Friday, May 13, 2016

NAMPA, Idaho – Western Oregon continued its offensive barrage in game four of the GNAC Baseball Championships with an 18-1 victory over Montana State Billings, advancing the Wolves to the championship game at Northwest Nazarene.

In a role reversal of their first meeting in the tournament when the Yellowjackets cruised to a 10-2 victory, the Wolves were able to get on the board early and often with 10 runs in the first two innings.

First baseman Trevor Podratz got the Wolves on the board early with a three-run home run in the first inning after the first two runners reached base. The senior had a huge day at the plate, finishing 4 for 6 with four runs batted in and three runs scored.

After a four run first inning, the Wolves batted around in the second to score six runs on six hits. The offense was all GNAC Pitcher of the Year Brady Miller would need on the mound as he threw six innings with one run allowed and seven strikeouts.

Designated hitter Nathan Etheridge went 3 for 5 with five RBI, three runs scored and a three-run home run in the fifth inning. Third baseman Kyle Vanderkin went 3 for 6 with three runs scored and catcher Justin Wakem finished 3 for 5 with three RBI. Jacob Fricke pitched three shutout innings in relief for the Wolves.

Second baseman Colter Sternhagen had two hits for Montana State Billings and their lone run scored. Lee Busto pitched four shutout innings in relief, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts.

Western Oregon advances to the championship game of the tournament where they will play No. 1 seed Northwest Nazarene for the title for the second straight season.