUB ace Brady Muller showed no signs of lag as he struck out the first seven Saints that he faced and ended up with 10 in a 7-inning performance in Game 1. Muller’s 49 strikeouts on the season rank fourth in the GNAC, and he is within striking distance of the MSUB single-season record of 64 which he set a season ago. A four-year starter for the Yellowjackets, Muller, like Miller, is moving up in the GNAC career charts in several major alltime categories. Muller is now fourth in games started (38), fifth in strikeouts (211), sixth in innings pitched (244), and seventh in wins (17). Brady Muller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Muller Next Name, School 4 Starts 38 39 Charles Pollock, NNU 5 Strikeouts 211 223 Mike Ward, WOU 6 Innings 244 246.1 Mike Eisenhauer, WOU 7 Wins 17 18 Aaron Vaughn, NNU

GNAC Record, Name, School 40 Roger Evenson, NNU 269 Nick Waechter, WOU 280.1 Nick Waechter, WOU 28 Nick Waechter, WOU

134 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Friday, April 10 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – Doubleheader Saturday, April 11 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – Doubleheader Central Washington University Wildcats 2015 Record: 17-18 Head Coach: Desi Storey, 24th season 2014 GNAC Finish: 2nd (31-18, 17-14 GNAC, GNAC Tournament Champions) After splitting the first series of the season with each team winning two games apiece, the reigning GNAC Baseball Championship Tournament winners are headed to Billings for Round 2 against the ‘Jackets. The Wildcats lost their first two games at home against GNAC-leading Western Oregon last week, but rallied to win both on Day 2 to salvage a split against the Wolves. CWU had 23 hits on the second day against WOU, collecting 9-4 and 6-3 victories. CWU is now in fourth place in the conference standings with a record of 8-12, and is one game under .500 at 17-18 on the season overall. The ‘Cats are being led by reigning first-team all-GNAC senior Kasey Bielec, who is leading the conference in batting average at .403 this season. He is also reaching base at .483, slugging at .630 and has 28 RBIs. Close behind Bielec is Darren Honeysett, who is batting .395 with 12 doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBIs on the season. Honeysett’s .677 slugging percentage is second-best in the conference behind SMU’s Chandler Tracy (.780). Also batting north of .300 for CWU this season are Benjamin Dunbar and Randy Fuller, who are at .351 and .314 respectively. Jonathan Dailey leads the team with five stolen bases in five attempts, and is batting .299 with eight doubles and 21 runs scored. On the mound, last year’s GNAC Newcomer of the Year Cory Welch is leading the squad with a 3.90 ERA in 13 appearances including five starts. His seven saves lead the GNAC, and he has 39 strikeouts against just 14 walks in 43 2/3 innings. The Wildcats have used a wide range of arms in a starting role this season, with six different pitchers having started at least five games each. CWU will be without ace and GNAC Pitcher of the Year Brandon Williams, who sustained a season-ending injury after starting five games and holding a 3.56 ERA over 30 1/3 innings. Zach Johnson has been the most consistent starter for CWU, holding a 3.60 ERA over eight starts with 35 strikeouts and 18 walks in a team-high 50 innings pitched. As a team the ‘Cats have the second-best offense in the league behind the ‘Jackets, as CWU is batting .291 with an average of 5.71 runs per game. The Wildcat pitching staff holds a team ERA of 4.86, with 250 strikeouts and just 130 walks in 275 2/3 innings pitched. Last Time Out: The ‘Jackets stormed to a 14-6 win in the teams’ GNAC season-opener, but were shut down by Williams in a 13-4 loss in Game 2 in which he struck out 13 in seven innings without allowing an earned run. A huge 3-run home run by Trevor Nix in the eighth pushed MSUB to a come-from-behind 11-9 win in Game 3, but Bielec hit a walk-off double in the eighth inning of the finale to boost CWU, 4-3. The Series: After the early-season split the Yellowjackets are now 33-34 alltime against the Wildcats dating back to April of 2006. CWU won the season series last year 5-3, by winning the final two games in Billings after the teams split the first six. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 135

Games 33 & 34: April 10, 2015 MSU Billings 11, Central Washington 8 Central Washington 5, MSU Billings 4

‘Jackets split with CWU on Day 1, Reinschmidt homers twice, Miller hits grand slam April 10, 2015 Brody Miller hits a grand slam and Luke Reinschmidt hits a game-winning inside-the-park home run as the ‘Jackets rally for a Game 1 win, but CWU holds on to take Game 2 5-4 in extra innings. BILLINGS, Mont. – Luke Reinschmidt hit a game-winning inside-the-park three-run home run in Game 1 and added a game-tying solo home run in the seventh inning of Game 2, as the Montana State University Billings baseball team split a Great Northwest Athletic Conference doubleheader against Central Washington on Friday at Dehler Park. Trailing 6-0 in the fifth inning of Game 1, Brody Miller hit a grand slam to bring the ‘Jackets within two runs. With the score tied at 8-8 in the eighth inning, Reinschmidt hammered a ball off of the wall in center field, and motored around the bases after CWU’s center fielder was slow to get up after colliding with the wall. The hit proved to be the game-winner as freshman Adam Cox earned his fourth save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to seal the 11-8 victory. Reinschmidt again came through with his team trailing by a run and two outs in the bottom of the seventh in Game 2, launching a solo blast over the right-center field fence to send the game to extra frames. The Wildcats pushed across a run in the top of the eighth however, holding on for a 5-4 win. Brady Muller turned in a strong start for the ‘Jackets in Game 1, throwing 122 pitches and lasting eight innings to pick up the win. Muller had five strikeouts against just one walk, scattering 11 hits and giving up four earned runs in his fourth win of the season. “We competed hard today,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Fundamentally we didn’t execute some things that we have been doing well. I know our guys will come out tomorrow ready to play.” With the split MSUB remained in second place in the GNAC standings at 10-7 in conference play and an overall mark of 15-18 on the season. Central Washington is now 18-19 and 9-13 in GNAC play. Garrett Terrell had the game-winning hit in Game 2 for CWU, roping a double into right field in the eighth inning to plate Benjamin Dunbar in the 5-4 win. 136 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 1 – MSU Billings 11, Central Washington 8 The Yellowjackets’ home run leaders came through in a huge way in Game 1, as Miller got the ball rolling with his fifth-inning grand slam and Reinschmidt finished the game with his three-run shot in the eighth. MSUB had a tough time against CWU starter Mitch Yada, as the ‘Jackets did not score until Miller’s shot over the left field fence in the fifth. Yada tossed 4 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking one while giving up four runs on nine hits. Alhanon Miller took the loss for the ‘Cats, giving up the final seven runs while striking out three over his 3 1/3 innings of work. The Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead, scoring one in the third and putting up a big five spot in the fifth. CWU took advantage of three MSUB errors in the big inning, as only half of the runs Muller allowed on the day were earned. Left fielder Myles Wesener had a big game for the Wildcats, going 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and a run scored. Jonathan Dailey and Jeff Beckman also each had a pair of hits for CWU in Game 1. Miller finished with five RBIs in the first game, while leadoff hitter Myles Berkram was 3-for-3 with two runs scored and Casey Merritt finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs. After Miller’s grand slam, CWU responded with two more runs in the sixth as RBI-singles by Beckman and Kasey Bielec made the score 8-4. A defensive letdown by CWU in the bottom of the frame opened the door for MSUB, as Conner Holbrook reached on a one-out error. Berkram plated Holbrook on a bunt single that he popped over the head of a charging Beckman, and Miller followed with an RBI-double to center that scored Berkram all the way from first after a throwing error. Kyle Durbin added an RBI-groundout, as MSUB pulled even and set the stage for Reinschmidt’s late-game heroics. Already passing the 100-pitch mark, Muller returned to the mound and cruised through the Wildcats in order in the seventh and eighth innings. Berkram led off the eighth with a base hit, and Miller drew a full-count walk to put two runners on. With two down, Reinschmidt hit the pitch from Miller off the wall in center and never stopped running as he put MSUB ahead for good 11-8.

Sophomore Myles Berkram. The ‘Jackets out hit the Wildcats 16-11 in the first game, but neither team played well defensively as there were seven combined errors. The ‘Jackets left seven runners on base while the ‘Cats left five. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 137

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Central Washington at MSU Billings (Game 1) 4/10/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Central Washington 8 (17-19,8-13 GNAC) Player

Honeysett,Darren rf Wesener,Myles lf Bielec,Kasey 2b Dunbar,Benjamin c Fuller,Randy 1b Dailey,Jonathan ss Welch,Cory cf Beckman,Jeff 3b Terrell,Garrett dh Yada,Mitch p Miller,Alhanon p Totals Score by Innings Central Washington MSU Billings

3 5 4 5 4 4 3 4 3 0 0

1 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 11 (15-17,10-6 GNAC)

lob

1 3 1 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 0

0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0

1 4 0 7 8 2 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2

0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

8 11

0 0

1 0

0 0

5 4

2 4

0 0

0 3

0 X

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Durbin,Kyle 3b Sternhagen,Colter dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Muller,Brady p Cox,Adam p Totals R H 8 11 11 16

3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 0 0

2 3 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0

h rbi

3 2 0 3 2 2 1 0 3 0 0

bb so

1 5 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 3 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 0

38 11 16 10

lob

3 2 1 0 1 9 3 8 0 0 0

0 1 3 0 0 1 4 1 0 3 0

0 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0

27 13

E 2 4

E - Bielec; Welch; Miller; Durbin; Toon; Muller. DP - MSUB 1. LOB - CWU 5; MSUB 7. 2B - Wesener 2; Miller; Sternhagen. HR - Miller(9); Reinschmidt(9). HBP - Bielec. SH - Honeysett; Terrell; Berkram; Morris. CS Dailey. Central Washington

Yada,Mitch Miller,Alhanon

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

4.2 9 4 4 1 5 21 23 3.1 7 7 3 1 3 17 19

Muller,Brady Cox,Adam

8.0 11 1.0 0

8 0

er bb so ab

4 0

2 0

7 32 37 1 3 3

122

Win - Muller (4-1). Loss - Miller (1-3). Save - Cox (4). WP - Muller. HBP - by Muller (Bielec). PB - Dunbar. Inherited runners/scored: Miller 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Yada 78/56; Miller 68/45; Muller 122/85; Cox 9/7. Umpires - HP: Brian Hertzog 1B: Larry Schmitt 2B: Stu Bertrand Start: 1 p.m. Time: 2:31 Attendance: Weather: Clear Skies, 55 Degrees

138 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – Central Washington 5, MSU Billings 4 (8 Innings) MSUB came from behind three times in the second game, but could not muster a fourth comeback as the Wildcats salvaged a victory and held on for the tight 5-4 extra-inning win. CWU again took the lead first as a two-out single by Randy Fuller brought home Darren Honeysett in the top of the first inning off of MSUB starter Jake Campeau. MSUB threatened to tie the game in the bottom half, but the ‘Jackets could not plate a run despite three singles in the inning. With two outs in the second, Merritt came through with his fourth hit of the day into left field to score Kevin Toon and make the score 1-1. Campeau and his counterpart Zach Johnson were equally effective on the mound, pitching out of tight situations through the middle innings and keeping their teams in the game. The Wildcats broke through in the fourth inning, manufacturing a run to take a 2-1 edge. MSUB took its first lead of the game in the fifth, as Reinschmidt plated a run with a hit to center, and an error by Beckman allowed Colter Sternhagen to cross the plate. Unfazed by facing a deficit, CWU came right back with two runs in the sixth inning. Dailey poked a double down the line in right field, and Beckman followed with an RBI-single as the ‘Cats pulled ahead 4-3.

Sophomore Casey Merritt.

Needing to score a run to stay alive, Reinschmidt emphatically rounded the bases after pushing his team ahead with a solo blast to right center as the score moved to 4-4. The ‘Jackets came up short in the bottom of the eighth however, leaving the tying run on first as Dailey closed the door on the mound to earn the win. THE BUZZ: Reinschmidt and Miller each broke the MSUB single-season record for home runs, and Reinschmidt currently holds the title with 10 on the season after his two today…with five RBIs on the day Reinschmidt is now just nine shy of the MSUB single-season record of 52, and he remained the GNAC leader in that category…with two walks, Miller is now tied for second in GNAC history with 101 career walks, and is on the verge of breaking the current record of 105…Muller moved to No. 2 in GNAC history with his 39th career start and No. 5 in career innings pitched with 252…Reinschmidt was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day…the ‘Jackets and Wildcats are now 3-3 against one another this season, after splitting the first series with two wins apiece in Ellensburg, Wash., from Feb. 28 – March 1. NEXT UP: The series concludes with another doubleheader on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. Mountain time start scheduled. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 139

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Central Washington at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/10/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Central Washington 5 (18-19,9-13 GNAC) Player

Honeysett,Darren rf Wesener,Myles cf Bielec,Kasey 2b Fuller,Randy 1b Dailey,Jonathan ss Beckman,Jeff 3b Reay,Zach c Pernell,Austin ph Dunbar,Benjamin c Terrell,Garrett lf Archibald,Ryan dh Johnson,Zach p Totals

Score by Innings Central Washington MSU Billings

3 3 3 3 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 0

1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 4 (15-18,10-7 GNAC)

lob

1 0 1 3 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0

0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 3 0

2 4 2 4 4 0 3 0 3 0 1 1

0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

0 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 0

5 11

1 0

0 1

0 0

1 0

0 2

2 0

0 1

1 0

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Nix,Trevor dh Sternhagen,Colter 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Campeau,Jake p Busto,Lee p Mills,Jake p Blehm,Lucas p Totals

R H 5 11 4 9

4 4 4 5 4 2 3 3 4 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

lob

1 4 0 1 1 6 0 9 2 0 0 0 0

2 1 0 2 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 2 1 3 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0

24 11

E 2 2

E - Bielec; Beckman; Sternhagen; Morris. LOB - CWU 7; MSUB 12. 2B - Dailey; Terrell; Nix; Merritt. HR Reinschmidt(10). HBP - Honeysett; Toon; Morris. SH - Wesener; Fuller; Holbrook. SB - Dailey. CS - Fuller. Central Washington

Johnson,Zach Dailey,Jonathan

r er bb so ab bf

6.1 9 4 3 3 4 27 33 1.2 0 0 0 1 2 6 7

115 28

MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Busto,Lee Mills,Jake Blehm,Lucas

5.1 0.1 1.1 1.0

5 2 2 2

4 0 0 1

er bb so ab

3 0 0 1

0 0 1 0

5 19 22 0 2 2 3 7 8 1 4 4

Win - Dailey (2-1). Loss - Blehm (1-1). Save - None. WP - Mills. HBP - by Campeau (Honeysett); by Johnson (Morris); by Johnson (Toon). BK - Johnson. Inherited runners/scored: Dailey 1/0; Busto 2/2; Mills 1/0. Pitches/strikes: Johnson 115/65; Dailey 28/16; Campeau 79/48; Busto 6/4; Mills 29/15; Blehm 13/8. Umpires - HP: Larry Schmitt 1B: Stu Bertrand 2B: Brian Hertzog Start: 4 p.m. Time: 2:27 Attendance: 300 Weather: Clear Skies, 60 degrees

140 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

6 29 13

Games 35 & 36: April 11, 2015 MSU Billings 21, Central Washington 8 MSU Billings 10, Central Washington 9

Yellowjackets walk off with 3-1 series win over Central Washington April 11, 2015 Brody Miller homers twice including a grand slam as the Yellowjackets tie a single-game record for runs in a 21-8 victory over Central Washington in Game 1 Saturday, and the ‘Jackets walk off in Game 2 with a 10-9 extra-inning win. BILLINGS, Mont. – Conner Holbrook capped off a memorable weekend for the Montana State University Billings baseball team, as his RBI-single in the bottom of the eighth inning gave the Yellowjackets a 10-9 walkoff win and a 3-1 series victory over visiting Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent Central Washington on Saturday at Dehler Park. The Yellowjackets led the final game 7-2 entering the seventh and final inning, but CWU put together a seven-run rally to take a 9-7 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Casey Merritt blasted his first home run of the season off of the scoreboard beyond the fence in right field, a two-run shot that knotted the score at 9-9 and forced the extra inning. “I knew I was the tying run and I had to get 360 feet, so I was thinking, ‘how am I going to do that,’” Merritt said. “A home run was the last thing on my mind. I was just looking for a pitch that I could handle, put it into a hole or up the middle, and I managed to see a first pitch changeup that he left up that I had hit before.” In the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, MSUB tied a program record for runs in a single game in the 21-8 victory. After surrendering a run in the top of the first, MSUB scored six in the bottom of the frame and never looked back. “Our guys did a good job in the series of getting into the bullpen as early as we can,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “The happiest I can be as a coach is when our team covers each other and that’s what happened in the second game today.”

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 141

Senior second baseman Brody Miller had two home runs in the first game, including his second grand slam of the series. Miller went 3-for-6 in Game 1 and 4-for-4 with his fourth home run of the weekend in Game 2 to earn St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day honors. On the weekend Miller hit .556 (10-for-18), with four homers, 14 RBIs, eight runs scored, three doubles, three walks and a hit by pitch with just one strikeout in 22 plate appearances. “I was just seeing the ball well,” Miller said. “I tried to stay patient and not to do too much.” “Brody was just on fire,” Bishop said. “He was seeing the ball so well and he has been very consistent over the course of his career. He crushed the ball all day long.” For the ‘Jackets on Saturday, Tanner Johnson earned the win in Game 1 by tossing five innings, striking out four and allowing three runs on six hits. Lucas Blehm earned the win in Game 2, by throwing 1 2/3 innings of relief and finishing the game.

Senior Brody Miller.

On the day MSUB had 37 hits compared with 22 by the Wildcats, but MSUB left only 20 on base while CWU stranded 25 including 16 in Game 1. Benjamin Dunbar had the lone home run of the series for the Wildcats in Game 2 Saturday, a solo blast that made the score 1-0 in the second inning. With the wins MSUB improved to 17-18 on the season and remained in second place in the GNAC standings with a conference record of 12-7. CWU fell to 18-21 and the Wildcats are now 9-15 in conference action. Game 1 – MSU Billings 21, Central Washington 8 Setting the tone early, MSUB plated six runs in the first and used an eight-run fourth inning to put Game 1 out of reach. Miller drove in six runs in the game, adding a two-run home run in the seventh inning after his second grand slam in as many days came in the big fourth inning for the ‘Jackets. Six total MSUB players drove in multiple runs, as Merritt went 3-for-6 with four RBIs and freshman catcher Landon Peterson was 1-for-3 with three driven in. The Wildcats never threatened, but managed to score two runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth before MSUB closed out the win. In relief of Johnson, Bryon Baker tossed 1 2/3 strong innings allowing two unearned runs on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Lee Busto made his 22nd appearance of the season, allowing no runs on two hits in 1 2/3 innings to finish the game. The Yellowjackets jumped all over CWU starter Dustin Hamilton, who exited after recording just one out in the first inning. The Wildcats ended up using six different pitchers in the lopsided loss, and Travis Cook, the final of the six, was the only one not to surrender a run. Each team had a pair of errors, and MSUB benefitted from 10 walks and five hit batsmen by the CWU pitching staff. Kasey Bielec was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for CWU in Game 1. 142 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Central Washington at MSU Billings (Game 1) 4/11/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Central Washington 8 (18-20,9-14 GNAC) Player

Honeysett,Darren rf Wesener,Myles cf Bielec,Kasey 2b Dunbar,Benjamin c Reay,Zach c Fuller,Randy 1b Dailey,Jonathan ss Archibald,Ryan ss Beckman,Jeff 3b Romo,Tanner 3b Terrell,Garrett lf Pernell,Austin dh Hamilton,Dustin p Greene,Austin p Forrester,Jacob p Engel,Davis p Sullivan,Michael p Cook,Travis p Totals Score by Innings Central Washington MSU Billings

5 5 5 2 3 4 3 3 1 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

2 0 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

8 13

MSU Billings 21 (16-18,11-7 GNAC)

lob

2 5 1 2 2 8 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

2 6 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24 10

1 6

0 0

0 3

1 8

1 1

0 0

2 3

3 0

0 X

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor dh Durbin,Kyle ph Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Loran,Blake 1b Morris,Corey ss Peterson,Landon c Merritt,Casey lf Johnson,Tanner p Baker,Bryon p Foley,Jacob p Busto,Lee p Totals

R H 8 13 21 18

5 6 5 3 1 2 2 2 4 3 6 0 0 0 0

3 3 1 2 0 3 2 0 3 2 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 3 2 1 0 1 1 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 6 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

39 21 18 20

lob

1 2 0 0 0 2 5 2 5 8 2 0 0 0 0

0 4 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0

27 12

E 2 2

E - Bielec; Greene; Berkram; Sternhagen. DP - CWU 2; MSUB 1. LOB - CWU 16; MSUB 11. 2B - Berkram; Miller; Sternhagen; Nix; Peterson. HR - Miller 2(11). HBP - Dunbar; Miller; Reinschmidt; Morris 2; Peterson. SH Wesener; Berkram. SF - Sternhagen. SB - Bielec. Central Washington

Hamilton,Dustin Greene,Austin Forrester,Jacob Engel,Davis Sullivan,Michael Cook,Travis

0.1 1.2 1.0 0.2 3.0 1.1

2 2 2 5 7 0

r er bb so ab bf

6 2 4 5 4 0

6 2 4 5 3 0

3 1 2 2 2 0

1 3 7 0 6 10 0 4 8 1 7 9 0 14 17 2 5 5

MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Baker,Bryon Foley,Jacob Busto,Lee

34 36 28

5.0 1.2 0.2 1.2

6 3 2 2

3 2 3 0

er bb so ab

3 0 3 0

4 2 4 0

4 20 26 2 9 11 2 4 8 0 6 6

116 37 38 20

60 15

Win - Johnson (3-1). Loss - Hamilton (1-2). Save - None. WP - Greene 2; Engel; Johnson 3. HBP - by Hamilton (Miller); by Greene (Peterson); by Greene (Reinschmidt); by Johnson (Dunbar); by Greene (Morris); by Forrester (Morris). Inherited runners/scored: Greene 3/3; Forrester 1/1; Engel 3/3; Sullivan 2/0; Cook 3/1; Foley 3/0; Busto 3/0. Pitches/strikes: Hamilton 32/14; Greene 34/14; Forrester 36/19; Engel 28/16; Sullivan 60/30; Cook 15/11; Johnson 116/65; Baker 37/21; Foley 38/14; Busto 20/12. Umpires - HP: Stu Bertrand 1B: Brian Hertzog 3B: Larry Schmitt Start: 1 p.m. Time: 3:16 Attendance:

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Game 2 – MSU Billings 10, Central Washington 9 (8 Innings) Looking to have the series finale all but wrapped up, the Yellowjackets stumbled in the seventh inning as CWU came storming back with seven runs. The ‘Jackets needed just three outs to collect the win, but a combination of big hits and a letdown in MSUB’s pitching and defense let CWU back into the game. Staring defeat in the face with one out in the bottom of the seventh, Merritt got his 10th and most important hit of the weekend as his two-run shot scored Holbrook and evened the score at 9-9. After Blehm shut down the ‘Cats in the top of the eighth, Luke Reinschmidt reached on an error and moved to third on a base hit by Corey Morris. After a groundout hit too softly to score Reinschmidt, Holbrook came through with the two-out game winner and sent the ‘Jackets into a mob behind first base with the series victory. Back-to-back RBI-doubles by Miller and Colter Sternhagen led to a three-run third inning that pushed MSUB ahead 4-1 early. The ‘Cats responded with a run in the sixth on an RBI-single by Johnathan Dailey, but Miller’s fourth home run of the series catalyzed a three-run bottom of the sixth and made the score 7-2. Miller was 4-for-4 with three RBIs in the second game, and representing the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh, was intentionally walked by the Wildcats in order to avoid his impossibly hot bat. Senior Lucas Blehm.

Holbrook finished Game 2 3-for-5 at the plate, and caught three of the four games for MSUB in the series.

For CWU, Myles Wesener and Dailey had a pair of hits apiece in the series finale. THE BUZZ: In the series, MSUB out-hit CWU 62-44 and scored 46 runs while allowing 30…the Yellowjackets hit seven home runs while allowing just one, and added 13 doubles for a total of 20 extra base hits…Miller and Merritt tied for the team high with 10 hits apiece, and Sternhagen finished the weekend 9-for-20 with three doubles…with nine RBIs on Day 2 for Miller and three for Reinschmidt, the two are now tied for the GNAC lead in that category with 46 apiece on the season…Miller is now the GNAC leader in home runs with 12 on the season, as he surpassed Chandler Tracy of Saint Martin’s who went homerless in two games in Monmouth, Ore., and has 11…Reinschmidt and Miller are also tied for the team lead with 55 hits apiece this season. NEXT UP: A huge GNAC series is on tap for MSUB, as the conference-leading Wolves of Western Oregon are scheduled to come to town next weekend. With the schedule having been adjusted to allow for a game in progress to be completed, the teams will play four full games and the final 6.5 innings of another game next week Friday through Sunday. For details, visit www.msubsports.com.

144 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Central Washington at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/11/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Central Washington 9 (18-21,9-15 GNAC) Player

Honeysett,Darren rf Wesener,Myles cf Bielec,Kasey 2b/1b Dunbar,Benjamin c Fuller,Randy 1b Romo,Tanner pr/2b Dailey,Jonathan ss/p Beckman,Jeff 3b Terrell,Garrett lf Pernell,Austin dh Welch,Cory p Archibald,Ryan ss Totals

Score by Innings Central Washington MSU Billings

5 5 3 2 3 0 5 2 4 3 0 0

1 1 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0

1 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0

h rbi

0 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0

MSU Billings 10 (17-18,12-7 GNAC)

lob

1 1 8 2 8 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

0 0 3 0 0 0 6 3 0 0 3 0

1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 0

23 15

0 0

1 1

0 3

0 0

1 3

7 2

0 1

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Sternhagen,Colter dh/3b Toon,Kevin 1b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Durbin,Kyle 3b Nix,Trevor ph/dh Loran,Blake ph Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Cooper,Cody p Mills,Jake p Cox,Adam p Blehm,Lucas p Totals

R H 9 9 10 19

4 4 5 5 5 4 3 1 1 5 4 0 0 0 0

2 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

lob

1 4 2 2 1 3 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 4 0 1 1 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

41 10 19

E 1 2

Note: 2 outs, 2 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Archibald; Durbin; Holbrook. DP - CWU 1; MSUB 1. LOB - CWU 9; MSUB 11. 2B - Wesener; Miller; Sternhagen; Morris; Holbrook. HR - Dunbar; Miller; Merritt. HBP - Dunbar 2. SH - Bielec; Morris. SB - Dunbar. Central Washington

Welch,Cory Dailey,Jonathan

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

7.0 17 9 9 2 2 36 39 0.2 2 1 0 0 0 5 5

130

Cooper,Cody Mills,Jake Cox,Adam Blehm,Lucas

5.1 0.2 0.1 1.2

4 0 3 2

2 0 5 2

er bb so ab

2 0 5 0

3 0 2 2

6 19 24 1 2 2 1 4 6 1 7 10

79 8 26 38

Win - Blehm (2-1). Loss - Dailey (2-2). Save - None. WP - Cox; Blehm. HBP - by Cooper (Dunbar); by Cooper (Dunbar). BK - Cox. Inherited runners/scored: Mills 2/0; Blehm 2/2. Pitches/strikes: Welch 130/84; Dailey 12/10; Cooper 79/48; Mills 8/5; Cox 26/13; Blehm 38/21. Umpires - HP: Brian Hertzog 1B: Larry Schmitt 3B: Stu Bertrand Start: 4:45pm Time: 2:35 Attendance: 300 Weather: Partly Cloudy, 60 degrees

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Miller picks up NCBWA West Region Player of the Week after 4 home runs, 2 grand slams April 14, 2015 Collecting his second award in as many days, MSUB senior Brody Miller has been picked as the NCBWA West Region Player of the Week after one of the greatest four-game performances in GNAC history. BILLINGS, Mont. – After being selected as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball Player of the Week on Monday, Montana State University Billings baseball senior second baseman Brody Miller has been picked as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week announced by the organization on Tuesday. Miller became just the seventh player ever in a four-game GNAC series to hit four home runs and just the third among those players to have two of those home runs be grand slams. Miller hit 10-for-18 (.556) with 14 RBIs, three doubles, eight runs scored, three walks – including two intentional passes – and was hit by a pitch. He reached base in 14 of 22 plate appearances (.636 OBP) and collected 25 total bases (1.389 SLG). Miller struck out just once in those 25 times up, and also made 15 plays at second base with just one error. His effort at the plate helped MSUB to a 3-1 series victory over Central Washington University that kept the ‘Jackets in second place in the GNAC standings. In Game 1 with MSUB trailing 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Miller hit his first grand slam of the weekend. The shot over the fence in left field sparked MSUB’s offense, in the eventual 11-8 victory. He finished the first game 2-for-4 with five RBIs.

146 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

In Game 3, Miller helped the Yellowjackets tie a program record for runs in a game in a 21-8 victory, as he hit a grand slam and a two-run home run while going 3-for-6 at the plate and driving in six. He also added a double and scored three times. In Game 4, Miller was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate and hit his fourth home run of the series while driving in three. He came up a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. In his final plate appearance of the series, with the score tied at 9-9 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Miller stepped to the plate with the bases empty. Even though he represented the game-winning run, Central Washington elected to walk him intentionally to avoid his bat. Among the other players in GNAC history to hit four home runs in a single four-game series against one opponent, Miller had the most doubles (3), second most runs (8), hits (10), RBIs (14) and walks (3), and the fewest strikeouts with just one. Among the two other players to hit two grand slams and at least four home runs in a series, Miller is the only one whose other two home runs accounted for more than just solo blasts. Players with 4 Home Runs in a 4-Game Series in GNAC History (Beginning 2002 Season) Miller is now leading the GNAC in hits (55), home runs (12), RBIs (46), total bases (104) and is second in runs scored (37), and slugging percentage (.722). His 12 home runs and counting are an MSUB single-season record. Miller also won GNAC Player of the Week honors after helping MSUB to a 3-1 series victory over Saint Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on March 27-28. Miller, junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt, junior infielder Kyle Durbin, and sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Cooper have each won GNAC Player of the Week honors this season. The eight regional winners of the award now become finalists for the NCBWA National Player of the Week honor, which will be announced Wednesday. Earlier this season, Reinschmidt became just the second-ever player in GNAC history to claim NCBWA National Player of the Week accolades, as he hit four home runs in an eightgame stretch early on for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jackets.

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Showdown at Dehler: Top 2 GNAC baseball teams square off in 5-game series April 14, 2015 Having won 10 of 12 games, the MSUB baseball team is set to host GNAC-leading Western Oregon this weekend in a special five-game series at Dehler Park, in which fans 18 and under who bring their glove will receive free admission. BILLINGS, Mont. – Bring your glove to the ballpark, receive free admission. For fans 18 and under, that is the special offer at Dehler Park Friday through Sunday for a crucial Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball series between visiting Western Oregon University and host Montana State University Billings. Since being named the GNAC Team of the Week after sweeping Northwest Nazarene University in a four-game road series, MSUB has won 6 of 8 games to give it 10 wins in its last 12 contests overall and push it into second place in the conference standings. Equally hot however has been GNAC-leading Western Oregon University, as the Wolves have won five in a row and are coming off a four-game conference sweep over Saint Martin’s last weekend. WOU has won six of its last eight GNAC games overall, and holds a mark of 16-7 in conference play and 21-19 overall. “You could look at the last three to four weeks and see that this matchup was going to be a big one,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Our job is just to win each series. It’s still way too early to look at the overall standings and have it mean anything.” Having played four fewer GNAC games, MSUB is even with WOU in the loss column with a conference record of 12-7 and an overall mark of 17-18. The teams will meet this weekend at Dehler Park in a unique five game series, and all fans ages 18 and under who bring their glove to the game will receive free admission. After the Wolves won the first three games in Monmouth, Ore., on March 13-14, Game 4 was suspended due to weather in the top of the first inning. MSUB currently has a 1-0 lead with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 7-inning contest, and the teams will open this weekend’s series by picking up where they left off in that game starting at 1 p.m. on Friday. MSUB will play the first game as the visiting team.

148 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

The schedule then features a 9-inning game immediately following the conclusion of the suspended game on Friday. Saturday, the teams will play a doubleheader with two 7-inning games starting at 1 p.m., and Sunday the 9-inning single game series finale will begin at 11 a.m. Live video with commentary and live statistics will be available for all five games of the series here. “This weekend really adds a premium to your starting pitchers doing a good job and getting deep into the game,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Our pitching staff is going to have to do a good job in order for us to be as competitive as we want to be in this series.” The Yellowjackets received big hits up and down their lineup last weekend, picking up a 3-1 series victory over Central Washington. Casey Merritt had a game-tying two-run home run that set up Conner Holbrook’s walkoff hit in Game 4, Luke Reinschmidt hit a game-winning inside-the-park home run in Game 1, and Brody Miller totaled four home runs and two grand slams on the weekend. Miller became the second MSUB player this season to win National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week honors, after putting together arguably the greatest four-game performance in GNAC history. He is now eligible to win NCBWA National Player of the Week honors, a feat that Reinschmidt achieved earlier this season after hitting four home runs in an eight-game week. Part of Miller’s big weekend came in Game 3 when he hit a grand slam and a two-run home run while driving in six of MSUB’s program record-tying 21 runs in a rout of CWU. The lopsided victory set the tone on Day 2 after the teams split the Day 1 doubleheader, and MSUB battled back to pull out the Game 4 victory 10-9 in extra innings for the series and season victory over CWU. MSUB won five of the eight games against the Wildcats this season, and three of the four seven-inning games between the two went to extra innings. CASEY AT THE BAT: Entering the series against Central Washington hitting just .190 on the season, sophomore left fielder Casey Merritt broke out at the plate by going 10-for-18 with seven RBIs. Merritt also scored five runs and had at least two hits in every game for the ‘Jackets. His game-tying home run in the finale may have been the biggest swing of the bat on the weekend for the ‘Jackets, as it got the game into extra innings where MSUB walked off with the win. With the big weekend Merritt raised his season batting average to .276, and the home run was the first of his two-year career. FRIENDLY COMPETITION: All season long, Miller and Reinschmidt have gone back and forth leading the team and conference in almost every offensive statistical category. After Miller’s big weekend and Reinschmidt’s two-home run effort, the two are now either first or second in the GNAC in hits (55 apiece), runs (Reinschmidt 38, Miller 37), home runs (Miller 12, Reinschmidt 10), RBIs (46 apiece), and total bases (Miller 104, Reinschmidt 96). “We always want to beat each other,” Reinschmidt said with a smile. “When Brody keeps pushing me, it makes me want to work harder and have better at bats.” “It’s a friendly competition, that’s all,” Miller said. “It’s good that he’s able to push me and I can push him, and I think the inside competition makes our team better.” Junior Luke Reinschmidt (5) and senior Brody Miller.

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WELL-ROUNDED REINSCHMIDT: While Miller stole headlines with his historic weekend, Reinschmidt had another strong series at the plate by going 6-for-16 with a pair of home runs and eight RBIs. Reinschmidt also crossed the plate seven times in the series, and is now just five runs scored away from setting a new MSUB single-season mark. His .387 batting average leads the team and ranks No. 3 in the GNAC. Reinschmidt also has a team-high seven stolen bases on the season, which is tied for third-most in the conference. MORRIS AT SHORT: Starting all four games at shortstop, Corey Morris put together another productive week at the plate and defensively. Morris was 6-for-14 with a double and four runs scored, and was also hit by a pitch three times while reaching base nine times and striking out just once in 17 times up. With his glove, Morris made 24 plays and just one error. He also had a pair of sacrifice bunts for the ‘Jackets. DOUBLE EFFORT FROM STERNHAGEN: With three more doubles last weekend, junior third baseman Colter Sternhagen is now tied for second in the conference in doubles with 14 on the season. He was another productive Yellowjacket against Central Washington, going 9-for-20 at the plate with three RBIs, four runs scored and a sacrifice fly. BOOST FROM BERKRAM: Complementing Merritt’s 10-hit effort in the nine-spot in MSUB’s lineup last week, leadoff batter Myles Berkram remained in the zone at the plate. He entered the series against CWU batting .481 over his previous eight games, and put up a line of 7-for-16 with four walks and seven runs scored to help lift MSUB over the Wildcats. Berkram also had a pair of sacrifice bunts, reaching base 11 times in 18 plate appearances for MSUB. The sophomore right fielder is now batting .349 on the season. TOON SQUAD: With his second straight productive weekend, first baseman Kevin Toon went 5-for-14 and drove in a pair of runs for the ‘Jackets. He also drew three walks, was hit by a pitch, and scored three times as he boosted his season average up to .291. PETERSON MAKES MOST OUT OF START: Freshman catcher Landon Peterson took advantage of his Game 3 start behind the plate, going 1-for-3 and also drawing a pair of walks and getting hit by a pitch to get on base four times in the game. Peterson had a double and three RBIs, and also crossed the plate twice for the ‘Jackets. MILLER’S RISE CONTINUES: Among GNAC career leaders Miller made big strides after his standout week. He is now No. 2 alltime in assists (438), total bases (358), and walks (102), and No. 4 in home runs (24), RBIs (152), and hits (240). Brody Miller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 2 Assists 438 -- -- 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Total Bases 358 -- -- 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Walks 102 -- -- 105 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 4 Home Runs 24 26 Daniel Dillard, WOU 43 Chandler Tracy, SMU 4 RBIs 152 165 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 183 2 Players 4 Hits 240 241 Sean McDonald, NNU 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 5 Doubles 44 51 Greg McCarthy, WOU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 7 At-Bats 657 682 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 746 Joey Price, WOU 8 Starts 178 180 Tim Andra, NNU 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 8 Runs 130 138 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 9 Games 178 183 Tim Andra, NNU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU

150 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MULLER ON VERGE OF STARTS RECORD: With his next start, senior left hander Brady Muller will tie the GNAC record for career starts with 40. With three more regular season series on the schedule, Muller figures to claim the title of GNAC career start king. Muller is also now No. 5 alltime in strikeouts with 218 and in innings pitched with 252, and is sixth in career wins with 18. Muller battled for his most recent victory, throwing 122 pitches to get through eight strong innings against the Wildcats. Although he allowed eight runs, only half of them were earned. With his pitch count in the mid-90s through six innings, Muller took the hill in the seventh and eighth and retired the side in order both times to set himself up to receive the win. Brady Muller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Muller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 3 Starts 39 -- -- 40 2 Players with 5 Strikeouts 218 223 Mike Ward, WOU 269 Nick Waechter, WOU 5 Innings 252 262 Tip Wonhoff, SMU 280.1 Nick Waechter, WOU 6 Wins 18 20 2 Players with 28 Nick Waechter, WOU

Senior Brady Muller. OTHER MENTIONABLES FROM THE MOUND: Senior right hander Jake Campeau struck out five and did not walk a batter in a 5 1/3 inning start in Game 2…it was the second time this season Campeau didn’t allow a free baserunner to the Wildcats, and he gave up just three earned runs on five hits in his outing…Bryon Baker made his fourth appearance of the season after battling injury, and tossed 1 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run…Lucas Blehm came on and kept the Wildcats at bay in the crucial Game 4 win, earning the victory by not allowing an earned run in 1 2/3 innings of work…junior Lee Busto made two more appearances to push his total to 22 on the season, the fourth-most across all of NCAA Division II…Busto did not allow a run or a walk in his two innings of work against CWU…Jake Mills stood out in a relief role, allowing just two total hits and striking out four without giving up a run in two innings of work.

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Friday, April 17 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – 7 Inning/9 Inning DOUBLEHEADER Saturday, April 18 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – 7 Inning DOUBLEHEADER Sunday, April 19 – 11 a.m. – Dehler Park – 9 Inning SINGLE GAME Western Oregon University Wolves 2015 Record: 21-19, 16-7 GNAC Head Coach: Kellen Walker, 4th season 2014 GNAC Finish: 1st (30-21, 22-10, GNAC Championships runners-up) Coming off of a big series sweep over Saint Martin’s, the Wolves hold a four-game lead over MSUB in the wins column while the teams are even in losses with seven apiece in GNAC play. Pitching has been the cornerstone for the Wolves this season with five pitchers having thrown at least 12 1/3 innings and holding an earned run average below 4.00. Among WOU’s top three relievers, none have an ERA above 2.03 and they have combined for six saves. Jacob Storedahl has struck out 12 against just seven walks in 12 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run for an ERA of 0.73 in 14 relief appearances. Brady Miller has tossed 24 1/3 innings out of the bullpen, holding a 1.11 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 10 walks. Completing the relief pitching trifecta is Shawn Domke, who leads the three with 26 2/3 innings pitched and has 22 strikeouts against nine walks and a 2.03 ERA in 14 appearances. WOU has utilized four primary starting pitchers, with Jesse Pratt and Darrien Moran leading the team with nine starts apiece. Pratt has a 2.65 ERA and a 6-1 record with 58 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings with three complete games. Moran, the reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Week, holds a 3.90 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. Western Oregon is led by a trio of .300 hitters, in Matt Taylor (.373), Cody Sullivan (.354), and Nathan Etheridge (.321). Leading the team in production at the plate is Garret Harpole, who has eight home runs and 34 RBIs while slugging .547. Etheridge and Taylor have combined for 21 doubles, while Sullivan has eight doubles, four triples, a pair of home runs and 25 RBIs. The Wolves have 37 stolen bases on the season which is second-most in the conference, and the team’s 4.35 ERA is also the second best mark. WOU leads the league in shutouts with four, and is second in saves with seven. The Series: With the three losses earlier this season, MSUB is now 9-52 against WOU alltime. The Yellowjackets are 4-25 at home against the Wolves, and 5-24 away. Last Time Out: The ‘Jackets lost a marathon 11-inning bout 7-6 in Game 1, and the Wolves took care of business with victories in Game 2 (8-1) and Game 3 (14-5). The ‘Jackets will look to jump ahead in the first game this weekend, with the lead already in their hands and the bases loaded with no outs in the top of the first.

152 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 24 (Cont’d) & 37: April 17, 2015 MSU Billings 8, Western Oregon 5 MSU Billings 5, Western Oregon 4

Holbrook’s heroic walkoff gives ‘Jackets possession of first place with sweep of WOU April 17, 2015 Brady Muller tosses a complete game in Game 1, Jake Campeau turns in eight stellar innings in Game 2 and Conner Holbrook hits his second walkoff single in three games to give MSUB a doubleheader sweep of Western Oregon and the lead spot in first place in the GNAC. BILLINGS, Mont. – Conner Holbrook came through with his second walkoff base hit in his last three games to cap off a doubleheader sweep over Western Oregon Friday at Dehler Park that propelled the Montana State University Billings baseball team into first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings. Stepping to the plate with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Holbrook lined a single into the gap in right-center field to plate Corey Morris from second base and send the Yellowjackets into a wild celebration between first and second base. Holbrook, who was the hero with a walkoff single in Game 4 of MSUB’s 3-1 series win over Central Washington last weekend, helped push the Yellowjackets’ winning streak to four games. With a record of 14-7 in GNAC play, the ‘Jackets surpassed Western Oregon which fell to 16-9 in conference action with the losses. “The day had been going rough for me so far,” Holbrook said. “I figured I would see a pitch to hit and I wasn’t going to miss it that time. Sure enough I saw one and coach has been preaching to stay middle so I stuck with that and it worked out.” The Yellowjackets (19-18 overall) benefitted from seven costly errors throughout the day by Western Oregon, while playing a clean game defensively without a mishap. WOU (21-21 overall) had five errors in the first game alone, as only three of the eight runs the Yellowjackets scored were earned. “It’s an unusual series with five games and that really puts a premium on those starters,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Jake has been throwing five to six innings, but he just competed his tail off today. I am really proud of him. It was great to see both him and Brady battle for their team.” MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 153

Technically taking over in relief in the suspended first game, Brady Muller threw all seven innings and struck out seven while allowing five runs on eight hits. Jake Campeau, who pitched Game 2 for MSUB, originally was slated to be the starter but the game was suspended due to weather before the top of the first inning was over in Monmouth, Ore. Campeau followed Muller’s strong outing with eight stellar innings in Game 2, striking out seven while walking two and allowing three runs on eight hits. “Jake was on,” Holbrook said. “He was living low and all of his stuff was moving. It’s the Jake I am familiar with, and when he’s on, he’s on. He did really well today.” Campeau was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day, as his 108 pitches over eight innings were crucial in the win and saving MSUB’s bullpen for the three games yet to be played in the series. “I had all three of my pitches working really well,” Campeau said. “The slider was working really well and I was able to keep it down. My whole strategy on the mound is to get the ball in play and let my defense play behind me, and they did a great job at that again today.” The ‘Jackets out hit WOU 19-17 on Day 1, but left a costly 22 runners on base while WOU stranded just 14. Game 1 – MSU Billings 8, Western Oregon 5 In what was originally scheduled to be the 7-inning series finale in Monmouth on March 14, MSUB capitalized on a golden opportunity and plated two more runs in the top of the first to take a 3-0 lead. Western Oregon brought the score to within one with single runs in the second and third, but an RBI groundout by Luke Reinschmidt and another run which scored on an error made it a 5-2 ballgame in favor of MSUB through the top of the fourth. Brandon Shaffer and Matt Taylor each had RBIs in a two-run fourth inning for the Wolves, before WOU starter Brady Miller and Muller each retired the side in order in the fifth inning. Playing the game as the visiting team, the ‘Jackets scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning thanks to a dropped fly ball in right field, an RBI-single by Kyle Durbin and a sacrifice fly by Kevin Toon. The 8-4 lead was enough of a cushion for Muller, who gave up one more run in the sixth before retiring the Wolves in order in the seventh to close the door and earn the win. Trevor Nix was the lone Yellowjacket with multiple hits in Game 1, as he finished 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Reinschmidt finished with a pair of RBIs to push his GNAC-leading total to 48 on the season, and Brody Miller finished with a pair of walks and a run scored. Shaffer finished 2-for-3 for WOU, and Brandon Oliver was the other Wolf with multiple hits in Game 1 with a line of 2-for-4.

Junior Kyle Durbin.

154 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings vs Western Oregon (Game 2) 3/14-4/17 at Monmouth/Billings (WOU Field/DehlerPark) MSU Billings 8 (18-18,13-7 GNAC) Player

Bitow,Bret rf Berkram,Myles rf Reinschmidt,Luke cf Miller,Brody 2b Nix,Trevor dh Durbin,Kyle 3b Loran,Blake 1b Toon,Kevin ph/1b Morris,Corey ss Peterson,Landon c Sternhagen,Colter ph Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Campeau,Jake p Muller,Brady p Totals Score by Innings MSU Billings Western Oregon

h rbi

Western Oregon 5 (21-20,16-8 GNAC)

1 2 4 2 3 3 2 1 3 2 1 0 4 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0

1 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 0

lob

0 2 1 2 0 0 6 2 1 5 0 2 0 0 0

0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 2

0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0

21 10

3 0

0 1

2 2

0 0

3 1

0 0

R 8 5

H 7 8

Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Bloom,Adam dh Shaffer,Brenden ph Taylor,Matt lf Etheridge,Nathan 1b Harpole,Garret 3b Sullivan,Cody rf Falck,Caleb c Oliver,Brandon c Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jacob 2b Samuel,Houston p Miller,Brady p Bennett,Tyler p Morrison,Christian p Totals

2 0 3 3 4 3 4 0 4 3 2 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

lob

1 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 9 1 3 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 1

3 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

21 10

E 0 5

E - Hinkle; Etheridge 2; Sullivan; Oliver. DP - MSU Billings 1. LOB - MSU Billings 9; W. Oregon 8. 2B Merritt; Harpole; Poznanski. HBP - Nix; Hinkle; Shaffer. SH - Berkram 2; Durbin. SF - Toon. SB - Reinschmidt; Taylor. MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Muller,Brady

r er bb so ab bf

0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.0 8 5 5 4 7 28 34

119

Western Oregon

Samuel,Houston Miller,Brady Bennett,Tyler Morrison,Christian

0.0 5.0 1.0 1.0

1 5 1 0

3 5 0 0

er bb so ab

2 1 0 0

2 1 2 0

0 1 4 5 21 25 2 3 6 1 3 3

15 84 35 10

Win - Muller (5-1). Loss - Samuel (1-5). Save - None. WP - Muller 2; Bennett,T. HBP - by Samuel (Nix); by Muller (Shaffer); by Muller (Hinkle). Inherited runners/scored: Miller 3/2; Bennett,T 2/2. Pitches/strikes: Muller 119/76; Samuel 15/4; Miller 84/56; Bennett,T 35/21; Morrison 10/7. Umpires - HP: Snyder/Fredrickson 1B: Shulock/Lester 3B: Ramsey/Martin Start: 3:00 pm Time: 2:00 Attendance: Weather: Clear Skies, 66 degrees Samuel faced 4 batters in the 1st. Miller faced 3 batters in the 6th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 155

Game 2 – MSU Billings 5, Western Oregon 4 With three hits already in the game, Morris saved his most important for last as he blasted a double into right field and put the game-winning run into scoring position with one out in the ninth. Holbrook did not waste the opportunity, as he lined his first hit of the game into right center and pushed the ‘Jackets to victory. MSUB, which did not trail once during the doubleheader, jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a big two-run single by Casey Merritt in the bottom of the second inning. Merritt worked the count to 2-2 before hitting a sharp ground ball through the right side on the eighth pitch of the at bat to score Morris and Toon. The Wolves picked up a run in the fourth on a key two-out double by Cody Sullivan, and after Nathan Etheridge advanced to second on a wild pitch he was able to score on the play. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the inning, Miller, the reigning National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week, hit a deep fly ball onto the warning track in right center field that scored Morris and made it a 3-1 ballgame. The lone mistake Campeau made on the mound came in the top of the sixth inning, when Taylor hit a long home run over the fence in right field to tie the score at 3-3. The ‘Jackets responded promptly however, as Miller again put the ball in play to create a run. The senior hit a sharp grounder up the middle that was knocked down by reliever Sean Domke, but the right-hander’s easy toss over to first soared over the head of the 6-foot-5 Etheridge and MSUB sneaked across an unearned run. Representing the last chance for the Wolves in the top of the ninth, ninth-place batter Jacob Whisler lifted a sacrifice fly into center field off of MSUB reliever Adam Cox that evened the score at 4-4. The Yellowjackets avoided what would have been their 10th trip of the season to extra innings when Holbrook sent the home team into a celebration with the game-winning hit. “Both Conner and Casey are the unsung heroes at the bottom of the order for us,” Bishop said of the duo who produced three of MSUB’s five runs in Game 2. “You can’t rely on the same one or two guys all the time, and to have those two pick us up big is just huge for our team and our confidence.” Morris finished Game 2 with four hits and three runs scored, and he played outstanding defense at shortstop with two putouts, six assists and a double play turned. WOU starter and reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Week Darrien Moran threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and three walks. THE BUZZ: WOU now leads the season series 3-2 with three games left to play…Northwest Nazarene was swept in a doubleheader by Central Washington, making the Crusaders’ record 11-11 in conference play and giving MSUB further breathing room atop the standings…the regular season champion earns hosting privileges for the 2015 GNAC Championships, which are scheduled for May 7-8…Western Oregon has won 13 consecutive regular season titles and has hosted both of the GNAC Championship tournaments, which began in the 2013 season…the Wolves used eight total pitchers on Day 1 of the big five-game series, while MSUB needed just three including only one inning in relief. “Right now we are just focused on Game 1 tomorrow, taking it one game at a time,” Holbrook said. “That is something that Coach Bishop keeps reminding us about, and we don’t want to get our vision too far into the future.” UP NEXT: The series resumes Saturday with two 7-inning games on tap between the teams. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Dehler Park. The finale kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday with a single 9-inning contest. 156 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Western Oregon at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/17/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Western Oregon 4 (21-21,16-9 GNAC) Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Cameron,Sam dh Taylor,Matt lf Etheridge,Nathan 1b Harpole,Garret 3b Sullivan,Cody rf Sherwin,Michael c Oliver,Brandon ph/c Poznanski,Cody cf Bloom,Adam ph/cf Whisler,Jacob 2b Moran,Darrien p Domke,Shawn p Steindorf,Gary p Samuel,Houston p Storedahl,Jacob p Totals Score by Innings Western Oregon MSU Billings

5 2 3 4 4 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MSU Billings 5 (19-18,14-7 GNAC)

lob

0 0 0 8 2 4 7 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0

1 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

25 11

0 0

0 2

0 0

1 1

0 0

2 1

0 0

1 1

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Nix,Trevor dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Toon,Kevin 1b Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Campeau,Jake p Cox,Adam p Totals

R H 4 9 5 12

3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 3 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

2 0 1 0 3 0 4 1 1 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0

2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0

5 12

lob

2 4 0 0 3 9 1 7 1 0 0

0 2 2 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 1

0 0 5 1 5 0 1 0 1 0 0

27 13

E 2 0

Note: 1 out, 1 runner LOB when the game ended. E - Etheridge; Domke. DP - MSUB 1. LOB - WOU 6; MSUB 14. 2B - Sullivan; Reinschmidt; Morris. 3B - Berkram. HR Taylor(1). HBP - Toon. SH - Cameron 2; Oliver; Sternhagen; Holbrook. SF - Whisler; Miller. CS - Poznanski; Reinschmidt. Western Oregon

Moran,Darrien Domke,Shawn Steindorf,Gary Samuel,Houston Storedahl,Jacob

3.2 2.0 1.1 1.0 0.1

6 3 1 0 2

r er bb so ab bf

3 1 0 0 1

3 0 0 0 1

3 1 0 1 0

2 14 20 1 10 11 2 5 5 1 3 5 0 3 3

MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Cox,Adam

8.0 1.0

8 1

3 1

er bb so ab

3 1

2 1

7 28 32 0 2 5

108 28

20 19 9

Win - Cox (3-1). Loss - Storedahl (1-2). Save - None. WP - Campeau; Cox. HBP - by Moran (Toon). Inherited runners/scored: Domke 2/0; Steindorf 3/0. Pitches/strikes: Moran 80/46; Domke 33/18; Steindorf 20/14; Samuel 19/10; Storedahl 9/6; Campeau 108/70; Cox 28/14. Umpires - HP: Reid Lester 1B: Jeff Martin 3B: Daryn Fredrickson Start: 4 p.m. Time: 2:49 Attendance: 300 Weather: Clear Skies 70 degrees

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 157

Games 38 & 39: April 18, 2015 MSU Billings 5, Western Oregon 4 Western Oregon 5, MSU Billings 0

‘Jackets split with Wolves, stay in first place in GNAC baseball standings April 18, 2015 Kevin Toon has the game-winning hit in Game 1 on Saturday but the Wolves respond with a 3-hit shutout over MSUB as the teams split a GNAC doubleheader at Dehler Park. BILLINGS, Mont. – Kevin Toon drove in the go-ahead run with two outs in the sixth inning to help the Montana State University Billings baseball team extend its winning streak to five games, but visiting Western Oregon received a three-hit shutout from right-hander Garrett Alvarez in Game 2 as the teams split a Great Northwest Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Dehler Park. Yellowjacket starter Tanner Johnson threw six strong innings in the opening game, allowing three runs on nine hits with six strikeouts and four walks to earn his fourth win of the season in the 5-4 triumph. Senior Lucas Blehm pitched around a pair of walks to record a scoreless seventh inning and pick up his second save of the season. “We needed Tanner to step up in a big spot, and we felt like he was the guy equipped with stuff to be able to win a close, one-run game,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He stepped up big and pitched great.” In Game 2 MSUB’s bats went quiet as Alvarez retired the first six batters he faced and went the distance in the three-hit, 5-0 masterpiece. “Every game is going to be a fight with Western Oregon,” Bishop said. “They are very good defensively and pitching wise, and they compete at the plate. Alvarez was really good, and he didn’t make many pitches up in the zone.” Western Oregon outhit MSUB 16-8 on the day and played error-free defense after seven miscues during Friday’s doubleheader. Matt Taylor finished with four hits, two RBIs and two runs scored for the Wolves, who improved to 22-22 on the season and 17-10 in conference play. The Yellowjackets moved to 20-19 with the split, and remained in first place in the GNAC with a conference record of 15-8. Toon was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for his big at bats in Game 1 and solid play defensively at first base. 158 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 1 – MSU Billings 5, Western Oregon 4 For the first time in the series, Western Oregon took a lead as the Wolves plated a pair of runs in the first inning against Johnson. A huge two-out, two-run single by Garret Harpole brought home Taylor and Marcus Hinkle to make it 2-0 WOU. Wolf starter Jesse Pratt responded with a 1-2-3 first inning to shut down MSUB’s offense. The Yellowjackets got to the right-hander an inning later however, as Colter Sternhagen led off by being hit by a pitch. Corey Morris drove in MSUB’s designated hitter with a base hit, and a two-out, bases-loaded walk drawn by Myles Berkram tied the score at 2-2. Both teams quieted down at the plate in the third and fourth innings, before WOU again jumped in front in the top of the fifth. Johnson got himself into a major jam as a double by Hinkle and singles by Sam Cameron and Taylor scored a run and put two in scoring position with no outs. The junior right hander buckled down however, and used a pair of strikeouts and the defensive play of the day by Toon on a wild foul pop up to escape allowing just one run. Toon generated the game-tying run in the bottom of the frame, singling with one out and crossing the plate on Reinschmidt’s triple into the gap in left center. With two on and one out in the sixth, Johnson started a 1-6-3 double play on a ground ball off the bat of Cameron that ended a rally and shifted momentum back to the Yellowjackets. MSUB played station-to-station baseball in the sixth, as pinch hitter Trevor Nix worked the count full and drew a leadoff walk before being sacrificed to second by Casey Merritt.

Junior Tanner Johnson. After an intentional walk to Brody Miller with two outs, Toon delivered the clutch swing of the bat to make it 4-3. Blehm retired the first two Wolves in the bottom of the seventh, and despite a pair of walks he refocused and got Brandon Oliver to fly out and end the game. Toon and Reinschmidt each had a pair of hits in Game 1 for MSUB, and Reinschmidt upped his GNAC-leading RBI total to 49 on the season. Clark McKitrick suffered the loss for WOU, as he surrendered the decisive run in his relief of Pratt. The starter for WOU struck out eight and walked four while allowing three runs on four hits in his five-inning no-decision.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 159

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Western Oregon at MSU Billings (Game 1) 4/18/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Western Oregon 3 (21-22,16-10 GNAC) Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Cameron,Sam dh Taylor,Matt lf Sullivan,Cody rf Harpole,Garret 3b Rausch,Tim pr Etheridge,Nathan 1b Hamilton,Austin pr Oliver,Brandon c Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jacob 2b Pratt,Jesse p McKitrick,Clark p Totals Score by Innings Western Oregon MSU Billings

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 4 (20-18,15-7 GNAC)

lob

4 4 4 4 3 0 1 0 4 2 2 0 0

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 9 1 1 0 0

2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 0

2 0

0 2

0 0

1 1

0 1

0 X

R 3 4

H 9 5

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Durbin,Kyle 3b Morris,Corey ss Peterson,Landon c Nix,Trevor ph Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Johnson,Tanner p Blehm,Lucas p Totals

lob

3 3 4 3 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

1 2 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 7 0 2 0 2 6 0 0 1 1 0

0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 0

0 3 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

E 0 0

DP - MSUB 1. LOB - WOU 10; MSUB 9. 2B - Hinkle. 3B - Reinschmidt. HBP - Sternhagen; Durbin. SH - Reinschmidt; Merritt. Western Oregon

Pratt,Jesse McKitrick,Clark

r er bb so ab bf

5.0 4 3 3 4 8 18 25 1.0 1 1 1 2 1 3 6

104 21

MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner Blehm,Lucas

6.0 1.0

9 0

3 0

er bb so ab

3 0

4 2

6 25 29 0 3 5

113

Win - Johnson (4-1). Loss - McKitrick (0-4). Save - Blehm (2). WP - Johnson 2. HBP - by Pratt (Sternhagen); by Pratt (Durbin). Inherited runners/scored: None. Pitches/strikes: Pratt 104/64; McKitrick 21/10; Johnson 113/69; Blehm 23/10. Umpires - HP: Jeff Martin 1B: Daryn Fredrickson 3B: Reid Lester Start: 1 p.m. Time: 1:55 Attendance:

160 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – Western Oregon 5, MSU Billings 0 For just the second time this season MSUB failed to score a run as Alvarez picked up his fifth win of the season in the shutout victory. Alvarez struck out five and walked just one, scattering three hits and hitting a batter in the 100-pitch performance. Alvarez’ counterpart Cody Cooper pitched well for the ‘Jackets, but a big three-run seventh inning for WOU sealed the victory. Cooper threw the complete game and struck out four while giving up five runs on seven hits. The sophomore pitched well to contact with a dozen ground outs, but also walked four in his 119-pitch performance. It didn’t take long for the pitcher’s duel to unfold, as both starters produced zeroes in the first three innings. The Wolves struck first in the top of the fourth, as Cody Sullivan drew a leadoff walk, stole second and crossed the plate on a two-out RBI-single by Nathan Etheridge. WOU doubled its lead an inning later, as this time it was Taylor with a two-out base hit that brought home Cody Poznanski. The Wolves had the leadoff runner reach in each of the final five innings, and in the seventh a two-run double by Sullivan plated Taylor and Poznanski to put the game out of reach at 5-0. The Yellowjackets’ best scoring chance came in the third inning, when a two-out walk by Berkram pushed Morris to second, but Alvarez got Miller to ground out and end the inning. Miller was the first of seven-straight MSUB batters to be retired by Alvarez, until a leadoff single by Merritt in the sixth broke that string. Nix got things started with a leadoff single in the seventh, but Alvarez finished the game strong with a strikeout and two groundouts to complete the shutout. He did not allow a Yellowjacket runner past second base in the victory. Taylor was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 2, and was the lone player on either side to have multiple hits in the game. The loss snapped MSUB’s five-game winning streak, but the ‘Jackets have won 13 of their last 16 games overall. UP NEXT: The series concludes Sunday with a single 9-inning game scheduled for 11 a.m. at Dehler Park. WOU currently leads the season series 4-3, and is just one game back of MSUB for first place in the GNAC standings.

Junior Corey Morris. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 161

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Western Oregon at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/18/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Western Oregon 5 (22-22,17-10 GNAC) Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Taylor,Matt lf Sullivan,Cody rf Harpole,Garret 3b Falck,Caleb dh Etheridge,Nathan 1b Oliver,Brandon c Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jacob 2b Alvarez,Garrett p Totals

Score by Innings Western Oregon MSU Billings

4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0

0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0

h rbi

0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0

MSU Billings 0 (20-19,15-8 GNAC)

lob

2 1 1 0 0 8 5 1 2 1

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 2 1

0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0

21 10

0 0

1 0

0 0

3 0

R 5 0

H 7 3

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Nix,Trevor dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Durbin,Kyle 3b Loran,Blake ph Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Cooper,Cody p Totals

1 3 3 3 3 2 1 2 3 2 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

lob

0 4 8 0 2 1 0 2 4 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 5 0 6 1 0 1

0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

21 14

E 0 0

DP - MSUB 1. LOB - WOU 5; MSUB 5. 2B - Sullivan. HBP - Morris. SH - Whisler 2; Berkram. SB - Taylor; Sullivan. CS - Harpole. Western Oregon

Alvarez,Garrett

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

7.0 3 0 0 1 5 23 26

100

Cooper,Cody

7.0

er bb so ab

4 25 31

119

Win - Alvarez (5-2). Loss - Cooper (1-4). Save - None. WP - Alvarez; Cooper 3. HBP - by Alvarez (Morris). Inherited runners/scored: None. Pitches/strikes: Alvarez 100/63; Cooper 119/74. Umpires - HP: Daryn Fredrickson 1B: Lester Reid 3B: Jeff Martin Start: 4 p.m. Time: 2:15 Attendance: 300

162 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 40: April 19, 2015 Western Oregon 8, MSU Billings 3

Wolves top â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jackets 8-3 in finale, move back into first in GNAC April 19, 2015 BILLINGS, Mont. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Three Western Oregon relief pitchers combined to not allow a hit over the final five innings, as the Wolves scored eight runs late and defeated host Montana State University Billings 8-3 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference series finale Sunday afternoon at Dehler Park. Trailing 1-0 entering the fifth inning, WOU plated four runs and added on two in the seventh, one in the eighth and one more in the ninth to secure the victory. Houston Samuel, Shawn Domke and Jacob Storedahl threw the last five innings for WOU, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out a pair and keeping MSUB's bats quiet. The win helped WOU leapfrog back into first place in the conference standings over MSUB, as the Wolves' record moved to 23-22 and 18-10 in GNAC action. The Yellowjackets fell to .500 on the season at 20-20 overall, and are now 15-9 in GNAC play. "Overall we won the five-game series so we are happy about that, and we are going to go back to work this week," commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. "I thought we pitched well this weekend and defended well up until today's game. Offensively we were just off a click or two all weekend, and some of that has to do with them being a great team and great pitching staff." After getting the first out in the fifth, MSUB starter Jake Mills walked back-to-back hitters and Marcus Hinkle plated WOU's first run of the game with a double to left. Designated hitter Adam Bloom followed with a tworun double, and came around to score the fourth run of the inning on a fielding error by the 'Jackets. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 163

MSUB did well to respond right away however, as Conner Holbrook led off the bottom of the frame with a base hit up the middle and Casey Merritt followed with a single into right center. A walk issued to Myles Berkram loaded the bases, and Brody Miller settled for a sacrifice fly as his deep drive to right center was five feet short of carrying out for a grand slam. Kevin Toon had a sacrifice fly in the next plate appearance, and MSUB cut the deficit to one run at 4-3. MSUB had taken the lead in the bottom of the third, when Holbrook hit his first home run of the season over the right field fence. Entering the game in relief of starter Eric Huson, Samuel got through the fifth and pitched a scoreless sixth to keep the lead in the Wolves' paws. Hinkle again kicked off a rally in the seventh inning with a one-out bunt single. With the bases loaded, a ground out by Cody Sullivan plated a run, and Bloom crossed the plate on a wild pitch to make it 6-3 Wolves. With the three-run lead, WOU handed the ball off to its two best relievers as Domke and Storedahl each entered the day with earned run averages below 1.70. Domke allowed one base runner on a walk in the seventh and eighth, and Storedahl closed the door with a perfect ninth inning to seal the victory. The Wolves added a run each in the eighth and ninth to provide an extra cushion for their bullpen. Bloom and Hinkle were the lone Wolves to finish with multiple hits, and they drove in three runs. Cody Poznanski crossed the plate twice for WOU, which drew nine walks and struck out just twice against MSUB's pitching staff. Mills pitched into the seventh inning, allowing five earned runs on five hits with a pair of strikeouts and three walks in his 6 1/3 innings of work. Lee Busto, Adam Cox and Lucas Blehm combined to finish the game, and the trio did not allow a hit despite giving up two runs and six walks. Huson tossed four innings in the start for WOU, giving up three runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks. The Wolves left 10 runners on base compared to six for MSUB, and only got the leadoff batter on base one time which came in the ninth inning. Mills and Huson started the game off on a roll, as neither pitcher allowed a hit until Holbrook's home run in the third. The first hit Mills allowed came in the fourth inning, as he matched WOU's starter pitch-for-pitch early on. Holbrook was the only Yellowjacket to finish the day with multiple hits, as he went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. He was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. Yellowjacket shortstop Corey Morris had six assists at shortstop, and finished the weekend with 22 assists, six putouts and no errors defensively. The powerful combination of Luke Reinschmidt and Brody Miller went hitless for MSUB in the series finale, and Miller finished the five game set 0-for-13 with two RBIs. NEXT UP: MSUB hosts Northwest Nazarene in its home regular season finale next weekend. The four-game GNAC tilt is scheduled for Friday and Saturday with 1 p.m. doubleheader starts both days at Dehler Park. Live video with commentary and statistics will be available for all four games. 164 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Western Oregon at MSU Billings 4/19/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Western Oregon 8 (23-22,18-10 GNAC) Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Bloom,Adam dh Taylor,Matt lf Sullivan,Cody rf Harpole,Garret 3b Etheridge,Nathan 1b Oliver,Brandon c Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jacob 2b Huson,Eric p Samuel,Houston p Domke,Shawn p Storedahl,Jacob p Totals

Score by Innings Western Oregon MSU Billings

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 3 (20-20,15-9 GNAC)

lob

4 5 3 5 3 5 4 3 3 0 0 0 0

2 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0

0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 10 0 0 6 1 0 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

0 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

27 12

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Durbin,Kyle ph Reinschmidt,Luke cf Nix,Trevor dh Morris,Corey ss Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Mills,Jake p Busto,Lee p Cox,Adam p Blehm,Lucas p Totals

0 0

0 1

0 0

4 2

0 0

2 0

1 0

R 8 3

H 5 4

lob

2 2 3 1 1 4 3 3 4 3 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 1 1 17 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 16

E 0 2

E - Sternhagen 2. DP - WOU 1. LOB - WOU 10; MSUB 6. 2B - Hinkle; Bloom. HR - Holbrook(1). HBP - Hinkle. SH Morris. SF - Miller; Toon. CS - Nix. Western Oregon

Huson,Eric Samuel,Houston Domke,Shawn Storedahl,Jacob

4.0 2.0 2.0 1.0

4 0 0 0

r er bb so ab bf

3 0 0 0

4 2 1 0

4 15 19 1 2 7 1 6 7 0 3 3

MSU Billings

Mills,Jake Busto,Lee Cox,Adam Blehm,Lucas

28 33 14

6.1 0.2 0.2 1.1

5 0 0 0

6 0 1 1

er bb so ab

5 0 0 1

3 1 2 3

2 25 29 0 2 3 0 2 4 0 6 9

103 14 14 45

Win - Samuel (2-5). Loss - Mills (2-2). Save - None. WP - Mills; Busto; Blehm. HBP - by Mills (Hinkle). Inherited runners/scored: Samuel 3/2; Busto 2/2; Blehm 2/1. Pitches/strikes: Huson 68/36; Samuel 28/16; Domke 33/19; Storedahl 14/8; Mills 103/58; Busto 14/7; Cox 14/5; Blehm 45/21. Umpires - HP: Stu Bertrand 1B: Jeff Martin 3B: Daryn Fredrickson Start: 11 a.m. Time: 2:30 Attendance: 200

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 165

Senior Day highlights final regular season homestand for MSUB baseball April 22, 2015 The MSUB baseball team finishes up its regular season home schedule with a four-game series vs. Northwest Nazarene this weekend, and the Yellowjackets’ nine graduating seniors will be honored before Saturday’s doubleheader. BILLINGS, Mont. – Hovering less than half a game out of first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings, the Montana State University Billings baseball team will conclude its 2015 home schedule this weekend with a four-game series against conference opponent Northwest Nazarene University. After taking three out of five games from Western Oregon at home last weekend, the Yellowjackets are now in second place in the conference standings with a GNAC record of 15-9 and a winning percentage of .625. The Wolves remained in first place with a GNAC record of 18-10, but lead MSUB by just 18 percentage points as their winning percentage is .643. Overall MSUB is 20-20, and has eight games on its conference schedule remaining. With one more victory or a loss by Saint Martin’s, the Yellowjackets would clinch a berth in the 2015 GNAC Championships hosted by the regular season champion. The last time the Yellowjackets squared off with the Crusaders, MSUB held NNU to just six runs in a fourgame road sweep that earned it GNAC co-Team of the Week honors. “NNU is a very good hitting team,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Part of our success last series was that we pitched really well and part of it was we caught them on a little bit of a down weekend offensively. In the GNAC when you face teams two times, and it comes five or six weeks apart, a lot of times you see a different team the next time.” The Crusaders split their series against Central Washington last weekend and currently sit in third place in the GNAC standings with a conference record of 13-11. This weekend’s series is scheduled for Friday and Saturday with doubleheaders starting at 1 p.m. both days at Dehler Park. All four games will feature live video with play-by-play commentary, and live statistics via www. msubsports.com. 166 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Before Saturday’s games, the nine graduating seniors from MSUB’s program will be honored in a pregame ceremony on the field. This year’s seniors are Bret Bitow, Lucas Blehm, Jake Campeau, Conner Holbrook, Blake Loran, Brody Miller, Jake Mills, Brady Muller, and Trevor Nix. “This is a great group of guys,” Bishop said regarding his seniors. “That’s why you’re in college athletics and why you coach. You get to build relationships with those guys and see them develop as people and baseball players. All of these guys are very special to me and to our program.” STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT: With the extended five-game series last week, Bishop’s key was for his starting pitchers to go deep into games to help conserve the Yellowjackets’ bullpen. After senior left-hander Brady Muller tossed all seven innings in MSUB’s 8-5 Game 1 victory, senior righty Jake Campeau followed with eight stellar innings in Game 2 to set up the Yellowjackets’ 5-4 walkoff win. “That put us in a position where we could compete for the entire series,” Bishop said regarding the starts by Muller and Campeau. “Five games in a series is a tall order, and those guys, Tanner and Cody all pitched really well for us.” Tanner Johnson followed with six strong innings in the 7-inning Game 3, and Cody Cooper went the distance in Game 4 with seven full innings. By the time the series finale rolled around the ‘Jackets had used just two relief pitchers for a total of two innings. CAREER START FOR CAMPEAU: In Campeau’s eight innings, he allowed three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks. It was the longest outing of his two-year career at MSUB, and his 108-pitch effort set the Yellowjackets up for the victory.

Senior Jake Campeau. COMPLETE EFFORT FROM MULLER: Because Muller’s appearance in Game 1 was technically in relief due to the suspended game, he was not credited with a start or a complete game. Nonetheless, he recorded all 21 outs and struck out seven batters along the way. He remained one start shy of the GNAC career record of 40, which he is on pace to break with two more conference series this season. With his seven strikeouts he moved up to No. 4 alltime in the GNAC and is now six shy of the No. 3 mark. Brady Muller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Muller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 3 Starts 39 -- -- 40 2 Players with 4 Strikeouts 225 231 Steven Schutte, NNU 269 Nick Waechter, WOU 5 Innings 259 262 Tip Wonhoff, SMU 280.1 Nick Waechter, WOU 6 Wins 19 20 2 Players with 28 Nick Waechter, WOU MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 167

MORRIS STANDS TALL AT SHORTSTOP: Getting it done at the plate and in the field all season has been junior shortstop Corey Morris. He now has the second highest batting average on the team at .361, and is reaching base at a clip of .407. In the series against Western Oregon, Morris hit 6-for-16 with three runs scored including the game-winner in Game 2 on Holbrook’s walkoff single. Defensively, Morris was perfect in the five-game series with 21 assists, six putouts and no errors. Morris has not made an error in his last seven games and has made just one total in his last 10 games through 54 chances. “I just try to stick to my approach and not do too much at the plate,” Morris said. “I just try to get on base and let the guys behind me score me. “We want the pitchers to keep doing what they are doing and giving us chances in the infield,” Morris said regarding the upcoming series. “Our defense was really good,” Bishop said. “The main reason that we won three games against the Wolves was that we pitched really well and defended really well.” BLEHM FROM THE ‘PEN: Blehm had a pair of relief appearances for the ‘Jackets last week, and picked up his second save of the season as he took over for Johnson in Game 3. The senior right hander did not allow a hit in 2 1/3 innings as he contributed 68 pitches on the weekend. “It has been very nice being a student-athlete here,” said Blehm, a four-year letterwinner with the Yellowjackets. “I’ve gotten to know the coaches really well and they have all been very easy to talk to. It has been very rewarding over the last four years, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Blehm was one of 11 Yellowjacket baseball players honored at the third-annual Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society induction ceremony on Tuesday evening. The award is presented to junior and senior student-athletes who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and Blehm was honored for the second year in a row. BUSTO BUSTS MSUB APPEARANCES RECORD: Having made 23 appearances this season, junior Lee Busto is now the MSUB single-season leader in that category. He is now tied for second in MSUB career appearances with 45, and the alltime record is 56 held by Brian Howe (2008-11). HOLBROOK WALKS OFF AGAIN: For the second time in three games, Holbrook had the magic hit as his base hit in the eighth inning of Game 2 scored Morris for the walkoff 5-4 victory. Holbrook caught in all five games against WOU, starting three and he also hit his first home run of the season. MERRITT OF HONOR: Sophomore left fielder Casey Merritt had four more hits last week, including a big tworun base hit in Game 2 that helped set the stage for Holbrook’s heroics. Merritt is now batting .281 on the season and is 14 for his last 28 at the plate. MILLER ALLTIME GNAC WALKS KING: With five walks in the series against WOU – including one intentional pass – Brody Miller became the GNAC career leader in the category with 107. Despite going 0-for-13 at the plate, Miller had a couple of huge sacrifice flies with the bases loaded, that each missed leaving Dehler Park by 10 feet in right-center field. The senior second baseman also played error-free defense in 22 chances. 168 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Brody Miller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 1 Walks 107 -- -- -- -2 Assists 460 -- -- 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Total Bases 358 -- -- 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 4 Home Runs 24 26 Daniel Dillard, WOU 43 Chandler Tracy, SMU 4 RBIs 154 165 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 183 2 Players 4 Hits 240 241 Sean McDonald, NNU 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 5 Doubles 44 51 Greg McCarthy, WOU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 5 Starts 183 185 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 7 At-Bats 670 682 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 746 Joey Price, WOU 8 Runs 131 138 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 8 Games 183 183 Tim Andra, NNU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU RUN OF THE MILLS STARTER/RELIEVER: Moving back into a starting role last week, senior right hander Jake Mills didn’t miss a beat as he did not allow a hit until the fourth inning and ended up throwing 6 1/3 strong frames in the finale. It was Mills’s first start since March 20, and he made five relief appearances between the two. REINSCHMIDT PUSHING SINGLE-SEASON MARKS: With six more hits last week junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt pushed his season total to 61, just six shy of Miller’s MSUB single-season record of 67 set last year. Reinschmidt is approaching several MSUB single-season records and has already set a new standard for total bases in a season with 105 and counting. Luke Reinschmidt MSUB Single-Season Milestone Chase Rk. Category Reinschmidt Next Name, Year MSUB Record, Name, Year 1 Total Bases 105 -- -- -2 Home Runs 10 -- -- 12 Brody Miller, 2015 2 RBI 49 -- -- 52 Colby Robison, 2013 2 SLG .656 -- -- .750 Ryan Duncan, 2008 3 Runs 39 -- -- 42 2 With 5 Hits 61 62 Ty Gilmore, 2012 67 Brody Miller, 2014 8 OBP .468 .471 Patch Wirtzberger, 2008 .667 Ryan Duncan, 2008 13 At Bats 160 168 3 With 187 Colby Robison, 2013

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 169

Friday, April 24 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – DOUBLEHEADER Saturday, April 25 – 1 p.m. – Dehler Park – DOUBLEHEADER – SENIOR DAY Northwest Nazarene University Crusaders 2015 Record: 25-20, 13-11 GNAC Head Coach: Rocke Musgraves, 2nd season 2014 GNAC Finish: 4th (18-31, 13-19 GNAC) The Crusaders are coming off of a series split against Central Washington and have won six of their last eight GNAC contests overall. NNU picked up a four game sweep over Saint Martin’s, lost the first two at home against CWU, then responded with two victories on Saturday. Offensively, NNU is paced by the second-leading hitter in the GNAC in Josh Hatfield. He is batting .390 with a conference-best 41 runs scored while adding 10 doubles and 23 RBIs. Hatfield’s 11 steals are also the most in the GNAC. Tyler Davis, Andrew Helmstadter and Jesse Hilyard are all each also hitting north of .300 on the season for NNU. Davis is the team’s leader in home runs with eight on the season, and he has added 34 RBIs with a .329 batting average. Davis and Helmstadter are tied for the GNAC lead in doubles with 16 apiece, and the latter has 30 RBIs to go along with a .307 batting average. Another key player for the ‘Saders is Kyle Thomson, who carries a .393 average in 24 starts. On the mound, NNU has been led by a trio of outstanding starters all with ERAs below 4.00. Jake Reppert heads the pack with a 2.18 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings over 10 starts. He and Colben McGuire provide a strong one-two punch as the latter has a GNAC-high 67 strikeouts in a dozen starts and 77 2/3 innings pitched. Blake Mitchell has started 10 games for NNU, and has 46 strikeouts in 60 innings with a 3.90 ERA. In relief, Noah Starr has been outstanding with a 1.98 ERA and 10 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings with seven appearances. The Crusaders average 5.51 runs per game while allowing 4.78, and their team ERA of 4.13 is the lowest in the conference. The Series: With the four wins earlier in the year MSUB pulled the alltime series against the Crusaders even at 34-34 dating back to 2006. The Yellowjackets have now won the last six meetings and eight of the last 10 dating back to the 2014 season. Last Time Out: Cooper earned GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors after striking out 10 in a complete game shutout that clinched the four-game series sweep for MSUB from March 20-21 in Nampa, Idaho. Through the four games, MSUB allowed just six runs while scoring 22.

170 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 41 & 42: April 24, 2015 MSU Billings 16, Northwest Nazarene 8 MSU Billings 12, Northwest Nazarene 11

Game-ending triple play, walk-off hit by pitch give MSUB doubleheader sweep of NNU April 24, 2015 The MSUB baseball team ends Game 1 by turning a triple play, and wins Game 2 in dramatic come-from-behind fashion to sweep Northwest Nazarene in a doubleheader and reclaim first place in the GNAC standings. BILLINGS, Mont. – For the second time this season, the Montana State University Billings baseball team turned a triple play, this time ending the game in a 16-8 win over Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent Northwest Nazarene as part of a doubleheader sweep to push the Yellowjackets back into first place Friday afternoon at Dehler Park. With the bases loaded and no outs, NNU’s Tucker Campbell shot a line drive at Brody Miller, who flipped the ball to Corey Morris for the out at second before throwing on to Kevin Toon at first base to complete the incredible game-ending triple play. It was the second triple play of the season turned by MSUB, the first of which was featured as the No. 9 play on SportsCenter Top Plays on Feb. 8, 2015. The Yellowjackets (22-20, 17-9 GNAC) also ended Game 2 in dramatic fashion, entering the bottom of the seventh and final inning trailing 11-9. Myles Berkram hit a huge two-out, two-run double off of the left-center field fence to score two runs, and Colter Sternhagen was hit by a pitch with the count full and the bases loaded to end the game and give the ‘Jackets the 12-11 victory. The Yellowjackets led Game 1 9-2 before NNU pulled the score to 9-7 in the fifth inning, and MSUB led Game 2 7-0 before NNU scored 11 unanswered runs to take command of the game late. “We found ourselves in a tight game going into the last few innings,” Bishop said regarding Game 1. “We just had a really good inning. We had six or seven good at bats back-to-back, and we are capable of putting pressure on a lot of teams when we do that.”

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 171

Miller hit two more home runs on the day, pushing his GNAC-leading total to 14 on the season. He also set a new MSUB record for RBIs in a season, as his five on the day gave him 53 on the year. “Brody had some big at bats today,” Bishop said. “They walked him in a big spot at the end of the game, but he hit the ball hard early in the day and earned that walk.” Berkram had four hits, scored four runs and drove in four on the day for the Yellowjackets, and was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day. He missed a grand slam by a foot, as his towering blast to left field with the bases loaded in Game 1 smashed off the bricks on the wall to score two runs. He also made a heads up baserunning play after his game-tying double in Game 2, alertly stealing third base on the first of four intentional balls to Miller. “Myles is just heads up,” Bishop said. “In that situation, you could see teams relax a bit and we talked about how big of a play that was for him to take third. Their next pitcher didn’t want to end the game on a wild pitch so he missed up with his curveball a couple times. It also put us in a position to let Brody run when they didn’t hold him on at first, which helped prevent a force out.” Northwest Nazarene fell to 25-22 on the season with the loss and the Crusaders are now 13-13 in GNAC play. Leadoff batter Josh Hatfield had four hits on the day, and drove in five runs in the second game thanks in large part to his fourth-inning grand slam. Andrew Helmstadter also had a pair of hits in each game for NNU, and crossed the plate three times. Kaleb DeHass played excellent defense at third base in Game 1, ranging in all directions and making several plays on tough ground balls for the Crusaders. The Yellowjackets were perfect defensively on the day while NNU had five errors, while MSUB left 11 runners on base and the Crusaders stranded 14. Game 1 – MSU Billings 16, Northwest Nazarene 8 NNU was not fazed by the 9-2 deficit it faced, scoring one run in the fourth and four more in the fifth to cut the score to 9-7. The turning point in the game came in the top of the seventh inning, when relief pitcher Jake Mills faced a jam with runners on second and third and nobody out. The senior right-hander struck out DeHaas on a 2-2 pitch, and on an ensuing ground ball MSUB third baseman Kyle Durbin fired a throw to Conner Holbrook at home. The senior catcher snagged the ball, reached across his body and barely tagged Helmstadter out in time to prevent the run from scoring. After a popout to end the inning, MSUB carried the momentum into a seven-run seventh inning to seal the victory. “I felt like that gave our dugout a little boost,” Bishop said on escaping the jam. “We went up after that, had some good at bats, and put some good swings on the ball.” It was in the big seventh that Miller hit his first home run of the day, a towering three-run shot over the right-center field fence to score Berkram and Casey Merritt. Also with a three-run home run in the game was Holbrook, whose blast was part of the big six-run third inning that got the ‘Jackets out to an early lead. 172 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

The Crusaders jumped on MSUB starter Brady Muller in the top of the first, drawing a pair of walks and pushing both around to score to make the lead 2-0. The ‘Jackets responded with a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the frame. Durbin’s third home run of the season came in the third inning to give MSUB its first lead of the day, before the scoring outburst in the third. Despite striking out five, Muller was driven from the game before he got through the fifth inning, allowing seven runs on seven hits with three walks. Mills earned the victory with three shutout relief innings, during which he had a strikeout and did not allow a hit. NNU starter Colben McGuire had an abbreviated outing as well, as he threw just 2 2/3 innings and allowed nine runs on eight hits with a walk and two strikeouts. The Crusaders used five total pitchers in Game 1, with Noah Starr silencing MSUB’s bats with 3 1/3 shutout innings in which he allowed just one hit. Luke Reinschmidt had a huge game for the Yellowjackets, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs, two runs scored and a pair of doubles at the plate. Game 2 – MSU Billings 12, Northwest Nazarene 11 (7 Innings) With 11 unanswered runs, NNU got itself back into the game after trailing 7-0 entering the fourth inning. The ‘Saders scored six in the fourth highlighted by Hatfield’s grand slam to left, and added four more in the fifth thanks to a two-run single by Kyle Thomson and an RBI-double by Hatfield. MSUB established the lead early on, as Miller’s second home run of the day came in the bottom of the first after a Berkram double to make the score 2-0. Trevor Nix and Holbrook followed with RBI-singles as the Yellowjackets supplied starter Jake Campeau with a 5-0 advantage. The senior right hander retired nine of the first 11 batters he faced with five strikeouts, shutting NNU down through three innings. On the game Campeau finished with four innings pitched, allowing seven runs on 10 hits with no walks. Lucas Blehm tossed 1 1/3 innings of solid relief, and Adam Cox was credited with the win after a 1-2-3 seventh inning set up the dramatic victory for the ‘Jackets. Nix finished Game 2 2-for-3 with three runs scored, while Miller and Kevin Toon each drew a pair of walks. Hatfield was 3-for-5 with five RBIs and a run scored, while Thomson, Helmstadter and Tim Jones had a pair of hits apiece in Game 2. NNU starter Jake Reppert, who entered the game with a 2.18 earned run average, was driven after 3 1/3 innings and allowing seven runs on seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Colton Loomis took the loss, giving up five runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings. THE BUZZ: With seven regular season games to play, Miller is now four home runs shy and 16 RBIs shy of tying the GNAC single-season records in those categories…Muller tied the GNAC career record for starts with his 40th on Friday…Morris made 10 more plays at shortstop, and has made just one error in his last 64 chances spanning a dozen games. UP NEXT: The series concludes Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader, and MSUB’s nine graduating seniors will be honored in a pregame ceremony in their final regular season home games. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 173

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Northwest Nazarene at MSU Billings (Game 1) 4/24/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Northwest Nazarene 8 (25-21,11-13 GNAC) Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Davis,Tyler 2b Helmstadter,Andrew c Jones,Tim ph Hilyard,Jesse lf DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Hallman,Johnathon ph Glasgow,Tate 1b Campbell,Tucker ss Circeo,Ben dh Thomson,Kyle ph Strange,Nick rf Lightfoot,Matt ph/rf McGuire,Colben p Starr,Noah p Groves,Andrew p Ferdinand,Jake p Sigrist,Tom p Totals Score by Innings Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings

4 4 2 1 4 3 1 4 5 1 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 16 (21-20,16-9 GNAC)

lob

1 0 2 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 2 3 3 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

8 11

24 13

2 2

0 1

0 6

1 0

4 0

0 0

0 7

0 0

1 X

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Durbin,Kyle 3b Holbrook,Conner c Peterson,Landon c Merritt,Casey lf Muller,Brady p Busto,Lee p Mills,Jake p Bitow,Bret p Totals

R H 8 11 16 15

5 5 4 2 5 5 4 5 0 3 0 0 0 0

2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 3 1 1 3 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 3 0 0 3 2 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

38 16 15 15

lob

3 2 9 0 2 2 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 3 1 0 0 4 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27 14

E 2 0

E - Davis 2. DP - NNU 2; MSUB 1. Triple plays - MSUB 1. LOB - NNU 8; MSUB 6. 2B - DeHaas; Miller; Reinschmidt 2. HR - Miller(13); Durbin(3); Holbrook(2). HBP - Hatfield; Helmstadter; Hilyard; DeHaas; Glasgow; Sternhagen 2. SH - Sternhagen. SB - Davis. Northwest Nazarene

McGuire,Colben Starr,Noah Groves,Andrew Ferdinand,Jake Sigrist,Tom

2.2 3.1 0.1 1.1 0.1

8 1 5 1 0

r er bb so ab bf

9 0 6 1 0

7 0 6 1 0

1 2 1 1 0

2 17 20 1 9 11 0 6 7 1 5 7 0 1 1

MSU Billings

Muller,Brady Busto,Lee Mills,Jake Bitow,Bret

41 31 33

4.1 0.2 3.0 1.0

7 0 1 3

7 0 0 1

er bb so ab

7 0 0 1

3 0 0 0

5 19 24 1 2 2 1 10 12 0 4 5

Win - Mills (3-2). Loss - McGuire (4-4). Save - None. WP - Ferdinand; Muller; Busto. HBP - by Muller (Helmstadter); by McGuire (Sternhagen); by Muller (DeHaas); by Mills (Hilyard); by Ferdinand (Sternhagen); by Mills (Hatfield); by Bitow (Glasgow). BK - Muller; Busto; Mills. PB Holbrook. Inherited runners/scored: Starr 2/0; Sigrist 1/0; Busto 2/1. Pitches/strikes: McGuire 62/39; Starr 41/22; Groves 31/17; Ferdinand 33/20; Sigrist 6/3; Muller 89/55; Busto 12/8; Mills 41/27; Bitow 17/10. Umpires - HP: Tony Prater 1B: Daryn Fredrickson 3B: Larry Schmitt Start: 1 p.m. Time: 2:50 Attendance: Weather: Overcast, 70 degrees

174 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

12 41 17

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Northwest Nazarene at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/22/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Northwest Nazarene 11 (25-22,13-13 GNAC)

MSU Billings 12 (22-20,17-9 GNAC)

Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Davis,Tyler 2b/3b Helmstadter,Andrew 3b/c Hilyard,Jesse lf Jones,Tim ph/lf Strange,Nick lf DeHaas,Kaleb c Lamb,Justin c Hallman,Johnathon ph McGuire,Colben pr Brink,Coltin 2b Glasgow,Tate 1b Chapman,Larsson ph/1b Circeo,Ben 1b Thomson,Kyle dh Campbell,Tucker ss Lightfoot,Matt rf Reppert,Jake p Loomis,Colton p Marsh,Tyler p Totals Score by Innings Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings

5 5 4 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 3 3 3 0 0 0

1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 0

h rbi

lob

5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

2 1 4 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0

0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0

32 11 14 11

R H 11 14 12 11

3 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

bb so

0 5

0 0

0 2

6 0

4 0

1 2

0 3

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Sternhagen,Colter 3b Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Nix,Trevor dh Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Campeau,Jake p Busto,Lee p Blehm,Lucas p Cox,Adam p Totals

5 3 3 3 4 2 3 4 4 0 0 0 0

2 2 1 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0

h rbi

2 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

2 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

31 12 11 10

lob

0 2 9 0 2 1 0 6 1 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 0

3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

21 11

1 1 0 1 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 0

7 10

E 3 0

Note: 2 outs, 3 runners LOB when the game ended. E - Circeo; Campbell 2. DP - NNU 1. LOB - NNU 6; MSUB 8. 2B - Hatfield; Davis; Helmstadter; Berkram 2; Merritt. HR - Hatfield; Miller. HBP - Sternhagen. SH - Jones; Circeo; Campbell; Morris. SF - Lightfoot. SB - Berkram; Nix; Merritt. Northwest Nazarene

Reppert,Jake Loomis,Colton Marsh,Tyler

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

3.1 7 7 7 3 6 16 20 3.1 4 5 4 3 4 15 18 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

Campeau,Jake Busto,Lee Blehm,Lucas Cox,Adam

64 10

4.0 10 0.2 3 1.1 1 1.0 0

7 3 1 0

er bb so ab

7 3 1 0

0 0 2 0

5 22 22 0 4 6 1 3 7 0 3 3

80 20 28 12

Win - Cox (4-1). Loss - Loomis (6-2). Save - None. WP - Reppert; Blehm. HBP - by Marsh (Sternhagen). Inherited runners/scored: Marsh 2/1; Busto 1/1; Blehm 1/0. Pitches/strikes: Reppert 73/44; Loomis 64/42; Marsh 10/2; Campeau 80/57; Busto 20/12; Blehm 28/14; Cox 12/10. Umpires - HP: Daryn Fredrickson 1B: Larry Schmitt 3B: Tony Prater Start: 4 P.M. Time: 2:15 Attendance: 350 Campeau faced 1 batter in the 5th. Marsh faced 2 batters in the 7th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 175

Games 43 & 44: April 25, 2015 MSU Billings 16, Northwest Nazarene 0 Northwest Nazarene 5, MSU Billings 4

Johnson shines in shutout, ‘Jackets split with ‘Saders Saturday April 25, 2015 Tanner Johnson throws a three-hit shutout in a big 16-0 Game 1 victory, and a comeback effort falls one run short for MSUB in a tough 5-4 Game 2 loss Saturday against Northwest Nazarene. BILLINGS, Mont. – In the 2015 home regular season finale, Tanner Johnson threw 129 pitches to record a three-hit shutout in a big 16-0 Game 1 win for the Montana State University Billings baseball team, but visiting Northwest Nazarene salvaged a 5-4 win in Game 2 to avoid being swept Saturday evening at Dehler Park. Johnson struck out 10 and walked just three in the nine-inning shutout, his first complete game of the season. “Tanner was awesome,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He was in a groove throwing strikes and had a lot of movement on his pitches, and he took the pressure off our bullpen and our whole team.” The ‘Jackets had 22 hits in Game 1, scoring four times each in the third, seventh, and eighth innings in the rout of the Crusaders. In the second game, a big grand slam by Andrew Helmstadter of NNU made the score 5-1 and proved to be enough to help the Crusaders hold on for the victory. The Yellowjackets put the tying run on base in the bottom of the seventh, but reliever Andrew Groves struck out Brody Miller and Kevin Toon looking in back-to-back at bats to end the game. “I felt like we swung the bats well in both games today,” Bishop said. “We competed in Game 2 and had a couple big hits, and got into a position where the tying and go-ahead run was at the plate. Their pitcher made some pitches, and it was a good game.”

176 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

With the split MSUB moved to 23-21 overall on the season and 18-10 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. The Yellowjackets are now tied for first place with Western Oregon, but the Wolves hold the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series over MSUB 5-3. WOU plays host to NNU next weekend, while the Yellowjackets visit Saint Martin’s in the final four games of the regular season. The team that wins the regular season title will earn hosting privileges for the GNAC Championships, which are scheduled for May 7-8. WOU has won 13 straight GNAC regular season titles. Remaining in third place in the GNAC standings, Northwest Nazarene moved to 26-23 overall on the season and an even 14-14 in conference play. After losing the first seven games of the season series to MSUB, NNU avoided the season sweep by collecting the one-run victory in the finale. Game 1 – MSU Billings 16, Northwest Nazarene 0 After MSUB won a 3-0 pitcher’s duel the last time Johnson and NNU starter Blake Mitchell met, the third game of this week’s series appeared to be headed in that direction as each starter put up zeroes in the first two innings. The fireworks started for the Yellowjackets in the third however, as Trevor Nix blasted a two-run double to left and Luke Reinschmidt dropped a two-run single into center to make it 4-0. Nix made it 5-0 with a long solo home run to left field in the bottom of the fifth, and his two-run single in the sixth was part of a three-run inning as the Yellowjackets began to pull away. The Crusaders meanwhile struggled to gain any momentum against Johnson, as he retired 13 of 15 batters from the second through sixth innings. Only once did the leadoff batter in an inning reach base against Johnson, and it came in the seventh inning when a ground ball by Kyle Thomson was mishandled. The junior right-hander pitched around the hiccup, with a pop up, a strikeout and a foul out to end the inning. Adding on in the bottom of the seventh, MSUB put the game out of reach with four more runs. Conner Holbrook was finally rewarded with an RBI-single to right field, after he had lined out hard to NNU right fielder Tim Jones in his first three times to the plate. Miller plated one with a single through the left side, Blake Loran had an RBI on a groundout, and Nix drove in his sixth run of the game with an infield hit. Despite a one-out double by Tyler Davis in the eighth, Johnson had just a nine-pitch inning as his pitch count crept towards 120. Stepping to the plate a triple shy of the cycle, Nix ripped a double into left center for his fifth hit of the game in the bottom of the eighth. The swing of the bat came after MSUB had added four more runs, two of which came on a double to left center by Myles Berkram. With the untouchable lead in hand, Johnson took the ball in the ninth and battled to retire the side and complete the three-hit masterpiece. He was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for his effort. Nix was 5-for-6 with six RBIs, while Miller and Corey Morris each had three hits for the ‘Jackets. Thomson was the lone Crusader to figure out Johnson, as he went 2-for-3 and reached base three times. CLOSE CALL: Leading off the top of the sixth inning, Davis lifted a high drive into left field that appeared to be headed over the wall. It stopped carrying however, and Merritt reached up to snag it as he crashed into the wall and Johnson’s shutout was kept intact. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 177

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Northwest Nazarene at MSU Billings (Game 1) 4/25/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Northwest Nazarene 0 (25-23,13-14 GNAC) Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Davis,Tyler 2b Helmstadter,Andrew c Lamb,Justin c Hilyard,Jesse lf Lightfoot,Matt ph Thomson,Kyle dh Hallman,Johnathon ph DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Brandt,Ethan ph Jones,Tim rf Glasgow,Tate 1b Chapman,Larsson ph Campbell,Tucker ss Mitchell,Blake p Pilgrim,Justin p Sigrist,Tom p Totals Score by Innings Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings

4 4 4 0 2 2 3 1 2 1 3 1 2 3 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

3 10

MSU Billings 16 (23-20,18-9 GNAC)

lob

2 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 4 7 2 2 1 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0

24 10

2 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0

0 4

0 0

0 1

0 3

0 4

0 X

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Loran,Blake ph Nix,Trevor dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Durbin,Kyle 3b Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Johnson,Tanner p Totals

R H 0 3 16 22

4 4 3 2 6 6 4 4 5 5 0

3 2 2 0 2 0 1 2 2 2 0

h rbi

lob

2 2 1 2 6 2 0 0 1 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 5 2 0 3 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 3 0 10 0 0 2 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 1 1 0

43 16 22 16

1 3 2 1 5 1 3 2 2 2 0

bb so

27 10

E 0 2

E - Miller 2. LOB - NNU 8; MSUB 10. 2B - Davis; Berkram; Nix 2; Morris 2. HR - Nix(3). HBP - Berkram. SH Morris; Durbin. SF - Miller. SB - Toon. Northwest Nazarene

Mitchell,Blake Pilgrim,Justin Sigrist,Tom

r er bb so ab bf

5.2 11 8 8 3 2 26 31 1.2 9 8 8 0 0 14 15 0.2 2 0 0 0 0 3 4

107

MSU Billings

Johnson,Tanner

9.0

er bb so ab

3 10 32 35

129

39 15

Win - Johnson (5-1). Loss - Mitchell (5-4). Save - None. WP - Mitchell. HBP - by Pilgrim (Berkram). Inherited runners/scored: Pilgrim 1/0; Sigrist 2/2. Pitches/strikes: Mitchell 107/67; Pilgrim 39/23; Sigrist 15/9; Johnson 129/74. Umpires - HP: Larry Schmitt 1B: Tony Prater 3B: Daryn Fredrickson Start: 3 p.m. Time: 2:36 Attendance: Weather: Overcast, 49 Degrees

178 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – Northwest Nazarene 5, MSU Billings 4 (7 Innings) The five run fifth inning proved to be just enough to supply NNU with the victory, as the Yellowjackets’ rally came up one run short in the bottom of the seventh. Trailing 5-3 in the final inning, Kyle Durbin shot the gap in right center for a leadoff double and was plated on an RBI-single into right by Merritt. After Berkram was retired on a fielder’s choice, Groves entered to face Miller and struck out the final two batters to seal the victory. MSUB starter Cody Cooper and NNU starter Ross Clevinger each retired the side in order in the first, and put up zeroes through the first three innings. The first breakthrough came in the fourth inning, when Reinschmidt lined a hit into right center and screamed around the bases to third with a triple that scored Kevin Toon. The 1-0 edge didn’t last long however, as Kaleb DeHaas led off with a single in the top of the fifth and Tucker Campbell drove him in two batters later with a single to tie the score at 1-1. Leadoff batter Josh Hatfield was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and after working the count to 2-1 Helmstadter hit the game-winning grand slam out of the park in left. The ‘Jackets responded with an RBI-double by Miller in the bottom of the inning, and loaded the bases for Nix with two outs. On an 0-1 pitch, the senior hit a deep drive into right center that was caught on the warning track. Berkram came around to score, but Toon was doubled off at first base to end the inning with the score at 5-3. After allowing a base hit to the first batter he faced, MSUB freshman Adam Cox did not allow another hit as he threw the final 2 1/3 innings and struck out a pair. NNU outhit MSUB 8-5 in Game 2, and Groves earned the save for his big appearance late. Colton Loomis also threw two key innings in relief of Clevinger, who lasted 4 1/3 and struck out three while walking four and allowing three runs on two hits. THE BUZZ: The 16-0 win tied the largest margin of victory in MSUB history, incredibly matching a 16-0 shutout of NNU on the road in the 2013 season in which Yellowjacket starter Samuel Paterson pitched a three-hit, seven-inning shutout…the 16 runs were the second most in a single game this season by the ‘Jackets, who tied a program record for runs in a 21-8 win over Central Washington two weeks ago…the Yellowjackets left 14 runners on base on the day while NNU left 13 including eight in Game 1.

Freshman Adam Cox.

SENIOR SALUTE: Before the game, the nine graduating seniors for the Yellowjackets were presented with plaques commemorating their careers at MSUB. Bret Bitow, Jake Campeau, Holbrook, Nix, Loran, Lucas Blehm, Jake Mills, Miller, and Muller were each accompanied by members of their families on the field before the games. NEXT UP: MSUB closes the regular season with a pivotal four-game road series at Saint Martin’s next weekend. Having already clinched a GNAC Championships berth, the Yellowjackets will need to win one more game than Western Oregon does next week in order to earn hosting privileges.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 179

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Northwest Nazarene at MSU Billings (Game 2) 4/25/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Northwest Nazarene 5 (26-23,14-14 GNAC) Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Helmstadter,Andrew c Davis,Tyler 2b Hilyard,Jesse lf Thomson,Kyle dh Jones,Tim rf Lightfoot,Matt ph/rf DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Glasgow,Tate 1b Campbell,Tucker ss Clevenger,Ross p Loomis,Colton p Groves,Andrew p Totals Score by Innings Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings

h rbi

bb so

MSU Billings 4 (23-21,18-10 GNAC)

lob

3 4 3 4 3 2 1 3 3 2 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

1 6 2 0 0 0 3 0 7 1 1 0 0

0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 0

1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0

0 1

5 2

0 0

0 1

R 5 4

H 8 5

Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Nix,Trevor c Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Sternhagen,Colter dh Durbin,Kyle 3b Merritt,Casey lf Cooper,Cody p Busto,Lee p Cox,Adam p Totals

lob

2 4 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

h rbi

0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

bb so

2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0

1 3 7 6 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

E 0 1

E - Durbin. DP - MSUB 1. LOB - NNU 5; MSUB 5. 2B - Miller; Durbin; Merritt. 3B - Reinschmidt. HR - Helmstadter. HBP - Hatfield; Toon; Durbin. SF - Nix. CS - Morris. Northwest Nazarene

Clevenger,Ross Loomis,Colton Groves,Andrew

r er bb so ab bf

MSU Billings

4.1 2 3 3 4 3 14 19 2.0 3 1 1 0 1 7 9 0.2 0 0 0 0 2 2 2

Cooper,Cody Busto,Lee Cox,Adam

29 7

4.0 0.1 2.2

6 1 1

5 0 0

er bb so ab

5 0 0

0 0 2

4 19 20 0 2 2 2 7 9

Win - Clevenger (3-0). Loss - Cooper (1-5). Save - Groves (5). WP - Clevenger 2. HBP - by Cooper (Hatfield); by Clevenger (Durbin); by Loomis (Toon). BK - Cooper. Inherited runners/scored: Loomis 2/2; Groves 1/0; Cox 1/0. Pitches/strikes: Clevenger 74/35; Loomis 29/21; Groves 7/6; Cooper 65/44; Busto 6/4; Cox 38/21. Umpires - HP: Tony Prater 1B: Daryn Fredrickson 3B: Larry Schmitt Start: 6 p.m. Time: 2:06 Attendance: 400 Weather: Overcast, 50 Degrees Cooper faced 5 batters in the 5th.

180 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

6 38

After shutout and big week at the plate, Johnson, Nix picked GNAC Players of the Week April 27, 2015 After Tanner Johnson throws the first nine-inning shutout for MSUB since 2011 and Trevor Nix hit 7-for-11 with eight RBIs, both players are honored by the GNAC with the Player of the Week award. PORTLAND, Ore. – Helping the Montana State University Billings baseball team to a 3-1 series victory over Northwest Nazarene last weekend, junior Tanner Johnson and senior Trevor Nix have been selected as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Pitcher and Player of the Week, respectively, announced by the conference office Monday. Johnson had 10 strikeouts and allowed just three hits in the 129-pitch shutout of NNU, a game in which MSUB tied a program record for margin of victory with the 16-0 result. “Tanner had a great outing this weekend,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “It was our first 9-inning shutout since 2011 which is quite an accomplishment.” Johnson allowed the leadoff baserunner on just once in his nine innings of work, and retired 13 of 15 batters during a stretch between the second and sixth innings. It was the second shutout of the season for MSUB, and the first 9-inning shutout since Kody Kennedy achieved the feat for MSUB in a 3-0 win over Central Washington on April 1, 2011. Nix came up a triple shy of the cycle in the same game, going 5-for-6 and driving in six runs with two doubles and a home run. On the weekend he went 7-for-11, drove in eight and scored five times. His slugging percentage on the weekend was 1.091. “Trevor had a nice weekend for us at the plate,” Bishop said. “He saw the ball really well and came up big for us in some key spots. Both he and Tanner are definitely deserving of recognition in the GNAC for their performances.” Johnson and Nix become the sixth and seventh players this season to win the GNAC Player of the Week award, joining Brody Miller (twice), Kyle Durbin, Cody Cooper, and Luke Reinschmidt. With the three victories, the Yellowjackets moved into a tie for first place in the GNAC standings with Western Oregon. With one more four-game series left to play, whichever team wins more games between WOU and MSUB will earn hosting privileges for the GNAC Championships. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 181

9 Yellowjackets named all-GNAC academic for baseball April 28, 2015 MSUB has the most student-athletes from any school on the GNAC baseball academic all-conference team, with nine Yellowjackets receiving the award. PORTLAND, Ore. – With the highest number of student-athletes honored among all Great Northwest Athletic Conference teams, the Montana State University Billings baseball team has nine players who have been named to the academic all-conference squad announced by the conference office Tuesday. Leading the way for MSUB as a three-time repeat selection was senior Brady Muller, and Lucas Blehm, Lee Busto, and Blake Loran were also each repeat selections. Earning the honor for the first time were Jake Campeau, Conner Holbrook, Casey Merritt, Jake Mills and Trevor Nix. “Our guys have been terrific academically during the past couple of years,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “I am proud of all nine of these guys for their efforts on and off the field. We strive to have guys have a great student-athlete experience in our program and they have definitely done their part to help make this happen.” Campeau held the top grade point average for the ‘Jackets with a 3.70 in health and human performance. Blehm, Loran, and Mills are all studying accounting and have GPAs of 3.51, 3.65 and 3.23, respectively. Busto and Muller are both management majors and hold GPAs of 3.65 and 3.42, respectively. Holbrook is majoring in biology and has a GPA of 3.51, Merritt is a health and human performance major with a 3.38 GPA, and Nix is studying environmental science with a GPA of 3.51. Overall, 26 players from the GNAC earned the academic honor, giving MSUB more than one third of the total honorees. Tyler Marsh of Northwest Nazarene had the conference’s highest GPA with a 3.84, and the Crusaders had eight players on the academic all-conference team. Muller was one of five players in the GNAC who were honored for the third year in a row. Blehm, Busto and Loran were three of seven total players who repeated as academic all-conference selections. All nine of the Yellowjackets honored were also inducted into MSUB’s Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, which honors student-athletes at the university who maintain a GPA of at least 3.40 while competing in a varsity sport. The requirements for GNAC academic all-conference recognition are a 3.20 GPA, a player being in his second year of competition with his team and having competed in at least 50 percent of the team’s games. The Yellowjackets, who are in a tie for first place in the GNAC standings at 18-10 in conference play, are headed to Lacey, Wash., this weekend for their final regular season series against Saint Martin’s. MSUB has an opportunity to host the GNAC Championships, if it finishes the regular season in first place in the conference standings. 182 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Nix becomes 3rd Yellowjacket to pick up West Region Player of the Week this season April 28, 2015 After hitting 7-for-11 with eight RBIs and coming up a triple shy of the cycle, MSUB baseball senior Trevor Nix has been picked as the NCBWA West Region Player of the Week. ST. GEORGE, Utah – For the west region-leading third time this season, a Montana State University Billings baseball student-athlete has been selected as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week, as Yellowjacket senior Trevor Nix received the honor announced Tuesday. Nix went 7-for-11 at the plate for the Yellowjackets in their 3-1 series victory over Northwest Nazarene last week, helping MSUB retain its position in first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings. In a record-tying 16-0 victory in Game 3, Nix went 5-for-6 with six RBIs and came a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Needing the toughest leg to complete the feat, he held up at second base in the eighth inning after a line drive into the gap in left center as the lead runner was stopped at third in front of him. Nix also hit his third home run of the season in the game, had two doubles, and scored twice. Nix scored five runs in the series, stole a base, and had a sacrifice fly while slugging 1.091, batting .636 and reaching base at .615. Nix joined fellow senior Brody Miller and junior Luke Reinschmidt, who each also earned the NCBWA regional honor earlier this season. Reinschmidt went on to earn NCBWA National Player of the Week in February, after he hit four home runs in eight games. Nix is now eligible to receive the National Player of the Week honor, which will be voted on and announced on Wednesday. No other school in the west region has received more Player of the Week awards than the Yellowjackets’ three this season. Nix was picked as the GNAC Player of the Week on Monday, the seventh time this season the Yellowjackets have received the weekly honor from the conference. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 183

‘Jackets fight to host GNAC Championships in final regular season series this weekend April 28, 2015 Entering the final regular season series of 2015 tied for first place in the GNAC standings, the MSUB baseball team is alive and well in the race to host the GNAC Championships. BILLINGS, Mont. – With four games remaining on the 2015 Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball schedule, Montana State University Billings sits atop the conference standings and will hit the road this week to take on Saint Martin’s with an opportunity to host the conference championship tournament next weekend. The Yellowjackets (23-21, 18-10 GNAC) are coming off of a 3-1 series victory over Northwest Nazarene last weekend, which was the team’s fifth GNAC series win in a row. The string started on March 20 in Nampa, Idaho, when MSUB swept NNU in a four-game series and claimed GNAC Team of the Week honors. Since then, MSUB has gone 16-5 in conference play to force its way into a share of first place with Western Oregon. This weekend, the Wolves host NNU in a four game series while the ‘Jackets face SMU for the second time this season. Whichever team claims the regular-season title will serve as the host for the 2015 GNAC Baseball Championships, which are set to run May 7-8. The Yellowjackets took the first series against the Saints 3-1, winning the first three games before dropping the last in extra innings from March 27-28 at Dehler Park in Billings. The ‘Jackets outscored the Saints 38-34 in the series, and hit nine home runs as they slugged their way to victory. The Saints have since been eliminated from postseason play, and will close their season by hosting MSUB this weekend. The four game series will kick off on Friday at 2 p.m. Mountain time and conclude Saturday at 1 p.m. Mountain time. Both days will feature a 9-inning/7-inning doubleheader, with live stats available for all games via www.msubsports.com. “Our guys fully understand how tough a team Saint Martin’s is, especially at home, and especially late in the year,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “They always compete hard, and they have been pitching very well. I just expect a battle.” 184 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

“Personally I’m going to go out and throw to contact, and allow my defense to work behind me,” commented junior right-hander Tanner Johnson on his approach to facing SMU a second time. “I’m also being a good teammate when I’m not pitching, and supporting my teammates no matter what.” DOUBLING UP ON TRIPLE PLAYS: For the second time this season, the Yellowjackets turned a triple play and wound up on ESPN SportsCenter Top Plays. This time, the incredible play ended Game 1 of the series, coming with the bases loaded and no outs with the score at 16-8 in the bottom of the ninth inning. Brody Miller snagged a line drive, and flipped to shortstop Corey Morris for the out at second who threw on to Kevin Toon at first in plenty of time to complete the incredible play. The Yellowjackets’ first triple play of the year came on Feb. 8 in a game against Colorado State-Pueblo, when Kyle Durbin snagged a line drive, stepped on second base and threw to Toon at first to finish the play. That triple play cracked the Top-10 plays on SportsCenter at No. 9. The triple play coming last weekend made it up the charts to No. 3 on SportsCenter. “I have the easy part, all I have to do is catch Junior Kevin Toon. the ball,” commented Toon on being a part of both triple plays. “It’s not something you think about before the pitch. Maybe now it is since we have done it twice, but never before have I thought a triple play is an option here.” TANNER AND TREVOR HONORED BY GNAC, NCBWA: After throwing a 9-inning, 3-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts, Johnson was selected as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week. Johnson used 129 pitches to baffle NNU, and enjoyed 16 runs of support from the Yellowjackets’ offense in a game that tied the MSUB program record for largest margin of victory. It was the second quality start in a row for Johnson, who has allowed just 19 baserunners and struck out 16 in his last 15 innings of work. It was the first 9-inning shutout of the season and first since the 2011 season when Kody Kennedy blanked Central Washington 3-0 on April 1. “All of my pitches were there working well, and I also had a wonderful defense behind me,” said Johnson. “There was a nice offensive cushion given to me, and everything fell into place for that outing to happen.” Picking up GNAC Player of the Week and National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week honors was senior Trevor Nix, who went 7-for-11 with eight RBIs for the ‘Jackets in the series against the Crusaders. In support of Johnson’s gem, Nix went 5-for-6 with six RBIs and came a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Nix and Johnson gave MSUB its sixth and seventh GNAC Player of the Week honorees of the season, as Miller (twice), Cody Cooper, Durbin, and Luke Reinschmidt have each also earned the award.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 185

BRODY BACK AT BAT: After slumping in MSUB’s five-game series against Western Oregon, Miller went 9-for16 with two home runs, two doubles, nine RBIs and six runs scored to get right back into a groove. The reigning GNAC Player of the Year homered in each of the first two games, and was walked three times on the weekend. Miller now ranks third in GNAC career hits with 249, home runs with 26, and starts with 187. Brody Miller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 1 Walks 110 -- -- -- -2 Assists 468 -- -- 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Total Bases 375 -- -- 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 3 Hits 249 276 Joey Price, WOU 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU T3 Home Runs 26 26 Daniel Dillard, WOU 43 Chandler Tracy, SMU 3 Starts 187 190 Greg McCarthy, WOU 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 4 RBIs 163 165 Bryce Gardinier, WOU 183 2 Players 5 Doubles 46 51 Greg McCarthy, WOU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 6 At-Bats 686 696 Travis Chetock, WOU 746 Joey Price, WOU T6 Games 187 187 Joey Price, WOU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU 8 Runs 137 138 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU WINNING FORMULA: Leading the GNAC in runs per game with 7.43, the key to success for MSUB all season long has been production at the plate. When the Yellowjackets score six or more runs they are 19-7, and when they score five or less they are 4-14. BERKRAM OFF THE BRICKS: Maintaining his success in the leadoff spot in MSUB’s lineup last weekend, sophomore right fielder Myles Berkram supplied power for the ‘Jackets as well. He batted 5-for-16 with three doubles, six RBIs and eight runs scored. Berkram drew four walks and stole a base, while slugging .500 and getting on base at a clip of .476. He came up with a huge swing of the bat more than once in the series, first in Game 1 with the bases loaded. Berkram lofted a deep fly ball into left field that smashed off the bricks on the wall and missed being a grand slam by a foot. He settle for two RBIs to push MSUB out to a five-run lead. In Game 2 with MSUB down by two runs in the bottom of the last inning, Berkram shot the gap in left center to even the score at 11-11. Then he crossed the plate as the winning run to give MSUB a doubleheader sweep. Berkram is now batting .346 on the season and is No. 6 in the GNAC in on-base percentage at .447. NO JAM TOO BIG FOR JAKE: With the ‘Jackets holding on to a narrow 9-7 lead in the seventh inning of Game 1, the Crusaders put runners on second and third with nobody out. Keeping his composure, senior right-hander Jake Mills wiggled out of the jam with a strikeout, a groundout that got the lead runner at the plate, and a popout to end the inning. The ‘Jackets scored seven times in the bottom of the frame, en route to the 16-8 victory. Mills allowed just one hit and no walks over his three innings of work, the most valuable relief appearance on the weekend for MSUB. DURBS AT THIRD: Durbin had a big weekend at the plate for MSUB, going 4-for-10 with six runs scored, a double and his third home run of the season. He also drew a walk, was hit by a pitch, and did not strike out in 13 times to bat against the ‘Saders. Making a heads up play on a ground ball, it was Durbin who threw home to cut down the lead runner and help Mills escape the jam without giving up the lead. 186 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MORRIS AT SHORT: With another error-free weekend at shortstop, Morris made 21 more plays without an error and has had just one miscue in his last 14 games. He also hit 6-for-13 at the plate with two doubles, two RBIs, and four runs scored while getting walked twice and laying down two sacrifice bunts. HOLBROOK HOMERS, HANDLES HURLERS: Catching 25 of the 32 innings for MSUB on the weekend, senior backstop Conner Holbrook went 5-for-14 with six RBIs, four runs scored and his second home run of the season. In the third game, Holbrook hit hard line drives to right field in his first three times up, all three of which would have been hits had they not been directly at NNU right fielder Tim Jones. Holbrook didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose confidence however, finishing with hits in each of his final two plate appearances as he kept his batting average on the season at a lofty .325.

Junior Corey Morris.

MULLER TO BECOME GNAC STARTS KING: When senior Brady Muller takes the mound for the Yellowjackets this week against SMU, he will make his 41st career start to give him the most in GNAC history. Brady Muller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Muller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School T1 Starts 40 -- -- 40 3 Players with 4 Strikeouts 230 231 Steven Schutte, NNU 269 Nick Waechter, WOU 4 Innings 263.1 265 Roger Evenson, NNU 280.1 Nick Waechter, WOU 6 Wins 19 20 2 Players with 28 Nick Waechter, WOU REINSCHMIDT THE RBI MACHINE: Keeping pace with Miller in virtually every offensive category, Reinschmidt went 6-for-18 at the plate with six RBIs, two doubles, a triple and three runs scored. Reinschmidt is on the verge of breaking most offensive single-season MSUB records, and is now No. 4 in GNAC history in career triples with 11. The conference record for three-baggers is 14. Luke Reinschmidt MSUB Single-Season Milestone Chase Rk. Category Reinschmidt Next Name, Year MSUB Record, Name, Year 1 Total Bases 120 -- -- -- -2 Home Runs 10 -- -- 14 Brody Miller, 2015 2 RBI 55 -- -- 57 Brody Miller, 2015 2 SLG .646 -- -- .750 Ryan Duncan, 2008 T2 Runs 42 -- -- 44 Brody Miller, 2015 T2 Hits 67 -- -- 69 Brody Miller, 2013 4 At Bats 178 180 Brody Miller, 2013 187 Colby Robison, 2013 T5 Triples 4 5, 3 With 6 Drew Fosnes, 2013 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: With nine players selected to the 2015 GNAC academic all-conference team, the Yellowjackets led all teams in the conference and represented more than a third of the 26 players to receive the honor. Lucas Blehm, Lee Busto, Jake Campeau, Blake Loran, Holbrook, Muller, Nix, Casey Merritt, and Mills all received the honor announced Tuesday. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 187

Friday, May 1 – 2 p.m. MTN – SMU Baseball Field – DOUBLEHEADER Saturday, May 2 – 1 p.m. MTN – SMU Baseball Field – DOUBLEHEADER Saint Martin’s University Saints 2015 Record: 16-30, 8-20 GNAC Head Coach: Ken Garland, 7th season 2014 GNAC Finish: 3rd (18-30, 14-17 GNAC) The Saints lost their series with Central Washington last week, effectively eliminating them from contention for a repeat berth in the GNAC Championships. SMU is being led this season by senior Chandler Tracy, who is batting .343 and whose 12 home runs are second most in the conference behind Miller’s 14. Tracy has driven in 35 on the season, and his slugging percentage of .729 is the highest in the GNAC. Carl Svanevik and Travis Shaw are also strong hitters for the Saints, and are batting .329 and .321, respectively. Svanevik has eight home runs and a team-high 38 RBIs with 13 doubles in 46 games. Shaw has homered three times and driven in 20, with 13 doubles and 32 runs scored for SMU. On the mound, SMU has relied on Josh Moss, Zach Carter, and Nick Mailhot as its primary starters. Carter has one complete game and leads the team with 49 strikeouts in 74 innings while holding a 6.45 ERA. Moss has struck out 42 in 63 1/3 innings, while holding a 4.83 ERA. Out of the bullpen, Torin Dooley has been effective in 37 2/3 innings, holding a strong ERA of 2.63 and an opponents batting average of .237. As a team SMU averages 4.5 runs per game while allowing 5.82. Last Time Out: The Yellowjackets took 3 of 4 from the Saints, pulling up their alltime record against the Washington opponent to 18-40. MSUB won the first three games and twice had the winning run on base in the final two innings of Game 4, but a big five-run ninth inning salvaged a victory for SMU in Billings. The Series: MSUB is now 9-21 at home against SMU, and will enter this week’s road trip with an alltime record of 9-19 playing in Lacey. Last season the teams split the four-game series at the SMU Baseball Field, with the Saints winning a doubleheader on March 14 and MSUB winning a doubleheader the next day.

188 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Games 45 & 46: May 1, 2015 MSU Billings 2, Saint Martin’s 1 MSU Billings 5, Saint Martin’s 0

Muller silences Saints in complete game gem; ‘Jackets sweep DH to stay in first May 1, 2015 Brady Muller tosses a complete game in a 2-1 Game 1 win and the ‘Jackets shut down SMU 5-0 in Game 2 to pick up a doubleheader sweep without allowing an earned run. LACEY, Wash. – In his Great Northwest Athletic Conference career record-breaking 41st start, Montana State University Billings senior Brady Muller went the distance and did not allow an earned run to help the ‘Jackets to a 2-1 victory over Saint Martin’s, part of a doubleheader sweep on Friday at the SMU Baseball Field. Muller was nearly untouchable in the start, giving up six hits and walking just two while striking out six to pick up his sixth win of the season. He was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for MSUB. “Brady was awesome, he had all three of his pitches working on both sides of the plate,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He did a good job of making use of his defense and not letting the pitch count get too high.” Jake Campeau was stellar for MSUB in Game 2, shutting down the Saints through five innings with eight hits, two strikeouts and only one walk. Freshman Adam Cox came on for the final six outs, blowing SMU away with four strikeouts and no hits allowed. “Jake did exactly what we expected him to do, as he came in and commanded the zone,” Bishop said. “All three of his pitches were going, and he put the ball in play and we turned some double plays in big spots. I thought he kept his composure well, pitched out of a few really tough spots, and he was great. He gave us a great start and put us in a position to relax and score runs.” After managing just four hits in Game 1, MSUB woke up offensively scoring five runs on 10 hits in the second game to complete the sweep. The ‘Jackets finished Game 2 strongly, scoring four times over the final three innings. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 189

Casey Merritt had three hits on the day for MSUB, while Conner Holbrook went 3-for-6 with two RBIs. Luke Reinschmidt and Brody Miller each had RBI-doubles in Game 2. “I felt like the SMU pitchers did a good job, but in the second game our approach was much better,” Bishop said. “We moved runners with outs, had big hits late, and gave our pitchers some breathing room so they didn’t have to be perfect. Once we got to a 4-0 lead, our pitchers relaxed, went out and threw strikes.” With the wins MSUB improved to 25-21 on the season and 20-10 in GNAC play to remain tied for first place in the standings. With two wins in Monmouth, Ore., Friday, Western Oregon kept pace with MSUB. The host of the 2015 GNAC Championships will be determined on the final day of the season Saturday. Game 1 – MSU Billings 2, Saint Martin’s 1 SMU starter Josh Moss pitched around a leadoff walk in the second by picking off Reinschmidt at first. The Yellowjackets started a rally however, as a base hit by Holbrook plated Corey Morris for the first run of the game. MSUB took advantage of an error to load the bases, but Moss benefitted from a key double play that ended the inning and left Miller on deck. The Yellowjackets threatened again in the third thanks to two SMU errors, but could not capitalize with runners on the corners. Leading off the bottom of the third with back-to-back singles, David Bellamy and Travis Shaw pushed Muller into the stretch with SMU’s first baserunners of the game. Facing Chandler Tracy with two on and no outs, Muller snagged a sharp line drive and threw to Miller at second for a key double play. Moss and Muller traded off putting up zeroes over the next two frames, as MSUB clung to its 1-0 lead into the top of the sixth inning. Reinschmidt reached on a leadoff walk, and stole second with one out and Colter Sternhagen at the plate. The junior third baseman worked the count full, and ripped an RBI-single into left field to double MSUB’s lead. A single and a walk by Muller put runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the sixth, and again brought Tracy to the plate in a dangerous situation. Sternhagen collected a ground ball, stepped on third, and applied a tag after a return throw from Kevin Toon at first for a huge inning-ending double play. Coming on in relief of Moss, Chase DeCoito hit the first two batters in the top of the eighth inning. After a balk advanced the two runners 90 feet, Ryan Dorney entered the game and recorded a strikeout before intentionally walking Miller. With the bases and two outs, Toon lined out to shortstop as SMU got out of the jam. Leading off the eighth with a towering fly ball into center field, Travis Shaw reached second when the ball was dropped on the warning track. After an RBI by Blake Lord made it 2-1, Zach Raczok hit a sharp line drive to Morris at second, who doubled pinch runner Michael Agate off at second to end the game. The Yellowjackets managed just four hits in Game 1, and Dorney threw the final 1 2/3 allowing just one baserunner on a walk with two strikeouts. Muller scattered six hits and walked two in his complete game masterpiece. Muller now ranks No. 3 in GNAC history with 236 strikeouts, tied for fourth in wins with 20, and No. 3 in innings with 272 1/3.

190 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Saint Martin's (Game 1) May 01, 2015 at Lacey, Wash. (SMU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 2 (24-21-45,19-10) Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Nix,Trevor dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Sternhagen,Colter 3b Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Muller,Brady p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Saint Martin's

h rbi

Saint Martin's 1 (16-31-47,8-21)

5 4 3 5 2 4 3 2 3 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

bb so

0 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 0

1 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 1 0

lob

1 2 9 0 1 3 2 6 2 1

0 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 4

5 0 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 0

27 11

0 0

1 0

0 0

1 0

0 0

0 1

Player

Hirashiki,Kaelen 2b Bellamy,David cf Shaw,Travis 3b Tracy,Chandler dh Agate,Michael pr Svanevik,Carl rf Lord,Blake ss Raczok,Zach c Sontag,Josh 1b Hagerman,Alec lf Moss,Josh p DeCoito,Chase p Dorney,Ryan p Totals R 2 1

H 4 6

4 4 3 4 0 4 4 4 2 3 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

lob

2 2 0 0 0 3 1 9 9 1 0 0 0

3 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 0

1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

27 10

E 2 3

E - Reinschmidt; Sternhagen; Hirashiki; Shaw 2. DP - MSUB 2; St. Martin 1. LOB - MSUB 13; St. Martin 6. HBP Reinschmidt; Sternhagen; Holbrook. SH - Toon. SB - Reinschmidt; Hirashiki; Bellamy. MSU Billings

Muller,Brady

r er bb so ab bf

9.0 6 1 0 2 6 32 34

121

Saint Martin's

Moss,Josh DeCoito,Chase Dorney,Ryan

6.0 1.1 1.2

3 1 0

2 0 0

er bb so ab

1 0 0

6 0 1

6 21 28 1 5 8 2 5 6

121 30 20

Win - Muller (6-1). Loss - Moss (2-6). Save - None. WP - Moss. HBP - by DeCoito (Reinschmidt); by DeCoito (Sternhagen); by DeCoito (Holbrook). BK - DeCoito. Inherited runners/scored: Dorney 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Muller 121/89; Moss 121/69; DeCoito 30/21; Dorney 20/12. Umpires - HP: Steve Hilgendorf 1B: Eric Nilson 2B: Jon Jackson Start: 1 p.m. Time: 3:23 Attendance: 74 Weather: Sunny with a slight breeze

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 191

Game 2 – MSU Billings 5, Saint Martin’s 0 Jake Huskey had a one-out single for SMU in the bottom of the first inning, but Campeau pitched out of it with a ground ball that Morris, Miller, and Toon turned into an inning-ending double play. Tracy led off the bottom of the second with a double to left, but a strikeout and a diving play by Kyle Durbin at third quickly made it two outs for SMU. Huskey drew a two-out walk, but Miller threw out Josh Sontag as the teams headed to the third with no score. The ‘Jackets again got out of an inning with a double play, as Morris, Miller and Toon again connected for a twin killing. Tracy led off the fourth with a base hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch, but he was left stranded as groundouts to Miller and Durbin kept MSUB’s 1-0 lead intact. Merritt started a fifth-inning rally, as he led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Myles Berkram. Miller lofted a double to the wall in center, and Trevor Nix lined a two-out RBI double into right as MSUB jumped out to a 3-0 lead. The ‘Jackets added on with one run in the sixth and another in the seventh, building a strong lead for Cox to work with in relief. The freshman right-hander entered with runners on second and third and no outs, and proceeded to strike out the side to thwart any chance for an SMU rally.

Sophomore Casey Merritt.

“Cox entered in an inning where they had two baserunners and got out of it,” Bishop said. “That was really big. He had great command of his fastball. In the second inning he came out and showed his off-speed pitches. He did a good job of throwing strikes, trusting his stuff, and it was really a dominant performance.”

THE BUZZ: MSUB now leads the season series over SMU 5-1…the ‘Jackets left 22 runners on base while SMU left 15…each team made three errors on the day. NEXT UP: The 2015 regular season ends on Saturday, as MSUB and SMU play another doubleheader, scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain time. The Yellowjackets will advance to the GNAC Championships next week as either the host or the No. 2 seed depending on tomorrow’s results in Lacey and in the series between Northwest Nazarene and Western Oregon in Monmouth, Ore.

192 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Saint Martin's (Game 2) May 01, 2015 at Lacey, Wash. (SMU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 5 (25-21-46,20-10) Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Nix,Trevor dh Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Durbin,Kyle 3b Holbrook,Conner c Merritt,Casey lf Campeau,Jake p Cox,Adam p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Saint Martin's

3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0

h rbi

Saint Martin's 0 (16-32-48,8-22)

bb so

1 1 1 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 10

lob

0 3 9 0 1 0 1 6 1 0 0

0 5 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0

0 2 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 0 0

21 11

0 0

1 0

0 0

2 0

1 0

R H 5 10 0 8

Player

Bellamy,David cf Huskey,Jake 2b Shaw,Travis 3b Tracy,Chandler c Svanevik,Carl rf Kurihara,Shayne ph/rf Banister,Kameron dh Lord,Blake ss Sontag,Josh 1b Agate,Michael lf Dooley,Torin p Shuey,Ben p Moore,Riley p Totals

lob

3 4 4 3 2 1 3 2 3 3 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

2 1 0 3 4 0 0 1 9 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 1

0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0

E 1 0

E - Miller. DP - MSUB 2. LOB - MSUB 9; St. Martin 9. 2B - Miller; Nix; Reinschmidt 2; Bellamy; Tracy; Kurihara. SH - Berkram; Nix. SB - Bellamy. MSU Billings

Campeau,Jake Cox,Adam

r er bb so ab bf

Saint Martin's

5.0 8 0 0 1 2 22 23 2.0 0 0 0 1 4 6 7

Dooley,Torin Shuey,Ben Moore,Riley

5.0 0.1 1.2

6 2 2

3 1 1

er bb so ab

3 1 1

2 1 1

2 20 23 0 3 4 1 6 8

79 15 26

Win - Campeau (3-1). Loss - Dooley (3-5). Save - None. WP - Campeau. Inherited runners/scored: Cox 2/0; Moore 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Campeau 77/51; Cox 30/19; Dooley 79/48; Shuey 15/7; Moore 26/15. Umpires - HP: Eric Nilson 1B: Jon Jackson 2B: Steve Hilgendorf Start: 4:00 p.m Time: 5:53 pm Attendance: 74 Campeau faced 2 batters in the 6th.

MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 193

Games 47 & 48: May 2, 2015 MSU Billings 9, Saint Martin’s 1 MSU Billings 5, Saint Martin’s 0

‘Jackets win GNAC regular season title, set to host championships next week May 2, 2015 MSUB sweeps Saint Martin’s in a four-game series to claim its first-ever GNAC Championship title and hosting rights for the 2015 GNAC Championships at Dehler Park in Billings from May 7-8. LACEY, Wash. – The sixth straight Great Northwest Athletic Conference series victory for the Montana State University Billings baseball team ended with a dogpile behind the pitcher’s mound at the SMU baseball field Saturday, as the Yellowjackets claimed their first-ever GNAC Championship title and earned hosting privileges for the 2015 Championships set to run May 7-8 at Dehler Park in Billings, Mont. The Yellowjackets allowed just one earned run in the four-game sweep of Saint Martin’s, and the pitching staff gave up only two runs total while being supported by 21 runs of offense. After Western Oregon lost Game 1 of its doubleheader against Northwest Nazarene in 12 innings Saturday, it set up the Yellowjackets to clinch the regular-season title with the Game 2 victory. The teams entered play Saturday tied for first place in the GNAC standings at 20-10. MSUB improved to 27-21 on the season and finished conference play 22-10 with the wins. SMU wrapped up its season 16-32, and finished 8-24 in conference play. “I don’t know if it has really sunk in yet,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “My favorite part is watching how guys respond, and seeing a dogpile somewhere on the field is the best feeling in the world for a coach. The best part about this team is how loose they are, and they bring intensity and play the game hard. We didn’t see anyone trying to do more than what they were capable of. Everyone played their game, it was quite a series.”

194 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

In Game 1, Tanner Johnson pitched into the eighth inning, striking out five and walking just two while scattering 10 hits and allowing one run. Lee Busto shut down SMU over the final two innings with two strikeouts and no walks, solidifying Johnson’s sixth win of the season. “When Tanner is doing what he’s capable of, he is as good as any pitcher we have seen or faced,” Bishop said. “He is just a terrific competitor. We know how important a Game 1 starter is in terms of keeping us out of our bullpen and not getting over-extended.” Jake Mills threw six stellar innings in relief to win Game 2, striking out five and walking just one as he capped off MSUB’s historic pitching weekend. Six Yellowjackets had multiple hits in Game 1 as MSUB outhit the Saints 15-12, and Trevor Nix and Luke Reinschmidt each had four hits on the day. Nix, the reigning National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week, hit his second home run of the series and drove in a pair of runs. MSUB turned six double plays in the series, five of which ended innings and two of which ended games. The Yellowjackets also set a GNAC record for fewest runs allowed in a four-game conference series with two. Western Oregon had allowed three runs in a four-game series on two occasions, once in 2011 against MSUB and once in 2003 against Saint Martin’s. “We only allowed one earned run, and we did a little bit of everything,” said Bishop. “We pitched well, defended well, ran the bases well, and swung the bats. We stayed within our approach all the way through from the start to the end of the series.” Game 1 – MSU Billings 9, Saint Martin’s 1 The reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Week, Johnson stayed true to form as he again pitched into the eighth inning. SMU starter Zach Carter cruised through the Yellowjackets’ order in the first, retiring the side in order with a strikeout, a groundout and a fly out. Travis Shaw and Chandler Tracy had back-to-back singles up the middle with two outs in the bottom of the frame, but Johnson struck out Carl Svanevik to strand the runners on the corners. Nix led off the top of the second with a solo blast to give MSUB its first hit and run of the game. After Reinschmidt singled and advanced to third, Conner Holbrook stepped up with a big two-out, RBI-single into right-center that came on an 0-2 pitch and doubled MSUB’s lead. Adam Eskil and Kameron Banister led off the second with singles, but Johnson struck out the next two batters. David Bellamy ripped a hard ground ball to Morris at short, who knocked it down with his chest, and flipped to Miller at second just in time to end the inning. With two outs in the fourth, Bellamy stepped to the plate with runners on the corners. His harmless fly ball to left field stranded the runners, and kept the lead in MSUB’s hands. The ‘Jackets responded with a loud rally in the top of the fifth, as five different players had RBIs in the six-run frame. MSUB added one more run in the seventh on a Holbrook RBI-single, putting the game out of reach. Carter threw 150 pitches and lasted into the ninth inning, breaking the GNAC career record for innings pitched with 285 2/3 over his four years.

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The Automated ScoreBook Montana St. Billings at Saint Martin's (Game 1) May 02, 2015 at Lacey, Wash. (SMU Baseball Field) Montana St. Billings 9 (26-21,21-10 GNAC) Player

Berkram rf Miller 2b Toon 1b Nix dh Loran ph Reinschmidt cf Morris ss Durbin 3b Holbrook c Merritt lf Johnson p Busto p Totals

Score by Innings Montana St. Billings Saint Martin's

5 5 5 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 0 0

1 1 1 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

1 2 1 2 0 2 2 1 2 2 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

9 15

Saint Martin's 1 (16-33,8-23 GNAC)

lob

1 3 6 0 0 4 3 1 7 2 0 0

0 6 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 1

4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0

27 12

0 0

2 0

0 0

6 0

0 0

1 0

0 1

0 0

Player

Bellamy,David cf Mahnken,Stephen 1b Huskey,Jake 2b Shaw,Travis 3b Tracy,Chandler c Svanevik,Carl rf Banister,Kameron 2b/1b Eskil,Adam dh Lord,Blake ss Ferreira,Chaz lf Carter,Zach p Shuey,Ben p Jankanish,Andrei p Totals R H 9 15 1 12

5 0 5 5 2 4 4 4 4 4 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

bb so

1 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0

1 12

lob

3 0 3 2 4 5 9 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0

5 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0

27 10

E 0 1

E - Lord. DP - MSUB 1. LOB - MSUB 8; St. Martin's 11. 2B - Miller; Nix; Banister. HR - Nix. SH - Morris. SF Holbrook. CS - Banister. Montana St. Billings

Johnson Busto

r er bb so ab bf

7.0 10 1 1 2 5 31 33 2.0 2 0 0 0 2 6 6

Saint Martin's

Carter,Zach Shuey,Ben Jankanish,Andrei

8.1 15 0.1 0 0.1 0

9 0 0

er bb so ab

8 0 0

1 0 1

6 38 41 0 1 1 0 1 2

Win - Johnson (6-1). Loss - Carter (2-6). Save - None. WP - Johnson. PB - Tracy. Umpires Start: 12:05 Time: 2:20 Attendance: Weather: Sunny with a slight breeze Johnson faced 2 batters in the 8th.

196 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Game 2 – MSU Billings 5, Saint Martin’s 0 MSUB got on the board right off the bat, as a double by Nix and a two-out, two-run single by Morris made it 3-0 Yellowjackets in the first inning. Entering the game with runners on first and second and no outs in the second, Mills retired the side in order to get MSUB out of a jam. Leading off the third with a sharp ground ball up the middle, SMU second baseman Kaelen Hirashiki took away a base hit from Kevin Toon with a jump-throw that just beat MSUB’s first baseman to the bag. The ‘Jackets still managed a run in the frame, as Morris lifted a fly ball to right deep enough to score Nix after he and Reinschmidt had consecutive singles. SMU put runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the third, but Miller, Morris and Toon connected for an inning-ending double play. Miller made it 5-0 in the fourth with an RBI-double, and was cut down at third for the final out as Hirashiki prevented a triple with a perfect relay throw. The rest of the way, the Saints managed just one hit and one walk off of Mills, who finished his six dominant frames and sent the ‘Jackets into a wild celebration behind the mound after the final out. “We were hoping Jake would get us into the fifth, but he was throwing the ball too well to take him out,” Bishop said. “He had command of every pitch, and it was a tremendous outing from him. Getting to be standing on the mound when the last pitch is thrown is quite a feeling.” THE BUZZ: MSUB did not make an error on Saturday, and made only three in the series…MSUB had 38 hits in the series, and left 36 runners on base…Casey Merritt and Reinschmidt tied for the team high with six hits apiece for MSUB in the series…Holbrook and Morris led the team in RBIs with four apiece…Morris made 19 errorless plays at shortstop, and has not made an error in his last 13 games which includes 70 total chances… Johnson was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for his outstanding outing on the mound. NEXT UP: The Yellowjackets will host and serve as the No. 1 seed at the 2015 GNAC Championships, which will run May 7-8 at Dehler Park in Billings, Mont. The tournament is a double-elimination, round robin format, with each team scheduled to play two games on Day 1.

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2015 MSU Billings Baseball MSU Billings at Saint Martin's (Game 2) May 02, 2015 at Lacey, Wash. (SMU Baseball Field) MSU Billings 5 (27-21,22-10) Player

Berkram,Myles rf Miller,Brody 2b Toon,Kevin 1b Nix,Trevor c Reinschmidt,Luke cf Morris,Corey ss Sternhagen,Colter dh Durbin,Kyle 3b Merritt,Casey lf Cooper,Cody p Mills,Jake p Totals

Score by Innings MSU Billings Saint Martin's

h rbi

Saint Martin's 0 (16-32,8-24)

lob

3 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 2 0 0

0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0

1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 6 4 2 3 0 0 3 0 0

0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1

2 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0

3 0

0 0

1 0

0 0

R 5 0

H 9 5

Player

Bellamy,David cf Hirashiki,Kaelen 2b Shaw,Travis 3b Tracy,Chandler c Raczok,Zach c Svanevik,Carl rf Agate,Michael lf Banister,Kameron dh Ferreira,Chaz pr Kurihara,Shayne lf/rf Sontag,Josh 1b Lord,Blake ss Banker,Brad p DeCoito,Chase p Totals

lob

3 2 4 3 0 3 0 2 0 2 3 3 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0

1 0 2 3 1 3 0 0 0 3 6 1 1 0

0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2

2 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

E 0 0

DP - MSUB 1; St. Martin's 1. LOB - MSUB 6; St. Martin's 9. 2B - Miller; Nix. HBP - Berkram. SH - Hirashiki. SF - Morris. SB - Reinschmidt 2. MSU Billings

Cooper,Cody Mills,Jake

r er bb so ab bf

Saint Martin's

1.0 1 0 0 3 0 4 7 6.0 4 0 0 1 5 21 23

Banker,Brad DeCoito,Chase

4.0 3.0

8 1

5 0

er bb so ab

5 0

1 2

0 17 20 4 10 12

Win - Mills (4-2). Loss - Banker (4-4). Save - None. WP - Mills; Banker. HBP - by Banker (Berkram). PB - Tracy. Inherited runners/scored: Mills 2/0. Pitches/strikes: Cooper 21/7; Mills 78/48; Banker 77/46; DeCoito 52/28. Umpires Start: 3:15 pm Time: 5:09 pm Attendance: 115 Weather: Sunny Cooper faced 2 batters in the 2nd.

198 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Muller MSUB’s career ace on the mound May 3, 2015 Reaching the end of the greatest pitching career in MSUB baseball history, senior Brady Muller becomes the GNAC career starts leader and pitches with unmatched competitiveness for the Yellowjackets. MSUB SPORTS – Pitching for the Billings Scarlets as a freshman in high school, Brady Muller first recognized that he had a gift within his left arm. In a tournament against the legion team from Bozeman, Mont., the 15-year-old Muller worked a no-hitter into the seventh inning before surrendering a single and being pulled from the game. He had baffled Bozeman’s 17 and 18-year-old hitters through the first six frames, and it was then that Muller knew his pitching potential could take him somewhere. On Saturday, that somewhere that Muller landed was on the mound at the Saint Martin’s baseball field as he started Game 1 of a four-game Great Northwest Athletic Conference series for the Montana State University Billings baseball team. It was the 41st career start for the Billings West High School product, more than any player in the history of the GNAC as he set a new standard for pitchers in the conference. It was also one of the best starts ever by a Yellowjacket, as Muller threw a 9-inning complete game and did not allow an earned run while striking out six to set the tone in a record-breaking pitching series for the Yellowjackets. When Muller next takes the mound, the 42nd start will be arguably the most important of his career. The Yellowjackets’ ace will be on the hill at Dehler Park in Billings next week, as MSUB hosts the 2015 GNAC Championships and serves as the No. 1 seed after clinching the regular-season title on Saturday. In his back pocket, Muller will have the third-most strikeouts (236), fourth-most innings pitched (272 1/3) and fourth-most wins (20) in conference history.

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What stands out beyond the historic numbers however, is the unmatched competitiveness Muller has put on display through his four years as a Yellowjacket. Time and time again Muller has taken the ball for his turn in the rotation, and the result has been the greatest pitching career in MSUB history unfolding over the past four seasons. BAND OF BROTHERS Muller grew up in Billings the middle child of Dan and Sheri Muller, playing any sport that involved a ball with his brothers Brian and Daine. Muller played against Brian in little league, before the two spent time as teammates when they reached the age of legion baseball. In Muller’s junior year at West High, all three of the Mullers teamed up on the Golden Bears’ basketball team and were in the starting rotation. “Ever since I was old enough to walk my parents had us playing sports,” Muller said. “I grew up in an athletic family and there was always competition. My brothers and I always pushed each other.” Despite being a natural southpaw, Muller got started on the diamond playing catcher as a little leaguer. “I didn’t know any better at the time,” Muller said regarding the rarity of a left-hander suiting up in catcher’s gear. “It was hard to find a left-handed catcher’s glove.” Muller didn’t give up the pads until eighth grade, when he turned his focus solely towards pitching. Throughout legion ball in high school, Muller was found in right field when he wasn’t on the mound as he stayed involved in every game. The result of the competitiveness Muller brought to the diamond was made evident by the Scarlets’ three state championship titles in 2008, ’09 and ’11. During his junior season, the success Muller was having while traveling across the Pacific Northwest and facing teams throughout the region pushed him to start thinking about carrying on with his baseball career into college. “My junior season is when I really considered playing at the next level,” Muller said. “The success I was having in legion ball proved to me I could compete.” Among the competition Muller faced throughout his legion career were several of his soon-to-be teammates, as he took on the likes of Brody Miller, Blake Loran and Luke Reinschmidt. In the state championship game Muller’s senior year, he struck out Reinschmidt looking with a pair of curve balls. “He threw me two nasty curveballs, and then on a fastball he struck me out,” Reinschmidt said. “My junior year we split the season series with his team but we never beat Brady. We mess around with it now and he always jokes how he struck me out to get his ring.”

200 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

MULLER TO MSUB “The success Coach Bishop had at Miles City showed me that he knew what it took to win. I could tell he was going to turn the program around and help out around here.” – Brady Muller on MSUB head coach Rob Bishop and why he chose to become a Yellowjacket. As Muller considered whether or not to pursue the junior college route, academics came to the forefront of his mind as he ultimately elected to remain close to home and attend MSUB. “I didn’t want to take a chance on credits not transferring after my first two years, so I decided not to go that route,” Muller said. “I thought I’d stay here and that the support of the local Billings community would help out.” Unsure of whether or not he could compete as a freshman at MSUB, Muller clicked with fellow freshman and pitcher Lee Busto in their first season as Yellowjackets. “Brady didn’t talk much, he was pretty quiet,” Busto said regarding his first impressions of Muller. “Once you got to know him though, he was almost the opposite of that. When he gets excited he almost won’t stop talking to you.” Any doubt was lifted from Muller’s mind after his first career start for MSUB, as he struck out five and allowed just two runs in six innings to push the ‘Jackets to a 7-2 win over Colorado State-Pueblo on Feb. 19, 2012. His stellar freshman season was highlighted by an 8 2/3-inning shutout performance against Northwest Nazarene, during which he struck out seven and allowed just four hits and hinted that he was about to become a fixture in MSUB’s rotation. “In our rotation beginning his freshman year, Brady was as good as anybody in our league,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He was flying under the radar a little bit during high school, and we felt like he was a really good athlete who could develop as a pitcher.” Bishop’s prediction was right on the spot, as Muller progressed into a first-team all-GNAC pitcher his sophomore season with three complete games, a 3.47 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings pitched. Despite facing injuries in his junior season, Muller still didn’t miss a turn in the rotation and struck out 36 while only walking a dozen a season ago. Now a senior, he has responded stronger than ever and is having one of the best single seasons in program history. With one more guaranteed start, Muller is leading the GNAC in strikeouts (74), is tied for second in wins (6), and is fifth in innings pitched (73). With only 25 walks on the season, Muller holds a 3-1 strikeout to walk ratio. Muller has also been excellent defensively for MSUB, making just four errors in 83 chances fielding through his four seasons.

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“First of all, he is just a competitive kid who has great natural movement and a great feel for his secondary pitches,” Bishop said. “If you look at his overall approach, you’ll see that he is a strike thrower, almost to a fault sometimes.” “We have always been able to depend on Brady,” Busto said. “When you give him the ball you always know he’s going to get you deep into the game. He has proved that with every start.” Muller credits his early development as a pitcher to one of his father’s friends, Tom Schaler. “He was a big influence on me and was there whenever I had questions growing up,” Muller said. “More than anything he showed me sound pitching mechanics.” The curveballs Muller eventually used to baffle Reinschmidt as a high school senior were not developed at a young age, as Schaler urged Muller to stick with fastballs and changeups as a young pitcher. “It wasn’t until I was older that he allowed me to throw a curveball on a more consistent basis,” Muller said. The patience Schaler helped instill paid off, as Muller has used his curve to strike out more batters than anyone in MSUB history. THE YELLOWJACKETS’ WARRIOR “He has a warrior mentality and is a real competitor. He never gives up and competes on every pitch. That really wears off on me.” – Lee Busto on Brady Muller. The Yellowjackets entered last week’s regular-season finale against Saint Martin’s tied with Western Oregon for first place in the GNAC standings. The Wolves held the tiebreaker over the ‘Jackets however, meaning MSUB had to win one more game than WOU in order to clinch the regular season title and hosting rights for the GNAC Championships.

202 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

With no control over the outcome of the series in Monmouth, Ore., between WOU and Northwest Nazarene, all MSUB could do was take care of business and win its games against the Saints. Muller’s gem in Game 1 set the tone for the weekend, and pushed MSUB to its sixth straight conference series win and second series sweep of the season. “I don’t like losing, and we knew it was possible for us to have success this year as long as we competed every game,” Muller said. “If you give games away it will cost you at the end of the season. That was the biggest thing last year, we just couldn’t finish games.” After missing out on the GNAC Championships a season ago, it will be Muller’s turn again in the rotation this week after MSUB snapped Western Oregon’s 13-year run as GNAC regular-season champions. LASTING LEGACY While Muller’s standout career has established him as one of the alltime greats, he has contributed much more to the Yellowjacket program than what he has accomplished on the field. He was selected to the GNAC academic all-conference team for the third year in a row, and was a repeat honoree at MSUB’s Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society ceremony earlier this spring. Muller carries a 3.42 grade point average and is completing his degree in business management. “Brady is really together academically, and has held a job most of the last couple of years while playing,” Bishop said. “I have no doubt that whatever he chooses to do with his degree he will be successful.” The injuries Muller battled through as a junior motivated him to come back stronger than ever his senior season, as every workout and weight lifting session during the offseason was focused towards getting him healthy for his final season. “It motivated me a lot to do what it took to get healthy and get stronger,” Muller said regarding his injury. “My personal goals have been to set the tone early and go deep into games so our relievers don’t get used up very much. Every time I’m on the mound I want to win and I’ll do whatever it takes to do that.” What stands out to Bishop most in terms of Muller’s legacy is his fearless approach on the mound, as he aggressively attacks hitters and takes command. “If I could, I would teach Brady’s aggressiveness in the strike zone to every kid I have,” Bishop said. “He never pitches out of fear. He’s the aggressor, the one with the ball forcing the action.” Considering the Yellowjackets have won more games with Muller on the mound than anybody else, it’s safe to assume that when he takes the biggest stage of his career this week at home they’ll be favored to win one more behind MSUB’s career ace. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 203

Complete game gem earns Muller GNAC Pitcher of the Week May 4, 2015 Brady Muller earns GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors after tossing a 9-inning complete game and not allowing an earned run to kick off a series sweep of SMU last week. PORTLAND, Ore. – After becoming the Great Northwest Athletic Conference alltime career starts leader with his 41st on Friday, Montana State University Billings senior left-hander Brady Muller has been selected as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week announced by the conference office Monday. Muller was lights out against Saint Martin’s in Game 1, going the distance and not allowing an earned run in a narrow, 2-1 victory for MSUB Friday. Muller struck out six and scattered six hits, while walking just two in the 9-inning effort. He entered the ninth with a shutout intact, and SMU’s only run came after a batter reached base on a dropped fly ball. “Brady is just stingy, and he knows how to give up the fewest runs with the stuff he’s got that day,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “In Game 1, that was important as we only scored two runs and didn’t have much to work with. Facing SMU’s Josh Moss, we knew it was going to be a low-scoring game. Both had thrown well down the stretch, and Brady stepped up and delivered.” The victory kicked off a four-game sweep for MSUB, that ultimately clinched the GNAC regular-season title and hosting rights for the GNAC Championships. MSUB also set a GNAC record for fewest runs allowed in a four-game conference series, as the ‘Jackets surrendered just two runs and only one was earned. Muller is now the GNAC leader in strikeouts with 74, and his wins total of six is the second-highest in the GNAC. In addition to being the conference’s alltime starts king, Muller ranks No. 3 in GNAC history in career strikeouts (236), and No. 4 in innings pitched (272 1/3) and in wins (20). Muller becomes the eighth GNAC Player of the Week honoree from MSUB baseball this season, and the third pitcher from MSUB’s staff to receive the honor. Tanner Johnson, Trevor Nix, Brody Miller (twice), Kyle Durbin, Cody Cooper, and Luke Reinschmidt have each also earned GNAC Player of the Week this season. Reinschmidt was an honorable mention selection this week for GNAC Player of the Week, after batting 6-for14 with two doubles, five runs scored, and three stolen bases. The Yellowjackets will host the 2015 GNAC Baseball Championships, running Thursday and Friday at Dehler Park in Billings, Mont. MSUB is scheduled to play the No. 3 seed Northwest Nazarene at 4 p.m. Thursday and the No. 2 seed Western Oregon at 7 p.m. that evening. 204 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

Bishop GNAC Coach of the Year, Miller repeats as unanimous Player of the Year May 4, 2015 After piloting MSUB baseball to its first-ever conference title, MSUB skipper Rob Bishop is named GNAC Coach of the Year and senior Brody Miller defends his title as GNAC Player of the Year for the second season in a row. PORTLAND, Ore. – The greatest baseball season in Montana State University Billings history will continue this week when the Yellowjackets host the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships, and MSUB will be led by newly-titled GNAC Coach of the Year Rob Bishop and two-time Player of the Year Brody Miller along with eight other all-conference selections announced Monday. The Yellowjackets (27-21, 22-10 GNAC) had six players on the first-team all-conference squad, two on the second-team and one on honorable mention. Joining Miller on the first team were pitchers Brady Muller and Tanner Johnson, shortstop Corey Morris, center fielder Luke Reinschmidt, and designated hitter Trevor Nix. Senior catcher Conner Holbrook and sophomore left fielder Casey Merritt were each second-team selections, and sophomore right fielder Myles Berkram was an honorable mention pick. “We talk all the time about how the guys that put in work and put the team first will get rewarded after the season is over, and this is just a great example of that,” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “These guys are all-in for us, helping us win games, and helping us get better. It is fitting that they all get to have an individual award at the end of the season.” Miller, the 2014 GNAC Player of the Year and All-American, is currently batting .360 with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, 59 RBIs and 46 runs scored. He leads the GNAC in home runs, RBIs, and total bases (128), ranks second in doubles, walks (34), and slugging percentage (.677), ranks third in runs scored (46), and fifth in hits (68) and on-base percentage (.457). He was unanimously selected as the Player of the Year.

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He is the second player to win GNAC Player of the Year twice, joining Jamie Nilsen of Central Washington who also won the award in back-to-back years (2007-08). It is also his second-straight season as a first-team all-GNAC representative. He was twice picked as the GNAC Player of the Week, and earned National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region Player of the Week earlier this season.

Senior Brody Miller.

“Brody had a great year last year, and had a better year this year,” Bishop said. “Playing with that tag of All-American and GNAC Player of the Year puts on more pressure and makes it more difficult but Brody handled that well. Teams pitch around him, and try to make someone else beat them, and he’s handled that every weekend.”

Close behind Miller statistically is Reinschmidt, who is also a repeat selection on the GNAC first team. Reinschmidt, a unanimous first-team selection, is batting a team-best .380 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs. He leads the GNAC in hits (73), runs scored (47), and stolen bases (11), ranks second in total bases (123), triples (4), and RBIs, ranks third in home runs, and slugging percentage (.641), and fourth in on-base percentage (.464). “My opinion was that Luke and Kasey Bielec (CWU) in our league would make great competition with Brody for Player of the Year,” Bishop said. “Luke was terrific in every area; extra base hits, speed, defense, a great team guy, and he just produces for our team. He is a great player deserving of first team, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens at the regional and national level for him.” Two of MSUB’s starters landed on the first team as Muller made his second appearance (2013) and Johnson was honored in his first season with the ‘Jackets. Muller is tied for the second-most wins in the GNAC with six on the season, and has struck out a conference-high 74 while walking just 25 in 73 innings. He was also a unanimous first-team pick, and was picked as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week Monday. Johnson leads MSUB in ERA with a mark of 3.99, and has 54 strikeouts and six victories in 65 1/3 innings pitched. He earned GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors two weeks ago after a 9-inning, 3-hit shutout of Northwest Nazarene. “Both Tanner and Brady are just so consistent going out in nine-inning games for us,” Bishop said. “They have been getting deep into their games, regardless of whether they felt well or had great stuff that day. Both of those guys are just warriors, and saved our bullpen every time they went out. To see them on the first team list is really gratifying.” Morris is a top-10 hitter in the GNAC, carrying a .358 batting average while getting on base at .410 and scoring 23 runs. Morris has also been outstanding defensively at shortstop with a .954 fielding percentage and has not made an error in his last 70 chances. Nix is No. 3 on the team in home runs with four on the season, and he has added 26 RBIs and 10 doubles while batting .333 for the ‘Jackets. He was the third Yellowjacket of the season to receive NCBWA West Region Player of the Week honors, after picking up six hits and driving in eight to help MSUB to a 3-1 series win over Northwest Nazarene. 206 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

“Both Corey and Trevor have had big years offensively, as both were in the middle three hundreds for the entire year,” said Bishop. “Both guys gave us great competitive at bats. Trevor has been good everywhere we have put him. Corey’s been a rock defensively, and I am proud and happy for both of those guys.” Holding a .347 batting average while catching 29 games for the Yellowjackets, Holbrook has been vital in terms of handling MSUB’s pitching staff and coming through in the clutch. He has twice had walkoff base hits this season, and has added two home runs and 23 RBIs. “Conner is definitely the unsung hero on team,” said Bishop. “There isn’t anyone I would rather see at the plate than him in a big spot. He always gives us a big at bat, competes like crazy, and if he’s dealing with an injury or is sick like he was this weekend, you’re never going to hear a squeak out of him. He shows up and does the job, is a great guy to have in the clubhouse, and is a guy that unifies the guys around him.”

Junior Corey Morris.

Each having breakout seasons in the outfield, Merritt and Berkram stepped into key roles batting consecutively at No. 9 and No. 1, respectively in MSUB’s lineup. Merritt batted .397 in conference games and has scored 23 runs in 30 starts in left field. Berkram is batting .310 while getting on base at a clip of .420 for MSUB. “Casey and Myles both picked up the slack after Bret Bitow broke his hand,” said Bishop. “Both guys had seen limited time in their first 20 games, but had played a role and were fantastic in that role. When they got inserted into the everyday lineup, both just stepped up big. They gave us huge offensive production that really helped put us on a bit of a streak, and get momentum moving in our direction early on in conference play.” Bishop becomes the first GNAC Coach of the Year not from Western Oregon, as he led the Yellowjackets to breaking the Wolves’ streak of 13-straight regular season titles. Bishop and the ‘Jackets earned GNAC Team of the Week honors after sweeping Northwest Nazarene in four games on the road earlier this season. In his fifth season at MSUB, Bishop also won his 500th career game earlier in the season, as he carried 414 wins with him after a 10-year stint at Miles Community College. He received 4 of 4 votes from the other GNAC Coaches, making him a unanimous selection for the honor. “This award comes along with a first-place regular-season title,” Bishop said. “I have always said that good coaches have good players, and I couldn’t be prouder of our guys we’ve recruited and the kind of people they are. Having nine guys on the all-conference team and nine guys on the academic all-conference team just tells you where we’re at. The guys we have here are solid human beings who will be good at whatever choose to be the rest of their lives.” The Yellowjackets will host the 2015 GNAC Baseball Championships, running Thursday and Friday at Dehler Park in Billings, Mont. MSUB is scheduled to play the No. 3 seed Northwest Nazarene at 4 p.m. Thursday and the No. 2 seed Western Oregon at 7 p.m. that evening.

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GNAC Championships preview: Yellowjackets host after winning regular season title May 5, 2015 The red-hot MSUB baseball team enters this week’s GNAC Championships having won 20 of its last 25 games to storm to the regular-season title. BILLINGS, Mont. – Having already put together the greatest baseball season in Montana State University Billings history, the Yellowjackets will host the 2015 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Baseball Championships this week after claiming the conference regular season title with a four-game sweep at Saint Martin’s last weekend. MSUB (27-21, 22-10 GNAC) will enter this weekend as the No. 1 seed and will welcome No. 2 seed Western Oregon (26-23, 21-11 GNAC) and No. 3 seed Northwest Nazarene (27-26, 15-17 GNAC) to Dehler Park for the double-elimination conference tournament. Action kicks off on Thursday at 1 p.m. with three games scheduled for the first day of the tournament. The championship game will be played on Friday at noon, and two games will be played if deemed necessary in order to determine a champion. Live video with play-by-play commentary as well as live statistics will be available for all tournament games via www.portal.stretchinternet. com/gnac/. Tickets may be purchased at the gates of Dehler Park and are priced at $8 for adults, and $5 for students, seniors (65-plus), and children under 12. “I hope this allows us to showcase what we have in Billings, in our program, and in the GNAC” said MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “It’s really a great product that all of the teams put on the field.” Western Oregon won the first three and final two games against MSUB this season, to claim the season series 5-3 over the Yellowjackets. The Wolves also won 5 of 8 games on the season against NNU. MSUB had great success against Northwest Nazarene, winning the first seven games of the season series before NNU pulled out a one-run win in the regular-season finale in late April.

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2015 GNAC Baseball Championships May 7-8 | Dehler Park | Billings, MT Thursday: 1 p.m. - #3 Northwest Nazarene vs. #2 Western Oregon. 4 p.m. - #3 Northwest Nazarene vs #1 MSU Billings. 7 p.m. - #2 Western Oregon vs. #1 MSU Billings. Friday: 12 p.m. – TBD vs. TBD. 3 p.m. – TBD vs. TBD (if necessary). “It’s going to be a big weekend,” senior second baseman Brody Miller said. “Dehler Park is one of the nicest places in our conference, and it’s going to be great to represent the city of Billings.” SECOND SWEEP, SIXTH STRAIGHT SERIES: The Yellowjackets won their sixth straight GNAC series and had their second four-game series sweep of the season with the wins over SMU last weekend. MSUB entered the weekend having to win one more game than Western Oregon did in its series against Northwest Nazarene. After the Crusaders squeaked out an 8-7, extra-inning win in Game 3, MSUB clinched the GNAC title with the completion of the sweep and the Game 4 victory. “Our team takes pride in playing loose and I think we play better when we are loose,” said MSUB senior Trevor Nix regarding the team’s strong performance under pressure. KEY DOUBLE PLAYS: The Yellowjackets utilized six double plays, five of which ended an inning and two of which ended games in the series win over Saint Martin’s. Defensively overall MSUB made just three errors, and has the second-fewest in the conference this year while holding an excellent .963 team fielding percentage. “I think it just helps our whole team,” said Miller regarding the frequent double plays. “Whenever our pitchers have confidence in us to turn double plays it helps them.” ‘JACKETS CRACK TOP-10 IN NCBWA POLL: Making their first appearance of the season in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association West Region rankings, the Yellowjackets grabbed the No. 10 spot on the list after their big weekend. MULLER SHINES IN TIGHT GAME 1: Senior left-hander Brady Muller needed to throw just one pitch to become the GNAC’s career starts king on Friday, but he wound up tossing 121 as he went the distance without allowing an earned run to give the ‘Jackets a crucial 2-1 series-opening victory. “We all know what Brady is capable of doing, and it was great to see him go out, keep the pitch count down, and throw strikes,” Nix said. “We have also been taking pride in playing good, solid defense and keeping the confidence up for our pitching staff.” Muller is now third in GNAC history in career strikeouts with 236, is fourth in innings pitched with 272 1/3, and is tied for fourth in wins with 20. He was named the GNAC Pitcher of the Week on Monday after his stellar performance. Brady Muller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Muller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 1 Starts 41 -- -- -- 3 Strikeouts 236 246 Roger Evenson, NNU 269 Nick Waechter, WOU 4 Innings 272.1 274.2 Mike Ward, WOU 285.1 Zach Carter, SMU T4 Wins 20 24 Mike Ward, WOU 28 Nick Waechter, WOU

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MILLS GOES SIX STRONG IN RELIEF: The Yellowjackets built a 5-0 lead for senior righthander Jake Mills in the series finale and he tossed the final six innings in shutout fashion to complete the sweep. After the final out was recorded, the ‘Jackets swarmed Mills behind the mound and collapsed into a dogpile celebrating the championship. “It was the best feeling ever,” Miller said regarding the dogpile. “We have been working on this for the last four years and it has been a long time coming.” “It was a pretty special feeling,” Nix said. “Just seeing that last ball go up in the air to Casey Merritt over in left, I knew he had it. It was really great to be able to go out on top.” RECORD-BREAKING PITCHING: Allowing just two total runs and only one earned run, the Yellowjackets set a GNAC record for fewest runs allowed in a four-game conference series. Western Oregon held the previous record, allowing three runs in a series on two different occasions. The only earned run for SMU came in the eighth Senior Jake Mills. inning of Game 3 when Adam Eskil had an RBI-single to make the score of the game 9-1. A week after earning GNAC Pitcher of the Week, Tanner Johnson shut down the Saints, striking out five and walking just two in his seven-plus innings of work. Lee Busto came on to throw the final two frames, striking out two and not walking any in the shutdown effort. REINSCHMIDT STAYS HOT AT THE PLATE: Luke Reinschmidt tied Merritt for the team high with six hits last week, including two doubles, and he also stole three bases and scored five times. Complementing Miller offensively, Reinschmidt is now batting .380 with 12 doubles, 56 RBIs, 47 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. He now has the MSUB single-season record for runs, at bats (192), and hits (73). Luke Reinschmidt MSUB Single-Season Milestone Chase Rk. Category Reinschmidt Next Name, Year MSUB Record, Name, Year 1 Runs 47 -- -- -- -1 Hits 73 -- -- -- -1 At Bats 192 -- -- -- -2 Total Bases 123 -- -- 128 Brody Miller, 2015 2 Home Runs 10 -- -- 14 Brody Miller, 2015 2 RBI 56 -- -- 59 Brody Miller, 2015 2 SLG .641 -- -- .750 Ryan Duncan, 2008 T5 Triples 4 5, 3 With 6 Drew Fosnes, 2013

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MILLER WITH 3 MORE DOUBLES: Three of Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four hits on the week were two-baggers, as he nudged his slugging percentage up to .677. He also drove in a pair of runs to give him 59 on the season, 10 shy of the GNAC single season record. On Monday Miller became only the second player in GNAC history to be named the conference Player of the Year twice, as he repeated unanimously this season after winning the award in 2014. With at least two more games to play, he is within the top-5 in 10 GNAC career categories. Brody Miller GNAC Career Milestone Chase Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 1 Walks 112 -- -- -- -2 Assists 484 -- -- 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Total Bases 382 -- -- 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Starts 191 -- -- 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 3 Hits 253 276 Joey Price, WOU 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU T3 Home Runs 26 26 Daniel Dillard, WOU 43 Chandler Tracy, SMU T3 RBIs 165 -- -- 183 2 Players 5 Doubles 49 51 Greg McCarthy, WOU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 5 At-Bats 702 705 2 Players with 746 Joey Price, WOU T5 Games 191 192 Shane Schoeneberg, SMU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU 7 Runs 139 141 Greg McCarthy, WOU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU FEAR THE BEARDS: In his first season in the GNAC, junior shortstop Corey Morris earned first-team honors after batting .358 and getting on base at a clip of .410. He has been outstanding defensively, and has not made an error in his last 70 chances up the middle. Morris tied for the team high in RBIs last week with four, as he made all three of his hits count. Also coming through with a clutch hit for MSUB was junior third baseman Colter Sternhagen, whose RBI-single proved to be the game-winner in the 2-1 victory over SMU Friday. Each sporting lengthy beards they have been growing since before the season started, Morris and Sternhagen stopped to pose in front of the Beard Frame Shop in Lacey, Wash., during last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road trip.

Juniors Corey Morris (left) and Colter Sternhagen. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 211

EXTRA BASES FOR NIX: Hitting another home run last week, Nix brought his season total to four and also added three doubles. He is now batting .333 on the season with 26 RBIs, and was a first-team all-conference selection as a designated hitter. “I was really trying to stay within our approach using the big part of the field,” Nix said regarding his big week at the plate. CAMPEAU CRUISES, COX CLOSES: After striking out two and walking one in five shutout innings, senior right hander Jake Campeau turned the ball over to Adam Cox in Game 2. The freshman mowed down four Saints on strikeouts and did not allow a hit in two excellent innings of work to secure the 5-0 victory. HOLBROOK QUICK OUT OF THE CROUCH: Catching three more games for MSUB, senior Conner Holbrook had a major impact at the plate and defensively. He batted 5-for-10 in the series with four RBIs, walked, and was hit by a pitch to reach base at .538 in the series. On a bunt that took a large bounce in front of home plate, he pounced up, snagged the ball with his bare hand, and fired to Kevin Toon at first to record one of his two assists and 21 total errorless plays on the weekend. 9 ACADEMIC, 9 ALL-CONFERENCE: After leading all GNAC teams with nine players selected to the academic all-conference squad a week ago, the Yellowjackets placed nine players on the 2015 all-conference team including six on the first team. Miller, Muller, Nix, Johnson, Morris, and Reinschmidt were all first-team selections, Merritt and Holbrook were second-team picks, and Myles Berkram received honorable mention. TIP OF THE CAP TO BISHOP: Receiving 4 of 4 possible votes for Coach of the Year, the GNAC coaches credited Bishop for the outstanding season by picking him as the unanimous award winner. MSUB’s 27 wins this season give Bishop 104 in his career with the Yellowjackets, as he surpassed former head coach Chris Brown’s total of 88 from 2006-10. “Him getting that award, he definitely deserves it,” Miller said regarding Bishop’s honor. “I feel honored to have been here for four years and be a part of it. Everybody has put so much work in this year and it’s really nice to see it paying off.”

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Miller’s career a cornerstone for Yellowjacket Baseball May 6, 2015 Working on one of the greatest careers in GNAC history, MSUB senior second baseman Brody Miller’s four years will culminate this weekend as the ‘Jackets host the conference championship tournament at Dehler Park. MSUB SPORTS – When Rob Bishop was hired as the head baseball coach at Montana State University Billings on August 20, 2010, he had a mighty task in front of him. The 10-year coaching veteran at Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont., carried with him a record of 414-169, proof of the winning tradition he had established as a college baseball coach. The Yellowjacket program he inherited had won just 11 of 46 games during the 2010 season, and had not had a winning season since being reintroduced to the university beginning in 2006. Bishop knew that he needed a core recruiting class and cornerstone players that he could build a program around from the ground up. In his final year at Miles City, a 16-year-old playing in the state tournament caught Bishop’s eye and immediately moved to the front of his short list for the type of player he was looking for. It was Brody Miller, the second baseman for the Missoula Mavericks who stood out most to Bishop. The lightning-quick bat speed and surprising power for a high-schooler who stood just 5-foot-8 is what impressed Bishop the most, as he saw the potential for Miller to become a fixture in MSUB’s lineup for years to come. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 213

Making contact with Miller, it was Bishop’s guarantee that he could start every game for four seasons and be a building block for the program that ultimately sold MSUB to Miller. In his first season, Bishop led the Yellowjackets to 18 wins in 2011, a step in the right direction as he waited for the arrival of Miller and his first recruiting class for the 2012 season. He knew Miller had a chance to be an allGreat Northwest Athletic Conference player by his sophomore season, and that somewhere on the horizon was a conference championship. What Bishop could not predict was that Miller would bat north of .350, hit 26 home runs in his career and record the third-highest hit total in GNAC history. That he would be named the GNAC Player of the Year as a junior and become the first All-American in MSUB history. That he would save his greatest season for his senior year, during which he has been named the GNAC Player of the Year again and is leading the league in home runs (14) and RBIs (59). That he would leap on top of a dogpile behind the pitcher’s mound at Saint Martin’s as the Yellowjackets won the GNAC regular season title and earned hosting rights for the conference championships. That he would go down as the greatest player in MSUB history and one of the two or three best to ever set foot on a GNAC baseball diamond. NOT IN THE HOUSE “I was sitting in my chair, and Brod was pitching to me from across the living room,” Bill Miller said with a chuckle as he recalled the earliest games of catch between him and his son he could remember. “His mother gave us a lecture about playing in the house. He and I got into a little bit of trouble that day.” It may have been the last time Miller and his father played ball together in the house, but from the early throws Bill received from his son he could tell there was something special about Brody. Sporting a Ken Griffey Jr. model baseball glove, Brody played on his father’s Mount Sentinel South Side Little League team which twice advanced to regional tournaments. It was Bill’s rule that everybody on the team had to play every position on the field, as Brody and his teammates all had the chance to test their skills all over the diamond. “Brody was always very coachable, and was always committed to the game,” Bill said. “He was always very confident, and he had that competitive edge spirit at a young age.” In 2006, Miller’s Little League team met a squad from Oregon in the regional tournament at San Bernardino, Calif. Miller ended a game by being tagged out at home plate by a young Trevor Nix, who went on to lead Murrayhill to the Little League World Series. As Miller made the transition from the 60-foot base paths and 200-foot fences onto the 90-foot diamond as a 13-year-old, his biggest progression as a player was still in front of him. 214 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

CRAFTING THE PERFECT SWING It didn’t take long for Miller to make an impression at the American Legion level, as he suited up for the Missoula Mavericks early as an eighth grader. Towards the end of his first season, he was promoted from the Single A team to the Double A squad, where he first joined head coach Brent Hathaway. “I can still remember in his first at bat he flied out to the warning track probably 375-380 feet away,” Hathaway said. “I told him, ‘we play in big parks here, you’ll have to learn how to hit line drives because you’re not going to be hitting a lot of balls out.’ Now he owns our program’s home runs record. You couldn’t tell him that he couldn’t do something, because that motivated him to do it more.”

mately defy Hathaway’s early skepticism.

Every Sunday Miller and his father would make the threehour drive from Missoula to Three Forks, Mont., seeking the indoor batting cage inside a warehouse next to the legion field. It was there that Miller worked with Duwayne Scott, perfecting every aspect of a swing that would ulti-

“I’ve had lots of great hitting coaches, but Duwayne really simplified things for me,” Miller said. “He was so easy to work with, and I still call him sometimes and just describe what I’m feeling in my swing over the phone to him. He knows my swing really well and it’s easy to fix things.” Miller has always hit with a wood bat, electing only to switch to metal for games. A pair of lines that Bill taped onto a Louisville Slugger served as Brody’s guide to learning the sweet spot. “When I used to hit in batting practice I had to hit every ball between those lines,” said Miller. By the time he reached his final season of legion ball, not only had Miller proven Hathaway wrong, but he had set career records in many offensive categories including home runs with 40. “Brody rolled out of bed knowing how to hit, and he has worked awfully hard at perfecting it,” Hathaway said. “His father has been a big influence in terms of his growth as a baseball player.” CAREER FOR THE AGES “I’ve seen a lot of players where the word ‘potential’ pops up. All that means is that they haven’t done it yet. Brody had that potential, but what has pushed him ahead of a lot of other players is the drive that he has to be special. I don’t know if you could predict that he would do the things he’s done, but now that he’s done it, it doesn’t surprise me.” – Brent Hathaway on the career of Brody Miller. Having played with older kids his entire life, Miller felt comfortable from the start when he first suited up for the Yellowjackets as a freshman in 2012. He was used to starting and playing a key role, but the transition to the college game was difficult even for the young star that Miller had developed into.

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Over his first eight games, Miller batted .143 and had more strikeouts than hits. The sluggish start did not discourage him or Bishop, as the new Yellowjacket skipper wisely stuck with Miller as he remembered his promise that he would start every game he played. Beginning with a 4-for-5 breakout against Saint Martin’s, Miller batted .317 the rest of the season as he started all 46 games for MSUB. There was no hangover for Miller as a sophomore, as he led the team in hitting at .350 and upped his power numbers with four home runs, nine doubles and 41 RBIs. MSUB had back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history, and Miller was tabbed as a second-team all-GNAC pick. “I knew he was ready to hit, and it was just a matter of how he would respond to being a college student and handling adversity,” Bishop said. “He understood that we would be fighting an uphill battle for the first couple of years and that we had a long way to go. He was bought in the whole way and understood the big picture. We were basically building our program from the bottom up, and it has paid off.” As Bishop watched the walls of his program develop through Miller and other local recruits like Brady Muller and Colter Sternhagen, it was in 2014 when it became clear that MSUB’s second baseman was a cut above the rest. Finishing the year batting .392, Miller homered six times, added 16 doubles and drove in 34 while getting on base at an incredible clip of .498. He was selected as the GNAC Player of the Year, and became the first All-American in MSUB baseball history as he was a third-team National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association pick and an honorable mention Daktronics selection. While the awards were well-deserved and unprecedented for the ‘Jackets, Miller knew things still had to get better. MSUB missed out on the GNAC Championships by one game, finishing the conference season in fourth place. “Coming here and struggling was frustrating,” Miller said after carrying a 66-11 record from his senior year into his collegiate career. “I knew I had to trust in Coach Bishop and remember that every year is new and that we would get better and better. I think the program is on the right track now.” Playing with the title of GNAC Player of the Year and All-American on his back has not slowed Miller down through his senior campaign, as he is having the finest season of his career. Miller leads the GNAC in home runs (14) and RBIs (59), and is batting .360 with 68 hits and 18 doubles. He was unanimously picked by the conference’s coaches as the Player of the Year, becoming the second in conference history to win the honor twice. He has moved into the top-5 in almost every major GNAC career category. Entering the GNAC Championships, Miller is the alltime leader in walks (112), ranks No. 2 in assists (484), total bases (382) and starts (191), No. 3 in hits (253), home runs (26) and RBIs (165), No. 5 in doubles (49), at bats (702), and games played (191), and No. 7 in runs scored (139). “Coming in I felt like Brody had the talent to be a first-team guy, but anything beyond that was up to him,” Bishop said. “What has come late is the power, and that has made a difference. It is hard to project that a kid who weighed 165 pounds in high school would hit 26 home runs in his career and 18 doubles this season alone.” “His mother, sister, and myself are just so proud of him,” Bill said when asked how he reacted to being told his son is the greatest player in school history and one of the best-ever in the GNAC. “He has gone above and beyond any expectation I could have ever had from raising a son. He is just a top notch kid in my book.” 216 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

In Miller’s mind, the confidence to produce at an unprecedented clip has always been there. Never did it show more than when he recorded arguably the greatest four-game series in GNAC history, during which he homered four times, hit two grand slams, and drove in 14 runs in a 3-1 series win over Central Washington earlier this season. “I haven’t really thought about it that much,” Miller said regarding his historic career. “The main reason why is that we still have games left to play. I am focused on helping our team win the tournament this weekend. Maybe it will all sink in after that, but right now all I am thinking about is winning this weekend.” TRANSFORMING A PROGRAM When Bishop leads his Yellowjackets onto the field at Dehler Park Thursday, he will do so with the affirmation that the pieces he has put in place have begun a new mentality and tradition within MSUB baseball and MSUB athletics. As a coach, understanding that the process of building a winning program was going to take time was an easy concept to grasp. To find players who adopt that mindset as easily as Miller has is another story. He will make his 192nd career start on Thursday, the second-most in conference history as he fulfills the proposal that Bishop offered to him four years ago. “Brody has done two big things,” Bishop said. “He has made the culture for our hitters one such that they take extra hitting every day. We have 15 hitters and it is optional, but there are never 12 or 13 guys there. There are 15. “Secondly, winning as a team is more important to Brody than anything else,” Bishop continued. “If he is 0-for-4 and we win, you won’t see him sulking in the dugout. He wants to win first, and play well second.” When Miller and the ‘Jackets stormed into a dogpile at Saint Martin’s last week, Miller finally had the championship that he had been working towards since debuting for MSUB in 2012. “My goal has been to win a championship the whole time,” Miller said. “It has been great coming here and buying into what Coach has said and finally ending up with a championship this season. I hope that this program keeps going up and up after I leave.”

Brody Miller high fives MSUB head coach Rob Bishop (26) after hitting his 26th, and final career home run, a moment perfectly embodying what Miller has meant to the program over his incredible four-year career. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 217

FINDING BASEBALLS Bill still remembers Brody’s first home run, which came during his Little League days as a 9-year-old. With his natural instinct as a parent guiding him, he quickly tracked down the baseball and took it home as a souvenir. It was the start to what has become an immaculate treasure hunt, as Bill has kept almost every home run ball his son has ever hit. “I thought I would have 10 to 20 balls or so, and I started putting them into these plastic display cubes,” Bill said regarding Brody’s home runs. “Now I think I have more than 10 dozen of them, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with them all.” When considering his next step after college, Miller has 10 dozen reasons to have an opportunity to be drafted in Major League Baseball’s June amateur player draft. It is a career path Miller has discussed non-stop with his father, and all he is hoping for is an opportunity to showcase his talents. “All I’m hoping for is a chance to prove myself,” Miller said. “That’s pretty much what I’ve had to do whenever I have started somewhere new, whether it was Little League, legion, or MSUB. I have been fortunate enough to have Coach Hathaway and Coach Bishop give me a chance, and all I want is an opportunity at the next level.” When Bill makes the five-hour drive from Missoula to Billings Thursday morning to watch his son do what he does best one final time, he will park his white pickup truck in his normal spot beyond the right-field wall in the parking lot at Dehler Park. “I always park my truck to the left of the scoreboard, and Brody has always said, ‘hey I might hit it!” said Bill, whose son wears No. 7 in honor of his own playing days in which his teammates simply called him, ‘seven’. “I respond with, ‘go ahead, I will get it fixed!’” It is one target Miller hasn’t hit to this point in his career, but in his final collegiate games this weekend, perhaps he will make his father’s hunt for his final home run ball an easy one and put it right in the bed of his truck.

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Games 49 & 50: May 7, 2015 Northwest Nazarene 8, MSU Billings 6 Western Oregon 4, MSU Billings 3

Historic season comes to an end for Yellowjacket Baseball Thursday May 7, 2015 MSUB falls in extra innings to Western Oregon 4-3 and is eliminated from the 2015 GNAC Baseball Championships, marking the end of a historic season for the Yellowjackets. BILLINGS, Mont. – A tough, 4-3 10-inning loss to Western Oregon brought the best season in Montana State University Billings baseball history to a close Thursday, as the Yellowjackets were eliminated from the 2015 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships, after losing to Northwest Nazarene 8-6 earlier in the day at Dehler Park. MSUB finished its 2015 season with a 27-23 record, the first winning season since the program was reinstated during the 2006 season. The Yellowjackets claimed the GNAC regular-season title, and earned hosting rights for the 2015 Championships. “What I told the young guys after the game, is that when it feels like it did this year, you know you did it right,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “The seniors gave those young guys a picture of what a team looks like. No matter how bad it looks, you’re always in the game and you’re going to have each other’s backs.” With the dramatic extra-inning win, Western Oregon will advance to the championship game on Friday, scheduled for noon Mountain time against Northwest Nazarene. The Crusaders held on for a wild 3-2 win over Western Oregon in the first game Thursday, and need just one more victory to clinch their first-ever GNAC Championships title.

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The Yellowjackets hit five doubles on the day, two by Brody Miller as he completed his incredible four-year career with MSUB. Kevin Toon had four hits on the day for the ‘Jackets, including a huge RBI-single in Game 2 that ended up scoring two runs and giving MSUB a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. Toon was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for MSUB. Trevor Nix had a pair of doubles for the Yellowjackets as well, and senior Conner Holbrook went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 1. With the win, Northwest Nazarene improved to 29-26 on the season, and completed a two-game sweep of the top-two seeds in the tournament. Western Oregon kept its season alive and improved to 27-24, and will now have to beat NNU twice on Friday in order to win its second GNAC Championship tournament title in the last three years. Game 1 – Northwest Nazarene 8, MSU Billings 6 The Yellowjackets twice rallied to tie the first game of the day, but could not come back from being down for a third time as the Crusaders picked up the narrow victory. NNU scored in the first inning off of MSUB starter Brady Muller, as Andrew Helmstadter plated Tyler Davis with a base hit into right field. Toon’s first RBI of the day evened the score at 1-1, as he plated Miller after the senior’s double. Helmstadter brought home two more runs as part of a big three-run third inning, but the ‘Jackets got two back in the bottom of the frame on a two-run single by Myles Berkram. Casey Merritt plated a run with a base hit up the middle in the fourth, and a sacrifice fly by Holbrook scored Nix and made the score 5-5 through five innings of play. After Kaleb DeHaas drew a one-out walk in the top of the sixth, NNU shortstop Tucker Campbell followed with a huge two-run home run over the wall in left field to make the score 7-5 in favor of the ‘Saders. On in relief starting in the fifth inning, Andrew Groves was lights out for NNU, allowing just one unearned run and two hits while striking out five and walking one in 4 2/3 innings. He blanked the Yellowjackets in the sixth and seventh innings, but MSUB made one final push at a comeback with a run on an RBI-groundout by Berkram to make it 7-6. A bunt single to third base by Helmstadter gave the Crusaders an insurance run in the top of the ninth, as Davis was able to score after a throwing error. A two-out double by Luke Reinschmidt put the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the inning, and Colton Loomis entered in relief to shut the door. He got Corey Morris to ground out to first base and end the game, and earned the save while preserving the win for Groves. Muller gave up seven runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and four walks in his six innings of work, and fellow senior Jake Mills tossed the final three frames for the ‘Jackets. NNU starter Blake Mitchell was lifted after throwing just one inning, as NNU head coach Rocke Musgraves elected to go with freshman phenom Ross Clevenger after the Crusaders had a 4-1 lead. MSUB was outhit 12-10 in the game, and left nine runners on base while NNU stranded six. 220 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Northwest Nazarene at MSU Billings 5/7/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Northwest Nazarene 8 (29-26) Player

Hatfield,Josh cf Davis,Tyler 2b Helmstadter,Andrew c Thomson,Kyle dh Hilyard,Jesse lf Glasgow,Tate 1b Jones,Tim rf DeHaas,Kaleb 3b Campbell,Tucker ss Mitchell,Blake p Clevenger,Ross p Groves,Andrew p Loomis,Colton p Totals Score by Innings Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings

5 4 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0

h rbi

MSU Billings 6 (27-22) po

lob

1 2 3 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0

0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 1 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 3 8 0 0 8 4 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

8 12

1 1

3 2

0 0

1 1

0 1

2 0

0 0

0 1

1 0

Player

Berkram rf Miller 2b Toon 1b Nix dh Reinschmidt cf Morris ss Durbin 3b Sternhagen ph/3b Holbrook c Merritt lf Muller p Mills p Totals

R H 8 12 6 10

4 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 3 3 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0

lob

1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0

h rbi

3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

bb so

0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

0 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0

2 1 6 0 3 2 2 0 9 1 1 0

0 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0

0 2 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0

6 10

E 1 1

E - Davis; Sternhagen. DP - NNU 1; MSUB 1. LOB - NNU 6; MSUB 9. 2B - Hatfield; Davis 2; Miller; Nix; Reinschmidt. HR - Campbell(2). SH - Berkram; Morris. SF - Holbrook. SB - Helmstadter; DeHaas. Northwest Nazarene

Mitchell,Blake Clevenger,Ross Groves,Andrew Loomis,Colton

1.0 3.0 4.2 0.1

2 6 2 0

r er bb so ab bf

1 4 1 0

1 4 0 0

0 4 1 0

1 5 5 2 13 18 5 15 18 0 1 1

MSU Billings

Muller Mills

6.0 3.0

8 4

7 1

er bb so ab

7 1

4 0

5 25 29 3 12 12

Win - Groves (3-5). Loss - Muller (6-2). Save - Loomis (2). WP - Clevenger. Umpires - HP: Jim Klos 1B: Brent Cunningham 2B: Daryn Fredrickson 3B: Carl Ramsey Start: 4 p.m. Time: 2:38 Attendance: 200 Weather: Overcast, 55 Degrees Clevenger faced 2 batters in the 5th.

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Game 2 – Western Oregon 4, MSU Billings 3 (10 Innings) Again falling into an early deficit, MSUB trailed 2-0 through three innings in the final game of the day against Western Oregon. Garret Harpole came through with a big two-out double to left field that kicked off the wall and away from Merritt to allow Michael Sherwin to score from first base in the second inning. After a 1-2-3 frame from GNAC Pitcher of the Year Jesse Pratt, WOU added one more as Jacob Whisler led off with a double and scored on a sacrifice line drive into center field by Austin Hamilton. With two outs, Cody Sullivan grounded a sharp single into left field, and Merritt fired a strike to Holbrook at the plate to throw out Hinkle and end the inning with the deficit at just two runs. Breaking a streak of seven-straight batters retired in the top of the fourth was Toon, as he beat out a chopper to the shortstop for an infield hit. After the runners advanced to first and third, MSUB scored its first run of the game on a balk by Pratt as he attempted a third-to-first pickoff move. Stepping to the plate in a big spot an inning later, Toon gave MSUB its first lead of the day with a line drive single into center field that scored Merritt from third. Berkram was originally being held up on the play, but when the ball was bobbled in center field he was able to score to make it 3-2, Yellowjackets. Pratt pitched out of the jam however, stranding two more baserunners with two-straight non-productive outs off the bats of Yellowjackets. After each starter put up a zero in the sixth, Brandon Oliver led off the top of the seventh with a double into right field. Harpole again came through with the clutch at bat, tying the game at 3-3 with an RBI-single up the middle off of MSUB starter Jake Campeau. The ‘Jackets put two runners on in the bottom of the frame, but WOU center fielder Cody Poznanski tracked down a deep drive by Reinschmidt on the warning track in right center to end the inning. Taking over in relief to start the eighth inning, freshman Adam Cox immediately found himself in a jam after a single by Marcus Hinkle, a double by Hamilton and a walk to Taylor loaded the bases. Somehow, the ‘Jackets escaped the mess, thanks to a diving stop by Morris at short and a throw home, followed by an inning-ending, 6-4-3 double play as the score stayed 3-3. Pratt also exited after seven complete innings, giving way to Shawn Domke who retired the first seven batters he faced with four strikeouts. By the time MSUB had its first baserunner off the tough right-hander, WOU had taken a 4-3 lead thanks to an RBI-single by Oliver that scored Hamilton in the top of the 10th. Nix doubled down the line in right with one out in the last frame, but a pair of groundouts sealed the win for WOU, and ended the season for MSUB. On the game Pratt allowed three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and three walks in his seven innings. The double by Nix was the only baserunner Domke allowed, as he improved to 2-1 on the season with the win in his three innings of work. For MSUB Campeau matched Pratt’s effort, also allowing just three runs on seven hits with one strikeout and one walk. Cox struck out four but walked four in his three innings, giving up the decisive run and falling to 4-2 with the loss. The Wolves collected 11 hits compared with seven by MSUB, and the ‘Jackets stranded nine more baserunners while WOU left eight on. 222 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Western Oregon at MSU Billings 5/7/15 at Billings, MT (Dehler Park) Western Oregon 4 (27-24) Player

Hinkle,Marcus ss Hamilton,Austin 1b Taylor,Matt lf Sullivan,Cody rf Oliver,Brandon c Sherwin,Michael dh Harpole,Garret 3b Poznanski,Cody cf Whisler,Jake 2b Pratt,Jesse p Domke,Shawn p Totals

Score by Innings Western Oregon MSU Billings

5 3 3 5 5 4 4 4 4 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

MSU Billings 3 (27-23) a

lob

3 1 0 1 2 1 2 0 1 0 0

h rbi

0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

1 1 2 0 9 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 0 2 2 3 0 0 3 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 2 0 0

4 11

30 10

Player

Berkram rf Miller 2b Toon 1b Nix dh Bitow pr Reinschmidt cf Morris ss Sternhagen 3b Holbrook c Merritt lf Campeau p Cox p Totals

0 0

1 0

0 1

0 2

0 0

1 0

0 0

1 0

R H 4 11 3 7

5 4 4 4 0 4 5 3 4 4 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

1 1 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

h rbi

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

bb so

0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 12

lob

2 5 8 0 0 3 0 1 7 4 0 0

0 2 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 1 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 0 1 0 0

30 12

3 2 0 1 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 0

E 3 0

E - Poznanski 2; Whisler. DP - MSUB 1. LOB - WOU 9; MSUB 9. 2B - Hamilton; Oliver; Harpole; Whisler; Miller; Nix. HBP - Reinschmidt. SH - Sternhagen. SF - Hamilton. CS - Hinkle. Western Oregon

Pratt,Jesse Domke,Shawn

r er bb so ab bf

7.0 6 3 3 3 8 27 32 3.0 1 0 0 0 4 10 10

MSU Billings

Campeau Cox

7.0 3.0

7 4

3 1

er bb so ab

3 1

1 4

1 25 27 4 12 16

Win - Domke (2-1). Loss - Cox (4-2). Save - None. HBP - by Pratt (Reinschmidt). BK - Pratt. Umpires - HP: Joey Stegner 1B: Daryn Fredrickson 2B: Jim Klos 3B: Brent Cunningham Start: 7:15 Time: 2:45 Attendance: 350 Weather: Overcast, 53 degrees

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Miller, Reinschmidt earn ABCA/Rawlings first-team all-region honors May 19, 2015 GNAC Player of the Year Brody Miller and first-teamer Luke Reinschmidt are each named to the ABCA/Rawlings first-team all-West region announced Tuesday. BILLINGS, Mont. – Making their third appearance on an all-region team, Montana State University Billings baseball players Brody Miller and Luke Reinschmidt were each picked to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings first-team all-West region announced by the organization Tuesday. Miller and Reinschmidt were each also selected to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association and Daktronics first-team all-region teams which were announced last week. “Brody and Luke deserve this award after having terrific years,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “Both are great competitors that represent MSUB with class.” Miller, the two-time reigning GNAC Player of the Year, batted .355 while leading the conference in home runs (14) and runs batted in (59). He finished his four-year career in the top-5 in GNAC history in 10 major categories, and is the conference’s alltime leader in walks (114). Miller led the Yellowjackets to the GNAC regular season title and the team’s first winning season in program history (27-23, 22-10 GNAC). He was twice picked as the GNAC Player of the Week throughout the 2015 season and was involved in two triple plays that ended up on ESPN SportsCenter Top Plays. He was also an NCBWA West Region Player of the Week selection, after arguably the greatest four-game series in GNAC history in which he homered four times with two grand slams, drove in 14 runs and also had three doubles.

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Brody Miller Career GNAC Rankings Rk. Category Miller Next Name, School GNAC Record, Name, School 1 Walks 114 -- -- -- -2 Assists 489 -- -- 570 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Total Bases 386 -- -- 469 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 2 Starts 193 -- -- 201 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 3 Hits 255 276 Joey Price, WOU 295 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 3 At-Bats 710 739 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 746 Joey Price, WOU T3 Home Runs 26 26 Daniel Dillard, WOU 43 Chandler Tracy, SMU T3 RBIs 165 -- -- 183 2 Players 4 Games 193 203 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 215 Travis Chetock, WOU T4 Doubles 51 53 Adam Siler, SMU 61 Jamie Nilsen, CWU 7 Runs 140 141 Greg McCarthy, WOU 242 Jamie Nilsen, CWU Reinschmidt matched Miller in almost every category offensively, and set a new standard among MSUB single season records. He tied for the conference lead in hits (74) while batting .370, was second in runs scored (47), triples (4), stolen bases (11), total bases (125), and RBIs (56), and was third in home runs (10), on-base percentage (.457) and slugging percentage (.625). Reinschmidt earned NCBWA National Player of the Week after hitting four home runs from Feb. 16-22. Luke Reinschmidt MSUB Single-Season Standing Rk. Category Reinschmidt Next Name, Year MSUB Record, Name, Year 1 Hits 74 -- -- -- -1 At Bats 200 -- -- -- -T1 Runs 47 -- -- 47 Brody Miller, 2015 2 Total Bases 125 -- -- 132 Brody Miller, 2015 2 Home Runs 10 -- -- 14 Brody Miller, 2015 2 RBI 56 -- -- 59 Brody Miller, 2015 3 SLG .625 .670 Brody Miller, 2015 .750 Ryan Duncan, 2008 T5 Triples 4 5 3 With 6 Drew Fosnes, 2013 T8 Stolen Bases 11 12 Colby Robison, 2011 17 Kyle Pryor, 2007 Both players are now eligible for the All-America teams for all three of the organizations, which will be announced this week. Kamran Young of Cal State Dominguez Hills was selected as the ABCA/Rawlings Player of the Year, and Justin Donatella of UC San Diego was the Pitcher of the Year.

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Miller repeats as Daktronics and NCBWA All-American May 22, 2015 For the second season in a row MSUB baseball second baseman Brody Miller earns All-American honors from two organizations after his stellar senior campaign. BILLINGS, Mont. – For the second year in a row Montana State University Billings baseball second baseman Brody Miller has been selected as an All-American, receiving National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association third-team honors Thursday and CoSIDA/Daktronics third-team honors Friday. Miller, the two-time Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year, was an NCBWA third-team and CoSIDA/Daktronics honorable mention All-American in 2014, becoming the first-ever Yellowjacket baseball player to win the national honor. “Brody is well-deserving of All-American status,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “He consistently performed at an elite level. I am happy for him.” Miller, a native of Missoula, Mont., batted .355 while leading the conference in home runs (14) and runs batted in (59). He finished his four-year career in the top-5 in GNAC history in 10 major categories, and is the conference’s alltime leader in walks (114). Miller led the Yellowjackets to the GNAC regular season title in 2015 and the team’s first winning season in program history (27-23, 22-10 GNAC). He was twice picked as the GNAC Player of the Week throughout the 2015 season and was involved in a triple play that ended up on ESPN SportsCenter Top Plays. He was also an NCBWA West Region Player of the Week selection, after arguably the greatest four-game series in GNAC history in which he homered four times with two grand slams, drove in 14 runs and also had three doubles.

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Brody Miller (right) with father Bill Miller on Senior Day. MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com | 227

Brody Miller named GNAC Male Athlete of the Year June 3, 2015 Completing a phenomenal four-year career with the Yellowjacket baseball program, senior Brody Miller is selected as the GNAC Male Athlete of the Year. PORTLAND, Ore. – Completing one of the most memorable careers in Great Northwest Athletic Conference history, Brody Miller of Montana State University Billings has been selected as the conference’s Male Athlete of the Year announced by the GNAC Wednesday. Miller, a senior this season on the Yellowjackets’ baseball team, is the first male athlete from MSU Billings to win the award, and the second Yellowjacket overall. He joins former All-American women’s basketball player Bobbi Knudsen who earned the honor a season ago. Miller is also just the second baseball player in conference history to win the award, joining Grady Wood of Western Oregon who won after the 2011-12 season. “I couldn’t be more proud of what Brody has accomplished in a Yellowjacket uniform,” commented MSUB head coach Rob Bishop. “His contribution to our program cannot be measured on the field and I suspect that he will remain at the top of the GNAC record books for the foreseeable future. Brody deserves the recognition for his accomplishments and the GNAC has done well to honor him in this way.” In each of the past two seasons, Miller was named an All-American, by Daktronics and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

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“We are truly proud of the way Brody has represented Yellowjacket Athletics throughout his outstanding fouryear career,” commented MSUB director of athletics Krista Montague. “This award is a testament to Brody’s accomplishments as a player, which are unprecedented in our baseball program and among the best ever in the conference. We are especially proud of the leadership Brody has displayed, which culminated this season as he helped our baseball team to its first ever GNAC title.” Miller established himself as the greatest player in MSUB baseball history, and one of the best ever in the GNAC. He is the GNAC’s career leader in walks (110) and ranks second in games started (190). Miller ranks second alltime in assists (489), third in runs (139), hits (249), total bases (375), and at-bats (718), and fourth in home runs (25), runs batted in (158), and sacrifice flies (13). Within the scope of MSUB’s modern record book (dating back to 2006), he is the owner of 13 career records and 10 single season records. In his finest season to date as a senior, Miller won his second straight GNAC Player of the Year honor after batting .355 and leading the conference in home runs with 14 and RBIs with 59. He became just the second player in conference history to win the honor twice, as he did so unanimously this season after earning the honor in 2014 as well. Miller also led the conference in total bases (132), and finished second in doubles (20), runs scored (47), and slugging percentage (.670). His efforts helped lead the Yellowjackets to a 27-23 record and their first-ever GNAC regular season title, as MSUB went 22-10 in conference play. The GNAC Male and Female Athlete and Scholar Athlete of the Year awards are selected by the conference’s athletic directors. Athletes from all sports are eligible for nomination, and one student-athlete from each school is nominated for each of the four major awards. The Female Athlete of the Year will be announced on Thursday and the Male and Female Scholar Athlete of the Year awards will be announced next week by the conference.

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Baseball season review: Yellowjackets win first ever GNAC title May 20, 2015 Culminating in the first-ever GNAC regular season title for the MSUB baseball team, the 2015 season is the first winning program since baseball was reinstated in 2006 and by far the most successful. BILLINGS, Mont. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clinching the first-ever Great Northwest Athletic Conference regular season title in program history on the final day of the season, the 2015 Montana State University Billings baseball team ended its first winning campaign since the program was reinstated in 2006 on a high note. In a season filled with memorable moments, winning the GNAC title and earning hosting privileges for the 2015 GNAC Baseball Championships stood out as the highlight, as the Yellowjackets broke into a dogpile behind the mound at Saint Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after the final out of the regular season was made. MSUB finished the season with a 27-23 record and a 22-10 mark in conference play, and the Yellowjackets won 20 of their final 25 GNAC contests to storm to the conference title.

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“This year was a groundbreaking one for our program,” commented fifth-year head coach Rob Bishop, who collected his 500th career win earlier in the season after spending 10 years at Miles Community College. “Winning the regular season championship and earning the right to host the GNAC tournament was quite an accomplishment for our team. Having nine all-conference selections and nine academic all-conference selections was definitely a highlight. We also had several GNAC Players of the Week and other individual honors that are indicative of where we are at with our program.” Bishop was unanimously selected by his peers in the GNAC as the Coach of the Year, and surpassed the 100-wins mark at MSUB as he currently holds a record of 105-133 and 74-85 in GNAC play. Among the season highlights for MSUB were a four-game sweep of Northwest Nazarene on the road in which MSUB surrendered just six runs and was named the GNAC Team of the Week. The Yellowjackets went on to win their next five conference series to close the season, and finished the year with a four-game sweep of Saint Martin’s in which they set a conference record for fewest runs allowed (2) and fewest earned runs allowed (1). MSUB was also featured on ESPN SportsCenter Top-10 plays twice during the season, both times after turning triple plays. The first came on Feb. 8 against Colorado State-Pueblo, when shortstop Kyle Durbin snagged a line drive with runners on first and second, stepped on second base and threw to Kevin Toon at first base. The second triple play of the year came on April 24 at home against Northwest Nazarene and ended the game in a 16-8 win for MSUB. This time, with the bases loaded, Brody Miller caught a line drive, threw to shortstop Corey Morris at second who fired on to Toon at first to give the ‘Jackets the first win in a 3-1 series victory over the Crusaders. MSUB’s first triple play was featured as the No. 9 play on SportsCenter, while the game-ending triple play reached as highly as No. 3. MSUB’s 216 walks as a team were the most in a single season in conference history. The Yellowjackets also set a GNAC record for the longest game played, as their 16-inning bout against Cal Baptist culminated in a 4-3 loss. Leading the way for the Yellowjackets were senior second baseman Brody Miller and junior center fielder Luke Reinschmidt, who were each in the top-three in the conference in virtually every major offensive category. Both players were first-team all-region selections by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association, Daktronics, and the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings, and were first-team all-GNAC picks for the second straight season. Miller was unanimously picked as the GNAC Player of the Year, the second season in a row he earned that honor. Miller finished his stellar four-year career by breaking 14 MSUB modern day career records and cracking into the top-10 in 10 major categories in GNAC career history. Miller batted .355 while leading the GNAC in home runs (14), RBIs (59), and total bases (132). He also ranked second in runs scored (47), doubles (20), slugging percentage (.670), and walks (36), and fourth in hits (70) and on-base percentage (.455). In his career, Miller became the GNAC’s alltime leader in walks (114), ranked second in total bases (386), assists (489), and starts (193), third in hits (255), at-bats (710), home runs (26) and RBIs (165), fourth in games (193) and doubles (51), and seventh in runs scored (140). His 13 intentional walks this season alone broke the GNAC career record.

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“Being back-to-back GNAC Player of the Year was one of the most impressive feats I have seen on the field,” Bishop said regarding the All-American. “It was great fun to be a part of his career and his legacy will last a long time in our program.” Miller was twice named the GNAC Player of the Week, and also earned NCBWA West Region Player of the Week honors after arguably the greatest four-game series in GNAC history. Against Central Washington on April 10-11, Miller homered four times – including two grand slams – drove in 14 runs, and had three doubles to go 10-for-18. Reinschmidt, who matched Miller virtually every step along the way, led the GNAC in hits (74), ranked second in runs scored (47), triples (4), RBIs (56), stolen bases (11), and total bases (125), and third in home runs (10), on-base percentage (.457) and slugging percentage (.625). Senior Brody Miller. He became just the second player in GNAC history to earn NCBWA National Player of the Week honors, after he hit four home runs and drove in 18 during an eight-game stretch between Feb. 16-22. Among players with at least 250 career at-bats, Reinschmidt is MSUB’s alltime leader in batting average at .370, and is currently No. 4 in program history in hits with 133 through two seasons. He set MSUB single-season records for hits (74), at bats (200) and runs (47), while batting .370 to lead the team. One of Reinschmidt’s season highlights was an inside-the-park home run, which proved to be the game-winner in an 11-8 win over Central Washington on April 10 at home. “Luke had a breakout season in all aspects of the game,” said Bishop. “He showed flashes of being an elite player at any level, and was much more consistent throughout the season. We are excited to have him back next year.” Also earning first-team all-GNAC honors this season were shortstop Corey Morris, designated hitter Trevor Nix, and pitchers Brady Muller and Tanner Johnson. As Miller completed his stellar four-year career at second base, Muller made a similar mark on the mound as he became the GNAC career leader in games started with 42. He finished No. 3 in the GNAC record books in strikeouts (241) and No. 4 in innings pitched (277.1) and wins (20). Muller earned GNAC Pitcher of the Week honors after his best start of the season, a 9-inning complete game masterpiece in which he struck out six and did not allow an earned run in a crucial 2-1 win for the ‘Jackets on May 1 at Saint Martin’s. Muller pitched into the ninth inning three times, and had a pair of 10-strikeout games to push his MSUB career-leading total to four.

Senior Brady Muller.

“Brady had a great comeback year in 2015 after an injury-plagued junior season,” Bishop said. “I couldn’t be happier for how he was able to end his career. Looking at his career as a whole, he was able to accomplish things on the mound that very few pitchers in GNAC history have been able to do.”

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Making an impressive debut on the mound this year for MSUB was Johnson, who led the team in earned run average at 3.99 while tying Muller for second most wins in the GNAC with six. Johnson was tabbed as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week after a three-hit shutout against Northwest Nazarene, a game in which he struck out 10 batters and helped MSUB tie a program record for margin of victory at 16-0. Johnson did not surrender a home run all season, and his string of 18 scoreless innings during the season was the second longest in MSUB history. “Tanner at his best is one of the best guys in the west region, and down the stretch he won some big games for us,” Bishop said. “We will look for him to be more consistent in the future and potentially be a legitimate number one for our staff in 2016.” Two more senior right-handers who had major impacts were starter Jake Campeau and reliever Jake Mills. Campeau posted a 5.82 ERA with 41 strikeouts against just 15 walks in 60 1/3 innings pitched, while Mills made 18 appearances including five starts for MSUB. Campeau notched a stellar 8-inning effort with seven strikeouts against Western Oregon on April 17 to set MSUB up with a big 5-4 win. Mills finished the year with three dominant outings, allowing just one run over his final 12 innings pitched. In the GNAC-clinching victory over Saint Martin’s on May 2, Mills struck out five and walked just one while scattering four hits over six innings of relief as he finished the game in the 5-0 win. “Campeau was probably our most consistent starter throughout the season,” Bishop said. “He is a great example on and off the field of how to go about your business, and his approach will definitely rub off on our younger pitchers. “Mills had a great second half, and saved his best outing for our biggest spot,” Bishop said regarding the title-clinching effort. “Many times he was able to keep our team in the game in every possible role that a pitcher could have.”

Senior Jake Campeau.

Having an immediate impact in his first season in the program, Morris batted .353 while getting on base at a clip of .406 and playing outstanding defense. He started 40 games after transferring from Walla Walla Community College, and closed the season by going error-free in his final 17 games and making just one error total in his final 103 chances of the year. “Corey was terrific in all aspects, and I was most impressed with his consistency defensively in the last half of the season,” said Bishop. “He anchored our infield defense while being amazing at the plate as well. Offensively, he gave us good at bats throughout the season.” Providing power for the Yellowjackets was Nix, who batted .333 with four home runs and 26 RBIs while adding a dozen doubles. Nix became the third player of the season to win NCBWA West Region Player of the Week honors, after going 5-for-6 with six RBIs and coming up a triple shy of the cycle in a 16-0 rout of Northwest Nazarene at home. Nix got on base at a clip of .402 and slugged .500 on the season for the ‘Jackets. “Trevor had the kind of year offensively that we saw two years ago recruiting him,” commented Bishop. “He gave us a power threat and the ability to move runners and be productive in big spots.”

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Another senior leader for MSUB this season was catcher Conner Holbrook, who started 27 games and batted .343 to earn second-team all-conference honors. Holbrook had four doubles, a triple and a pair of home runs, and had two walk-off base hits over the span of three games during the season. He also held a stellar fielding percentage of .982, and threw out nine would-be base stealers on the season. “Conner was terrific offensively in GNAC play, and was even better in clutch situations,” said Bishop. “Defensively, he ran our pitching staff and kept the running game in check for our opponents. His intangibles are off the charts.” A pair of sophomores stepped into key starting roles in the outfield for MSUB, as Casey Merritt and Myles Berkram were catalysts at the No. 9 and leadoff spot in the Yellowjackets’ lineup, respectively. Merritt earned second-team all-GNAC honors after batting .309 with six doubles and 18 RBIs in 39 games. He also had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with no errors in 50 chances in left field. Taking over midway through the season in right field was Berkram, who wound up hitting .304 and reaching base at .409 at the top of MSUB’s lineup. Berkram had six doubles, a triple and a home run, and scored a team third-best 38 runs while stealing four bases. “Casey and Myles rounded out our outfield both offensively and defensively,” Bishop said. “They both made Luke better and when you look at our outfield core as a group of three we were pretty good this year. I look for Casey and Myles both to continue making strides physically and be major factors on our team and in the GNAC in 2016.” At first base, Toon set a program record for fielding percentage at .994, and also for putouts with 327 as he had just two errors in 343 total chances on the season. Toon also batted .280 with four doubles, a home run and 29 RBIs, and holds the eighth-best career batting average at MSUB at .310 in his first two seasons. “Kevin is a model of consistency, and in my opinion he was the best defender at first base in the league,” Bishop said regarding the player who was on the receiving end of both of MSUB’s triple plays. “I know he didn’t have the offensive year he would have liked, but he gave us great at bats throughout the season. He is a leader on and off the field and we expect him to have a great 2016 season.” Competing for time at third base this season were Colter Sternhagen and Kyle Durbin. Durbin batted .275 with three home runs and 30 RBIs in his first season with the ‘Jackets, while Sternhagen hit .273 with 14 doubles and 24 runs batted in. Durbin was picked as the GNAC Player of the Week after a pair of game-winning doubles in MSUB’s four-game sweep of Northwest Nazarene. “We are looking forward to healthy senior seasons from both Colter and Kyle next year,” Bishop said. “I believe their best baseball is still ahead of them, and we expect them to be leaders on and off the field in 2016.” MSUB balanced senior leadership with promising young arms among its bullpen and other starters, and junior Lee Busto ranked No. 11 in all of Division II in appearances on the season with 27. Senior Lucas Blehm appeared in 19 games and earned a pair of saves, while freshman Adam Cox powered his way to 21 strikeouts in 23 innings and a team-best four saves. Cody Cooper made 10 starts for the Yellowjackets, and was picked as the GNAC Pitcher of the Week after a 10-strikeout, 7-inning shutout at Northwest Nazarene which clinched the four-game road sweep for MSUB. “We are really excited about the youth on our pitching staff and really feel like we made strides as a program in this area,” Bishop commented. “We have quality arms that are learning how to pitch at a high level.” In addition to the on-field success, MSUB had the most players of any team on the academic all-conference squad with nine: Blehm, Busto, Campeau, Holbrook, Blake Loran, Merritt, Mills, Muller, and Nix. 234 | MSUB Baseball 2015 Season Book | @MSUBBaseball | www.msubsports.com

2015 MSU Billings Baseball Overall Statistics for MSU Billings (as of May 18, 2015) (All games Sorted by Batting avg) Record: 27-23 Player

avg gp-gs

5 Luke Reinschmidt 7 Brody Miller 11 Corey Morris 4 Conner Holbrook 6 Trevor Nix 12 Casey Merritt 1 Myles Berkram 3 Bret Bitow 9 Kevin Toon 16 Kyle Durbin 10 Colter Sternhagen 23 Blake Loran 22 Landon Peterson -------------------19 Jacob Foley

.370 .355 .353 .343 .333 .309 .304 .295 .280 .275 .273 .195 .095

50-50

.000

3-2

50-50 44-40 31-27 40-37 39-32 43-34 31-30 48-45 44-42 44-41 21-12 13-8

Home: 11-7

200 197 156 105 144 123 135 112 168 167 161 41 21

47 47 24 16 27 25 38 26 30 36 28 7 6

74 70 55 36 48 38 41 33 47 46 44 8 2

Away: 13-13

2b 3b hr

13 20 5 4 12 6 6 4 4 10 14 2 1

rbi

Neutral: 3-3

tb slg%

4 10 56 125 0 14 59 132 0 0 15 60 1 2 24 48 0 4 26 72 0 1 18 47 1 1 17 52 3 3 14 52 0 1 29 54 0 3 30 65 0 1 24 61 0 0 5 10 0 0 7 3

.625 .670 .385 .457 .500 .382 .385 .464 .321 .389 .379 .244 .143

GNAC: 22-10

bb hp

so gdp

ob% sf sh sb-att

24 36 9 3 17 14 20 9 31 20 15 7 11

9 4 7 2 1 1 4 2 5 6 9 2 1

47 34 18 19 39 25 33 29 26 29 41 10 10

4 1 3 5 1 0 4 2 8 2 5 1 1

.457 .455 .406 .363 .402 .384 .409 .349 .403 .373 .358 .340 .412

1 5 3 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 5 0 1

2 11-14 93 1 0 0-0 96 148 9 0-1 69 128 4 0-0 196 20 2 2-3 98 10 7 3-3 48 2 8 4-5 47 4 2 5-5 34 2 3 1-1 327 14 6 1-2 103 62 5 2-2 18 62 0 0-0 43 7 1 0-0 66 6

.000

0-0

e fld% 3 .969 10 .961 9 .956 4 .982 1 .991 0 1.000 4 .927 2 .947 2 .994 7 .959 14 .851 0 1.000 1 .986

.000

Totals

.312

1735

357

542

101

9 40

324

781

.450

216 53

364

.400 25 49

29-36

1253

554

.964

Opponents

.300

1669

323

500

5 26

289

681

.408

226 54

357

.397 15 48

48-63

1262

525

.954

1 .000

LOB - Team (460), Opp (436). DPs turned - Team (34), Opp (41). TPs turned - Team (2). CI - Team (0), Opp (1). IBB - Team (16), Miller, B. 13, Reinschmidt 1, Nix 1, Sternhagen 1, Opp (7). Picked off - Miller, B. 1, Reinschmidt 1, Berkram 1, Sternhagen 1.

(All games Sorted by Earned run avg) Player

25 Tanner Johnson 32 Adam Cox 18 Lucas Blehm 8 Brady Muller 30 Jake Campeau 2 Lee Busto 21 Cody Cooper 27 Jake Mills 15 Griffen Pape -------------------19 Jacob Foley 29 Bryon Baker 3 Bret Bitow 17 Dylan Goldsack

era

w-l

sho

3.99 4.70 5.56 5.70 5.82 5.91 6.15 6.37 9.28

6-1 4-2 2-1 6-2 3-1 0-5 1-5 4-2 0-2

app gs

12 21 19 12 12 27 13 18 6

11 0 0 11 12 0 10 5 1

1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0

1/1 0/1 0/1 0/0 0/1 0/1 1/1 0/1 0/0

1 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 0

65.1 23.0 22.2 79.0 60.1 32.0 52.2 53.2 10.2

67 18 26 95 78 35 58 72 11

33 15 17 61 44 25 38 42 12

29 12 14 50 39 21 36 38 11

35 23 15 29 15 19 34 24 9

54 21 17 79 41 19 46 50 14

12 4 7 17 15 10 2 14 2

1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0

hr b/avg wp hp bk sfa sha

0 0 1 2 5 3 5 4 2

.260 11 12 .220 4 2 .289 4 0 .294 12 13 .321 5 5 .304 5 3 .284 4 6 .323 6 4 .262 0 3

1 1 0 1 0 1 2 2 0

0 1 1 0 3 4 1 3 1

5 3 3 6 5 7 8 6 1

6.35 8.44 16.20 17.47

0-1 1-1 0-0 0-0

5 4 2 6

0 0 0 0

0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

0 0 0 0

5.2 5.1 1.2 5.2

10 11 4 15

11 10 3 12

4 5 3 11

9 5 3 6

5 5 1 5

2 4 0 4

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 3

.385 .407 .571 .517

1 0 0 0

0 0 0 1

2 1 0 1

1 0 0 3

4 0 1 1

Totals

5.88

27-23

50 50

5/3

417.2

500

323

273

226

357

.300

55 54

9 15

Opponents

6.31

23-27

50 50

2/1

420.2

542

357

295

216

364

101

.312

36 53 14 25

PB - Team (15), Nix 12, Holbrook 2, Peterson 1, Opp (20). Pickoffs - Team (3), Blehm 1, Mills 1, Johnson 1, Opp (4). SBA/ATT - Holbrook (30-39), Nix (13-17), Cooper (9-12), Campeau (6-10), Muller (8-9), Johnson (8-9), Mills (6-8), Busto (3-7), Peterson (5-6), Pape (4-4), Cox (2-2), Baker (2-2).

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