GNAC Recap for Feb. 17

Central Washington 12, Stanislaus State 3 – Central Washington rebounded from a doubleheader sweep on Friday with a dominant 12-3 win over Stanislaus State in the third game of their series.

Kevin “Baba” Varner Jr. was unstoppable, going 5-for-6 with a double, a triple, four RBIs, and three runs scored. He consistently put pressure on the Stanislaus State defense, driving in runs in the first, sixth, and eighth innings. Other Wildcats like Brady Hinkle (3-for-6, 3 RBIs) and Marcus Manzardo (3 hits, 1 triple, 4 runs scored) also had strong offensive showings.

On the mound, Reid Rasmussen continued his impressive run with another dominant start. He pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out three Warriors. Drew Richardson came in relief for the final two innings, securing the win for Central Washington.

This win snaps a three-game losing streak for Central Washington and improves their record to 3-5. Stanislaus State falls to 3-3-1 with the loss. The two teams will wrap up their series on Sunday with a single game at noon.

#11 Colorado Mesa 10, MSU Billings 2 – The MSUB Yellowjackets (2-8) saw their bats struggle to silence the hot offense of #11 Colorado Mesa (5-3) in the final game of their series, falling 10-2.

Early fireworks from the Mavericks set the tone, plating four runs within the first two innings. MSUB clawed back in the fourth with a fielder’s choice and a timely base hit from Payton Flynn, narrowing the gap to 4-2. But the momentum wouldn’t stay, as Colorado Mesa strung together consistent hits, adding runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh to build an insurmountable lead.

Despite valiant efforts from MSUB’s bullpen, particularly Andy Evans’ 4.1 innings with just three hits allowed, the Yellowjackets couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Brian Baker and Kevin McClellan held the Mavericks scoreless in their relief appearances, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

The Yellowjackets play again beginning February 23rd at MSU Denver.