PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University baseball team has moved up its 2016 season opening series due to the extended weather forecast. The Gorillas originally were slated to host the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) on Feb. 13-14 at Al Ortolani Field, but Pitt State will now meet the Cougars this Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 6-7).

First pitch is set for Noon both days.

The Gorillas return five position players who started 18 or more games in 2015 and four pitchers who started five or more games a year ago. Pitt State posted an 18-29 record.

Junior outfielder Christian Arnold batted a team-leading .422 with five doubles and three home runs in 2015, starting 18 of 24 games played. Sophomore infielder Andrew Vogelbaugh also hit .302 with a team-leading nine home runs and 44 RBI as a freshman last year.

Senior righthander Nick Brandecker posted a 2-3 record with a 4.19 ERA with two complete games among his six starts, while sophomore lefthander Blaine Fisher had a 3-4 record in 10 starts a year ago. Senior righthander Ryan McKay posted eight saves with a team-low 2.77 ERA in 18 appearances last season, while sophomore righthander Drake Hermann posted a 4-0 record in 18 relief appearances.

The Cougars posted a 15-35 overall record in 2015.