PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University baseball team will open MIAA play this weekend when the Gorillas host Fort Hays State University for a three-game series beginning Friday (Feb. 28). Pitt State and FHSU will meet at 3 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 29) and Noon Sunday (Mar. 1).

The Gorillas enter the weekend action on a five-game winning streak with an 8-6 overall record. Pitt State swept a pair of split doubleheaders against Upper Iowa University and Truman State University last weekend. The Tigers are 10-6 on the season. FHSU will look to halt a three-game losing streak after a 10-3 start to the year.

Pitt State is batting .287 on the young season and scoring 7.3 runs per game. Junior outfielder Blain Ohlmeier and senior infielder Tyson Cushman share the team leading with .375 batting averages. Junior infielder Dawson Pomeroy also is hitting .367 with two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs. Senior designated hitter Reece Garvie is batting .279 with two home runs and a team-best 13 RBIs.

The Pitt State pitching staff has a 6.33 team ERA with 117 strikeouts in 118 inning pitched. Junior lefthanders Chandler Mauldin (1-2, 4.08 ERA) and Tanner Lane (1-1, 5.27 ERA) and junior righthander Zach Curry (1-1, 15.68 ERA) all have made four starts on the season. Senior righthander Nick Brown (2-0, 1.42 ERA) has made five relief appearances with 13 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings pitched.