The Matchup
Since opening up their brand new park, the UBC Thunderbirds (13-7, 19-17) have been on fire, working on a nine-game win streak which will be put to the test when the home stand continues this weekend hosting the No. 4 Lewis-Clark State Warriors for a four-game series starting Friday, April 6.
Undefeated at Thunderbird Park this season, the 'Birds are looking for their first 10-game conference win streak since the 2013-14 season.
As the T-Birds look to snap up one of two NAIA West playoff berths, this weekend will provide a good test to see how UBC has progressed since last facing the Warriors in Lewiston in early March. The 'Birds went 1-3 against LC, handing the Warriors their only conference loss of the season to date.
First pitch for Friday's doubleheader is 3:00 p.m. PT at Thunderbird Park. Saturday's game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT and the series finale is set for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. PT.
Last Action
UBC earned their second straight series sweep, going a perfect 5-0 against the College of Idaho Yotes. Aside from a 6-0 win in the second half of Saturday's doubleheader, the series was closely fought with three of the five games decided by a single run.
The Warriors swept their five game series over Corban to make it 11 straight wins in conference play and 12 straight overall.
By the Numbers
9.14 – UBC's average number of hits per game, a number that's been on the rise since the start of the season. The 'Birds managed 25 hits in last Saturday's doubleheader alone.
8.44 – The 'Birds pitching staff lead the conference with 8.44 strikeouts per game. UBC's 304 total strikeouts are also good for tenth most in all of NAIA.
Players to Watch
Anthony Cusati (#23, C/IF) – Cusati had one of his best performances at the plate as a Thunderbird going a combined 4/9 during Saturday's doubleheader with five RBI. The senior catcher finished the weekend with six total hits, three of them for extra bases including a home run, and six RBI.
James Bradwell (#55, RHP) – The junior pitcher had a tremendous start Saturday going seven shutout innings allowing just five hits, no walks, and striking out seven to pick up his second win of the season. Bradwell has allowed just five earned runs over his last three starts.
Coach's Take
The Thunderbirds are working on their longest conference win streak in four years and UBC head coach
Chris Pritchett believes their overall confidence level continues to grow.
"We've had a couple games that were close that we came back in and I think that more than anything gives them confidence knowing if things don't start off well at the beginning of the game, there's no panic button pushed because they know they can come back," said Pritchett who is certainly happy with the progress his team has made throughout the season. "I really like the way things have been heading, but I think that (Lewis-Clark) is also the litmus test, that's the gauge."
Beating the three-time defending NAIA champions is certainly no easy task, but it's a good matchup for both sides with the 'Birds going 5-3 in the regular season against the Warriors last year.
"We like playing them, it usually brings out the best in us because we know we have to play really well to beat them and I think the feeling's mutual," said Pritchett. "You have to earn everything against them. They're fundamentally sound, their at-bat adjustments are terrific. Pitchers have to be on their game because they're constantly changing up and finding ways to beat you and defensively they rarely make mistakes."
