GAME PROGRAM INFO
Slippery Rock has moved away from printed game programs for all sports. This page will serve as the "Digital Game Program" for this week's game. To navigate to all gameday info for any SRU home events this year, simply visit rockathletics.com/gameday or scan the QR code on the "Gameday Info" posters hanging in each facility.
 

Slippery Rock vs. Walsh
The Rock (10-8)	Cavaliers (8-12)
Roster	Roster
Schedule	Schedule
Statistics	Statistics
Coach Jeff Messer	Coach Tim Mead
Program Records	Program Records
PSAC Standings
PSAC Leaders
PSAC Schedule
Jack Critchfield Park

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University baseball team hosts Walsh University for a non-conference game 3 p.m. Tuesday at Critchfield Park before embarking on a weekend Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division series against Pitt-Johnstown.
 
THE SCHEDULE
Tuesday: vs. Walsh (3 p.m. / Critchfield Park)
Friday: at Pitt-Johnstown (1 p.m. / Point Stadium)
Friday: at Pitt-Johnstown (3:30 p.m. / Point Stadium)
Saturday: vs. Pitt-Johnstown (1 p.m. / Critchfield Park)
Saturday: vs. Pitt-Johnstown (3:30 p.m. / Critchfield Park)
 
MOTHER NATURE IS UNPREDICTABLE
With the unpredictable spring weather in western Pennsylvania, fans are reminded that any time / location / date changes will be posted on rockathletics.com and all of SRU athletics' official social media accounts as information becomes available.
 
LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME
Fans are reminded that there are NO PETS allowed at Jack Critchfield Park, or in any SRU athletics facilities. Please do not bring dogs or any other pets to the game. Unless they are a verifiable registered service animal, you will be asked to remove your pet from the facility.
 
WATCH ON YOUR TV - "ROCK ATHLETICS DIGITAL NETWORK" APPS
• Fans can watch every pitch of this week's games at Critchfield Park live and on-demand for FREE on the Rock Athletics Digital Network, created and operated by the SRU athletic communication office.
 
• Search for Rock Athletics Digital Network in the app stores on Amazon Fire TV, Apple RV, Roku and Android TV devices. The streaming web player linked above will also integrate with Chrome Cast devices to allow viewers to cast the game to those devices.
 
MESSER FIELD DEDICATION SET FOR APRIL 25
At the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year Slippery Rock University's council of trustees approved a naming resolution to honor SRU baseball head coach Jeff Messer. Slippery Rock's home facility collectively will be named "Messer Field at Jack Critchfield Park." The official field dedication will take place prior to the start of The Rock's April 25 doubleheader against Clarion.
 
WALSH GAME DETAILS
Opponent: Walsh University
Game #: 19
Date: Tuesday (3 p.m.) – Critchfield Park
Video: Link
Live Stats: Link
All-Time Series: SRU leads 11-8
Last Played: April 8, 2025 (SRU won 8-5)
 
WALSH SERIES HISTORY
Slippery Rock swept a home and away non-conference series against Walsh a season ago with a 5-3 win March 18 on the road and an 8-5 victory April 8 at Critchfield Park. The two wins improved The Rock's all-time record against the Cavaliers to 11-8.
 
Top Rock Performers vs. Walsh
Treston Nemeth: .500 (3-6) - 3 Runs - 1 RBI - 3 BB - 1 SB (2 Games)
Clay Wiesen: .333 (2-6) - 1 Run - 1 RBI - 2 BB - 1 SB (2 Games)
Michael Kitko: 1-0 - 0.00 ERA - 4 K / 0 BB - 3 IP (1 Appearance)
Joey Vanzin: 0-0 - 2.25 ERA - 4 K / 1 BB - 4 IP (2 Appearances)
 
PITT-JOHNSTOWN SERIES DETAILS
Opponent: Pitt-Johnstown
Games #: 20-21
Date: Friday (1 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.) – Point Stadium
Video: Link
Live Stats: Link
Games #: 22-23
Date: Saturday (1 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.) – Critchfield Park
Video: Link
Live Stats: Link
All-Time Series: SRU leads 61-32
Last Played: March 22, 2026 (SRU swept doubleheader)
 
PITT-JOHNSTOWN SERIES HISTORY
Slippery Rock has won eight of its last nine games against Pitt-Johnstown, including a four-game series sweep in 2025, to improve its all-time record versus the Mountain Cats to 61-32.
 
Top Rock Performers vs. Pitt-Johnstown
Michael Kitko: .444 (12-27) – 3 Runs – 8 RBI – 2 2B – 2 BB (8 Games)
Gage Gillott: .455 (10-22) – 7 Runs – 4 RBI – 2 2B – 2 BB – 3 SB (7 Games)
Brandon Butler: .294 (5-17) – 1 Run – 7 RBI (6 Games)
Clay Wiesen: .462 (6-13) – 3 Runs – 3 2B – 2 BB (4 Games)
Nate Malak: 1-0 – 12 IP – 0.00 ERA – 10 K / 2 BB - .146 OBA (2 Appearances)
Gage Gillott: 0-1 – 5.2 IP – 1.59 ERA – 5 K / 4 BB - .167 OBA (1 Appearance)
Parker Hogge: 1-0 – 9.1 IP – 3.86 ERA – 8 K / 7 BB - .189 OBA (2 Appearances)
Mark Wilbur: 1 Save – 3 IP – 0.00 ERA – 4 K / 0 BB - .100 OBA (1 Appearance)
Joey Vanzin: 1 Save – 1.1 IP - 0.00 ERA – 2 K / 1 BB - .000 OBA (1 Appearance)

SLIPPERY ROCK PRIMER
• Stats: Link
• Roster: Link
• NCBWA Atlantic Region Top 10: 8th
• Overall Record: 10-8
• PSAC West Record: 0-4
• PSAC West Standings: 8th
• Home Record: 7-6
• Away Record: 0-2
• Neutral Site Record: 3-0
• Streak: L4
• Last 5 Games: 1-4
• Head Coach: Jeff Messer | 41st season (1,164-768-5 / .603)
 
LAST TIME OUT
Slippery Rock opened Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division competition against No. 28 Seton Hill University. The Rock dropped four games to the nationally ranked Griffins.
 
Game 1: SHU 12 – SRU 6
Game 2: SHU 10 – SRU 7
Game 3:  SHU 7 – SRU 3
Game 4: SHU 10 – SRU 8
 
MIDWEEK SUCCESS
Tuesday's game against Walsh marks The Rock's first midweek game of the 2026 season. Slippery Rock is 20-9 in midweek games over the last four years.
 
SRU will be busy on Tuesdays throughout the remainder of the year as midweek games against Walsh (March 24 / Home, April 14 / Away), Fairmont State (March 31 / Away), Ashland (April 21 / Away) and Point Park (April 28 / Home) are all on the docket.
 
Slippery Rock has won eight consecutive midweek regular season games dating back to the end of 2024.
 
Midweek Winning Streak
2025: Point Park (13-9)
2025: Ashland (7-6)
2025: West Liberty (10-0)
2025: Cedarville (7-6)
2025: Walsh (8-5)
2025: Mansfield (5-2)
2025: Walsh (5-3)
2024: Notre Dame College (14-1 / RIP)
 
THE ROCK IN BRIEF
• Through 18 games, Slippery Rock has averaged 7.1 runs per game while giving up 5.7.
 
• On the mound, The Rock's pitching staff ranks fifth in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.71), 13th in strikeouts per nine innings (9.6) and 17th in walks allowed per nine innings (3.56).
 
• Offensively, SRU holds a team slash line of .306/.407/.464. 58 of The Rock's 161 hits (36 percent) in 2026 have been of the extra base variety (42 doubles / 7 triples / 9 home runs). For context, SRU's percentage of hits that went for extra bases in 2025 was .267 and in 2024 was .312.
 
• Slippery Rock has owned the middle stages of games as its scored 46 runs over the fourth and fifth innings of contests while allowing 24 (+22).
 
HOME SWEET HOME
Since Critchfield Park's stadium renovation in 2020, Slippery Rock has recorded a 91-52 (.636) overall regular season home record including a 50-16 (.758) mark against opponents from outside the PSAC West in home games.
 
GET A LEAD, KEEP A LEAD
When Slippery Rock makes it through the early stages of a game with a lead it has rarely squandered a win in 2026. SRU enters the Walsh game 5-1 when holding a lead after four innings. That record balloons to 8-1 when leading after five innings and 9-1 when taking a lead into the seventh inning.
 
THE ROCK OFFENSE
• Of the eight Rock athletes that have started at least 13 games this season, all have an on-base percentage of at least .333 with six compiling batting averages of at least .300.
 
• Right fielder Darryn Callahan, who has reached base in 14 straight games, enters the Walsh game with a slash line of .396/.492/.642 to go with 14 runs scored, two home runs and a team-best 16 RBIs.
 
• 11 of first baseman Stone Powell's 23 hits this season have been doubles. Powell, who ranks fourth in the nation in doubles per game (0.61), has matched Callahan for the team-lead in runs scored all the while batting .377 with a .472 on-base percentage, one home run and 10 RBIs.
 
• A bright spot of the Seton Hill series came from shortstop Jake Robinson, who collected four hits in 10 at-bats against the Griffins to go with four walks and seven RBIs. Robinson brings a 12-game reached base streak into the week that has upped his season statistics to 12 runs, 14 RBIs, a .326 batting average and .431 on-base percentage.
 
• SRU could not have asked for a better first eight games to his season than what second baseman Clay Wiesen has provided. In addition to being one of the top defensive second basemen in entire PSAC, Wiesen is hitting .375 with 12 runs, one home run, four RBIs and a .483 on-base percentage.
 
• After going just 6-for-29 over his first eight starts of the season, catcher Treston Nemeth has been on a tear over The Rock's last 10 games going 12-for-30 (.400) with seven runs and seven RBIs over that time range. In total, Nemeth is batting .305 with a .388 on-base percentage. Seven of his 18 hits have been doubles.
 
• One of four Rock athletes to start all 18 games in 2026, left fielder Gage Gillott carries a .310 batting average, .474 on-base percentage, 11 runs, one home run, 10 RBIs and a team-best six stolen bases into the Walsh game.
 
• Max Bernadowski has split his 14 starts on the year between second base (10) and more recently third base (4) – alongside Brandon Butler (10). At the plate, Bernadowski has scored 13 runs as well as slugging two home runs and driving in nine on a .302 batting average and .380 on-base percentage.
 
• Michael Kitko, who has served as SRU's primary designated hitter in 2026, opens the week ranked 15th in Division II's "toughest to strikeout" statistic with just one strikeout every 17.7 at-bats. Kitko is tied for the team lead in home runs (2) as well as scoring 11 runs, posting 14 RBIs and hitting .283 with a .333 on-base percentage. Seven of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases.
 
• Morgen Billotte has made 13 starts in centerfield for The Rock. He's scored 12 runs with 10 RBIs and a .354 on-base percentage. When Billotte isn't in centerfield he's been spelled by Luke Anderton (.350/.458/.400, 6 Runs, 4 RBIs, 20 At-Bats).
 
THE ROCK PITCHING STAFF
• Six Rock pitchers have made multiple starts through SRU's first 18 games.
 
• Nate Malak (2-2, 21.1 IP, 16 K / 6 BB) and Zachary Hare (2-0, 13.1 IP, 21 K / 12 BB, 4.72 ERA, .220 OBA) have each been in Slippery Rock's rotation the last three weekends.
 
• Cole Grady (0-0, 12 IP, 13 K / 7 BB, 5.25 ERA, .294 OBA), Michael Kitko (0-0, 15.2 IP, 18 K / 6 BB), Parker Hogge (3-1, 13.2 IP, 11 K / 3 BB, .275 OBA) and Gage Gillott (0-2, 6.1 IP , 7 K / 3 BB) have all logged multiple starts on the mound this year as well.
 
• The duo of Mark Wilbur and Joey Vanzin have been Slippery Rock's top bullpen options so far this year.
 
• In eight appearances, Wilbur has gone 1-2 with four saves, a 4.24 ERA, 20 strikeouts and just four walks across 17 innings. Vanzin is 1-1 with one save and a 4.02 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched over seven appearances. Opponents are hitting just .283 off Vanzin, who also has 20 strikeouts with only four walks surrendered.
 
• Also having solid openings to the season out of the bullpen is Nolan Comerford (0-0, 1.80 ERA, 5 IP, .222 OBA, 7 K / 2 BB) and Kyle Warnsman (1-0, 4.50 ERA, 4 IP).
 
• The youthful contingent of Tyler Slone (1.2 IP), Owen Malak (1.0 IP), Dawson Wallace (0.1 IP) and Carter Wilson (0.1 IP) have all made one relief appearance.
 
HITTING WHEN IT MATTERS (RISP)
1. Treston Nemeth: .500 (11-22)
2. Jake Robinson: .471 (8-17)
3. Darryn Callahan: .400 (8-20)
4. Morgen Billotte: .389 (7-18)
5. Michael Kitko: .381 (8-21)
6. Stone Powell: .333 (6-18)
 
ACTIVE REACHED BASE STREAKS
1. Darryn Callahan: 14 games
2. Jake Robinson: 12 games
t3. Treston Nemeth: 10 games
t3. Max Bernadowski: 10 games
 
MESSER 10 WINS FROM ANOTHER MILESTONE
Slippery Rock head coach Jeff Messer begins the week with 1,164 wins, just 10 away from tying John Goelz (Sonoma State, 1985-24) for seventh place on Division II baseball's career wins ledger.
 
DII Coaching Wins (All-Time)
1. John Schaly (Ashland, Active): 1,365
2. Mike Metheny (Southeastern Ok., 1981-17): 1,324
3. Joe Roberts (Armstrong, 1980-13): 1,314
4. Tom Thomas (Valdosta State, 1968-07): 1,308
5. Charlie Migl (St. Mary's, 1987-21): 1,246
6. Greg Guilliams (Flagler, Active): 1,226
7. John Goelz (Sonoma State, 1985-24): 1,174
8. Jeff Messer (Slippery Rock): 1,164
9. Mike Sansing (Shorter/Kennesaw, 1989-21): 1,158
10. Carl Lancaster (Mount Olive, 1987-18): 1,134
 
DII Coaching Wins (Active)
1. John Schaly (Ashland): 1,365
2. Greg Guilliams (Flagler): 1,226
3. Jeff Messer (Slippery Rock): 1,164
4. Chris Hanks (Colorado Mesa): 1,137
5. Joe Urso (Tampa): 1,084
 
RECORD WATCH
Saves
1. Wyatt Daugherty (2016-19): 18
2. John Kovalik (2011-14): 16
3. Ken Ord (1987-90): 14
4. Mark Wilbur: 13
------
t10. Larry Ryan (1985-87): 6
t10. Nick Armstrong (2002-05): 6
t12. Joey Vanzin: 5
t12. Michael Kitko: 5
t12. James Divosevic (2014-17): 5
t12. Brad Tomco (1999-00): 5
t12. Dan Herisko (2005-06): 5
 
Strikeouts (17-20)
17. Matt Gordon (2016-18): 142
18. George Hebert (2009-11): 139
19. Kevin Talmadge (1991-94): 137
20. Joby Lapkowicz (2010-12): 133
Top Active: Nate Malak: 130
 
UPCOMING STAT MILESTONES FOR SRU
Hits
Gage Gillott: 13 from 125
Michael Kitko: 16 from 125
Brandon Butler: 8 from 100
Treston Nemeth: 11 from 75
Stone Powell: 14 from 75
Runs Scored
Gage Gillott: 1 from 75
Michael Kitko: 9 from 75
RBI
Michael Kitko: 6 from 75
Doubles
Stone Powell: 4 from 25
Michael Kitko: 5 from 25
Gage Gillott: 6 from 25
Games Played
Brandon Butler: 5 from 100
Gage Gillott: 7 from 100
Wins
Nate Malak: 3 from 15
Gage Gillott: 4 from 15
Parker Hogge: 2 from 10
Saves
Mark Wilbur: 2 from 15
Innings Pitched
Nate Malak: 24 from 175
Gage Gillott: 8 from 125
Parker Hogge: 20.1 from 125
Mark Wilbur: 0.2 from 100
Strikeouts
Nate Malak: 20 from 150
Mark Wilbur: 15 from 125
Gage Gillott: 20 from 125
Parker Hogge: 16 from 100
*Only stats for games played at SRU
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
March 31: at Fairmont State
April 3: at IUP (DH Game 1)
April 3: at IUP (DH Game 2)
April 4: vs. IUP (DH Game 1)
April 28: vs. IUP (DH Game 2)
 
WALSH PRIMER
• Stats: Link
• Roster: Link
• Overall Record: 8-12
• Home Record: 1-3
• Away Record: 6-3
• Neutral Site Record: 1-6
• Streak: W1
• Last 5 Games: 2-3
• Head Coach: Tim Mead | 41st season (967-982-7 / .496)
 
LAST 5 GAMES
March 22: vs. Ashland (W, 11-10)
March 21: vs. Ashland (L, 6-1)
March 21: vs. Ashland (L, 3-1)
March 20: vs. Ashland (L, 7-2)
March 15: at Tiffin (W, 13-7)
 
TOP HITTERS
Mason Stoldt: .356 (26-73) – 17 Runs – 4 HR - 21 RBI – 4 SB - .429 OB%
Chris Kramer: .352 (25-71) – 15 Runs – 2 HR - 15 RBI – 11 SB - .442 OB%
Ryan Bruni: .323 (21-65) – 11 Runs – 15 RBI – 3 SB - .429 OB%
Brodey Acres: .316 (25-79) – 23 Runs – 4 HR - 18 RBI – 6 SB - .413 OB%
Bryce Boone: .242 (15-62) – 10 Runs – 12 RBI – 8 SB - .395 OB%
 
PITT-JOHNSTOWN PRIMER
• Stats: Link
• Roster: Link
• Overall Record: 10-13
• PSAC West Record: 1-3
• PSAC West Standings: t-4th
• Home Record: 2-3
• Away Record: 2-6
• Neutral Site Record: 6-4
• Streak: L1
• Last 5 Games: 1-4
• Head Coach: George Roberts | 41st season (25-46 / .352)
 
LAST 5 GAMES
March 22: at California (L, 5-0)
March 22: at California (W, 3-2)
March 21: vs. California (L, 7-3)
March 21: vs. California (L, 11-2)
March 15: at Millersville (L, 4-0)
 
TOP HITTERS
Alex Eberling: .328 (22-67) – 16 Runs – 7 RBI – 2 SB - .430 OB%
Calvin Iseminger: .262 (16-61) – 8 Runs – 1 HR - 10 RBI – .373 OB%
Karson Reffner: .396 (19-48) – 4 Runs – 12 RBI – .420 OB%
Brody Roberts: .228 (13-57) – 14 Runs – 6 RBI – 1 SB - .348 OB%
Tyler Danko: .226 (12-53) – 9 Runs – 1 HR - 9 RBI – 2 SB - .333 OB%
 
TOP PITCHERS
Brian Pirone: 2-1 – 27.2 IP – 3.25 ERA –  36 K / 14 BB - .300 OBA
Jared Dowey: 3-2 – 30.1 IP – 3.26 ERA –  29 K / 9 BB - .224 OBA
Aiden Coleman: 0-2 – 20 IP – 4.95 ERA –  18 K / 13 BB - .257 OBA
Ben Tomb: 1-3 – 21.1 IP – 8.44 ERA –  16 K / 13 BB - .347 OBA
Roman Donis: 0-1, 1 Save – 10.2 IP – 3.37 ERA –  16 K / 6 BB - .286 OBA
 
UP NEXT
Slippery Rock travels to Fairmont State University for a 2 p.m. March 31 non-conference game.





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