Hitting wasn’t much of an issue for the ‘Jackets, averaging the second highest batting average and on-base percentage in the
conference.
At the plate they had three of the top five hitters in the conference including GNAC Player of the Year Brody Miller. The
shortstop/second baseman was named an all-American at the end of the season after batting .392 with 34 RBI’s and six home runs.
The pitching for the Yellowjackets was problematic in 2014 however. Having a conference worst 5.89 ERA, MSUB allowed six runs or
more in over half they games they played and gave up at least 10 runs on seven occasions.
IMPACT PLAYERS
The Good news for Montana State Billings is that it returns almost every starter from a season ago. Highlighting the group is Miller,
who was selected as a member of the NCBWA Preseason West Region first-team.
Also returning are the third and fourth best batting averages in the GNAC in juniors Luke Reinschmidt and Kevin Toon.
Reinschmidt, making the NCBWA first-team as well, batted .359 while tying for the conference lead in doubles (16) and triples (5).
He also became only the third player in GNAC history to hit for the cycle in 2014. Toon, named to the NCBWA second-team, wasn’t
too far behind his other two teammates batting .348 while having the fifth highest on-base percentage in the GNAC.
Outfielder/utility man Bret Bitow is also back for his senior season after starting all of the 44 games he played in last year. The
honorable mention GNAC selection tied with Reinschmidt for the conference lead in triples. He also showed off his power with five
home runs, especially late in the season by hitting two home runs in a single-game at the end of April.
The Yellowjacket outfield is getting back Casey Merritt who was second on the team in walks (19) and fielding percentage (.979).
Returning starting infielders and catchers include Blake Loran, Trevor Nix and Conner Holbrook while the starting pitchers include
GNAC honorable mention selection Brady Muller and senior Drew Christina. GNAC second-team relief pitcher Jake Mills also returns.
OUTLOOK
The Yellowjackets could potentially be more dangerous to the GNAC in 2015 than the coach’s give them credit for. Having so many
high-potent hitters returning to the lineup, MSUB has a chance to exceed its fifth place selection.
With a more experienced pitching staff and a couple of incoming JUCO arms, the pitching has a shot at improving from its 2014
season.
Once again, the Yellowjackets will spend the first half of their season on the road while playing at home for nearly all the second
half.
MSUB starts the season off with tough contests against Colorado State Pueblo, Azusa Pacific and Dixie State before starting its GNAC
season Feb. 28 against Central Washington.