It's been a long wait but the UBC Thunderbirds are finally set to host their 2020 NAIA West home opener series with a pair of doubleheaders Friday and Saturday, February 29
th and March 1
st as they welcome the Oregon Tech Owls to Tourmaline West Stadium.
Fresh off a season-opening split against the Lewis-Clark State Warriors last weekend in Idaho, the T-Birds are looking to cement their status as a big bat, all-around threat.
Averaging 12 hits per game last weekend, the T-Birds also boast the third-best earned run average in conference play (5.23) and lead the way in fielding with just 0.67 errors per game.
Tourmaline West Stadium has been very kind to the 'Birds since opening two years ago. Since the start of the 2017-18 season, UBC has gone a very impressive 26-7 on their own field making it one of the toughest parks to play anywhere in the conference.
Last year against the Owls, UBC won the season series 7-1 including a 16-6 run differential in four home games.
First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is set for 12:00 p.m. PT at Tourmaline West Stadium. Sunday's double dip gets underway at 11:00 a.m. PT.
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Last Action
The T-Birds exploded at the plate putting up a total of 48 hits and 39 runs as they split their season opening series against the Lewis-Clark State Warriors in Lewiston, Idaho. UBC swept Saturday's doubleheader that saw the 'Birds score 11 runs in one inning alone, one shy of the program record.
This weekend serves as the NAIA West opener for the Owls who visited Marymount California last weekend for a four-game non-conference series. OIT dropped the first three games but picked up a 13-12 win in the finale.
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Players to Watch
Jaxon Valcke (#12, IF/OF) – With eight hits in 16 at bats last weekend along with four RBI while scoring six times, Valcke was named the conference's Red Lion Player of the Week. The junior leads the T-Birds with a .366 average.
Adam Maier (#25, RHP) – Picking up his first career win throwing five innings of relief last Saturday against LC, Maier allowed just one run on three hits while striking out five. The freshman righty was named Red Lion Pitcher of the Week for his efforts.
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Coach's Take
The T-Birds' performance as a whole at the plate last weekend was certainly pleasing to all, but they still feel they have a lot of improving to do.
"We did a good job of extending some at bats, drawing some walks and then when guys were out there we got some big hits," said UBC head coach
Chris Pritchett. "Still a long way to go but we're happy we were able to put some points up last weekend."
The team ran into a few injuries in Lewiston and as a result needed to shift some players around the field. But it's becoming apparent this is a group that adapts well to different scenarios.
"Definitely there is some versatility with this group and they did a really good job with where we plugged them in," added Pritchett. "We'll continue to rely on guys to move into different positions. When we recruited we recruited a bunch of short stops so they're easier to move into different parts of the infield and outfield and we're seeing some of that pay off now."
As for the Owls, they're a bit of an unknown this weekend but the 'Birds certainly expect a tough four games.
"They're a team historically who can hit and gets tougher as the year goes on. They've always been better than their record. They're claiming they've had their best recruiting class ever so I'm taking them at their word and assume they're going to be tough."
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