ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington Baseball begins its four-game series against Stanislaus State Friday at 1:00 p.m. The 'Cats are looking to rebound from a tough 8-9 loss to Academy of Art.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Games 1 & 2: Friday, February 17^th at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Games 3 & 4: Saturday, February 18^th at noon and 3:00 p.m.
Stanislaus State
Turlock California
Warrior Baseball Field
 
LAST TIME OUT
The 'Cats fell 8-9 to Academy of Art on Tuesday. Former LSU tiger Alex Brady started the game and threw a fantastic five innings allowing no runs and striking out three batters. In the top of the 7^th, Academy of Art took the 6-5 lead off a single from Rizzo that scored Henderson. In the top of the 8^th, the 'Cats scored three runs regaining the lead, 8-6.
 
Academy of Art mounted a comeback in the 8th. A flyout from Levine scored Niki. Travis Turney gave the Knights the 9-8 lead by nailing a double to left center. In the last inning, the Wildcats couldn't score against Fernando Duenas and the Knights took the 9-8 victory.

Kevin "Baba" Varner Jr. leads CWU's offense with a .382 batting average on 13 hits, four doubles, one homer, and six RBIs. Travis Helm leads the team with 11 runs batted in on 10 hits. Five Wildcats have gone yard so far this season.

Brayde Hirai and Aaron Robertson have wins on the mound. Hirai threw an eight-inning two-hit shutout against Cal State East Bay which earned him GNAC pitcher of the week. Robertson got the win, throwing 4.2 innings in the 'Cats 13-7 victory over Cal State East Bay. He allowed four hits and recorded one strikeout.
 
SCOUTING STANISLAUS STATE
The Warriors are 4-2 coming off a 3-0 victory over Menlo College on Tuesday. Stanislaus State had nine pitchers throw for a combined 2 hit shutout. Stanislaus State's nine pitchers struck out ten batters and walked five. At the plate for the Warriors, Flavio Perez went 2-3 with two RBIs.
 
Perez leads Stanislaus State's offense with a .478 batting average, 11 hits, four doubles, a home run, and 12 RBIs. Additionally, Kyle Rachels is hitting .316 on six hits and three doubles. Rachels has driven in six runs so far this season.

Austin Balentine has made the most of his time on the mound for the Warriors. Through 7.2 innings pitched, he hasn't allowed a run, fanned 10 batters, and recorded one save.
Other notable arms the 'Cats could face are Casey Car (8 IP, 3.38 ERA), Tony Jacob (1IP, 2Ks), LaKeal Morris (3 IP, ERA 0.00), and Noah Chelberg (2.2 IP, 2 Ks).
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Next week, the 'Cats open up GNACTION with their first home games of the season. Central Washington hosts Western Oregon in a doubleheader on Friday (11 AM/2 PM) followed by a doubleheader with Saint Martin's (11 AM/2 PM) on Sunday.