Montana State University Billings baseball achieved a historic milestone, sweeping the GNAC weekly awards after a significant series win against Saint Martin's. Coach Derek Waddoups secured his 136th career victory, making him the most successful coach in the program's history. Player of the Week River Smith excelled with seven extra-base hits, while Sam Coxen earned Pitcher of the Week for a stellar seven-inning shutout. This strong performance lifted the Yellowjackets to an overall record of 18-17, reinforcing their position in the GNAC standings.

By the Numbers
  • Derek Waddoups has 136 career wins, surpassing Rob Bishop’s 135.
  • River Smith's slugging percentage was 1.500 with 7 hits, including 2 homers and 5 doubles.
  • Sam Coxen achieved a 1.19 ERA over 22.2 innings pitched during the series.
  • The Yellowjackets averaged 8.25 runs per game over the series.
Yes, But

While the Yellowjackets celebrated their victories, they faced a setback in the last game of the series, losing 4-3 due to a late error. This indicates areas needing improvement to retain their momentum going forward.

State of Play
  • Montana State Billings is currently 18-17 overall and 12-8 in GNAC play.
  • The team is tied for second place in the GNAC standings, preparing for an upcoming five-game series against Western Oregon.
  • Waddoups' rotation consistently performed well, with quality starts contributing significantly to the team's success.
What's Next

The Yellowjackets are gearing up for a crucial road series against Western Oregon, which will play a key role in securing their GNAC Championship berth. Success in this series could solidify their standing as they aim for the playoffs.

Bottom Line

Montana State Billings baseball is riding a wave of success driven by historic coaching milestones and standout player performances. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial as they prepare for future challenges, particularly in their upcoming matchups against GNAC rivals.