The Matchup
Following a perfect 4-0 start to open up the brand new Thunderbird Park last weekend, the UBC Thunderbirds (8-7, 14-17) remain at home for a five-game series against the College of Idaho Yotes (3-12, 10-21) starting with a doubleheader Friday, March 30.
The 'Birds appear to be hitting their stride as the NAIA enters the second half of the conference schedule as UBC hosts their second of three straight home series. The T-Birds went 2-1 against the Yotes in Caldwell earlier this month with the final game of the series snowed out. As a result, the first contest Friday will be a makeup game to officially close out the previous series.
UBC enters the weekend a half game behind the Corban Warriors for second in the NAIA West Grouping but with a game in hand.
First pitch for the makeup game is set for 3:00 p.m. PT Friday followed by the first game of the home series at 6:00 p.m. PT. Saturday's doubleheader kicks off at 1:00 p.m. PT while the series finale is scheduled for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. PT.
Last Action
The 'Birds swept the visiting Oregon Tech Hustlin' Owls in last weekend's four-game series to open up the new stadium. Two of those went to extra innings, including a thrilling 7-6 win in 14 to cap off Saturday's doubleheader. The T-Birds closed out the series with a convincing 13-2 victory.
C of I dropped three of four last weekend at home to Corban. The Yotes' lone victory snapped a five-game losing skid while they enter this weekend having lost 10 of their last 13.
By the Numbers
.750 – The 'Birds are 3-1 in extra innings this season including both last weekend. UBC has also won six of their last eight games overall and can move up to second in the NAIA West with a good showing this weekend.
8.23 – A solid weekend on the mound helped the 'Birds lower their average hits allowed per game to a conference best 8.23.
Players to Watch
Jaxon Valcke (#6, IF/OF) – The rookie out of Ontario made history hitting the first ever home run at the new Thunderbird Park last Friday. Valcke finished the four game series with a total of six hits, four RBI, and two runs to earn conference Player of the Week honours.
Brad Smith (#22, LHP) – The senior lefty pitched an incredible seven innings of relief to pick up the win in last Friday's 14 inning victory over Oregon Tech. Smith allowed just one hit with three earned runs while striking out a career high nine batters earning the conference's Pitcher of the Week award.
Coach's Take
Solid, aggressive base running was one of the keys to the Thunderbirds' success last weekend and it's something UBC head coach
Chris Pritchett is looking to keep up as his squad faces the Yotes.
"It's something we worked on last week, we've worked on it again this week and it's important, it's an aspect of the game that a lot of people overlook," said Pritchett who also feels finally being able to settle into their new field is a big mid-season boost. "We're starting to settle into a routine which is important in baseball and that's going to help us going forward."
The Yotes may come in with the worst record in the NAIA West but they're a hungry team with an ability to make you pay if they get enough runners on base.
"They're really good at playing small ball with the bottom of their lineup," said Pritchett. "They're really efficient hit and running, they're good at bunting and moving runners around and reading balls, their base running is outstanding. I think if we play well we'll do well in the series but the challenge for both teams is five games in three days, that's a lot of innings to cover from a pitching standpoint."
