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. IUP
The Rock (15-9, 3-5)	Crimson Hawks (12-12, 3-5)
Roster	Roster
Schedule	Schedule
Statistics	Statistics
Coach Jeff Messer	Coach Steve Kline
Program Records	Program Records
PSAC Standings
PSAC Leaders
PSAC Schedule
Jack Critchfield Park

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University baseball team returns to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division competition with a four-game weekend series against Indiana University (Pa.).
 
SERIES SCHEDULE
The Rock and Crimson Hawks play two games Friday at IUP followed by a doubleheader Saturday at Critchfield Park. First pitch on game one both days is set for 1 p.m.
 
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 Saturday's doubleheader 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.

IUP SERIES DETAILS
Opponent: Indiana University (Pa.)
Games 25-26: Friday (1 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.) – Dougherty Field
Live Stats: Link
Games 27-28: Saturday (1 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.) – Critchfield Park
Video: Link
Live Stats: Link
All-Time Series: SRU leads 122-92
Last Played: March 29, 2025 (split doubleheader)
 
SERIES HISTORY
Slippery Rock holds a 122-92 record against IUP in a series that traces back to 1968. Of late, The Rock and Crimson Hawks have traded four-game series victories with SRU taking three of four games from IUP in 2024 and Indiana returning the favor with three wins in last year's set.
 
Top Rock Performers vs. IUP
Brandon Butler: .320 (8-25) – 4 Runs – 5 RBI – 3 BB (8 Games)
Gage Gillott: 1-0 – 7 IP – 0.00 ERA – 5 K / 4 BB - .091 OBA (1 Appearance)
Gage Gillott: .360 (9-25) – 3 Runs – 3 RBI – 1 BB – 4 SB (7 Games)
Michael Kitko: .296 (8-27) – 6 Runs – 3 RBI – 2 BB (8 Games)
Michael Kitko: 1-0, 1 Save – 4.50 ERA – 8 K / 4 BB - .217 OBA (3 Appearances)
Treston Nemeth: .365 (4-11) – 1 Run – 1 HR - 3 RBI – 1 BB (4 Games)
Stone Powell: .429 (3-7) – 1 Run – 1 RBI – 2 BB – 1 SB (3 Games)
Joey Vanzin: 0-1 – 2.1 IP – 3.86 ERA – 3 K / 0 BB (1 Appearance)
 
SLIPPERY ROCK PRIMER
• Stats: Link
• Roster: Link
• NCBWA Atlantic Region Top 10: 8th
• Overall Record: 15-9
• PSAC West Record: 3-5
• PSAC West Standings: t-4th
• Home Record: 10-6
• Away Record: 2-3
• Neutral Site Record: 3-0
• Streak: W4
• Last 5 Games: 4-1
• Head Coach: Jeff Messer | 41st season (1,169-769-5 / .603)
 
ROCK LEADERS
Hitting
Hits: Stone Powell – 34
Runs: Stone Powell – 20
Doubles: Stone Powell – 12
Home Runs: Powell/Kitko/Callahan – 3
RBIs: Michael Kitko – 23
Walks: Gage Gillott – 21
Batting Average: Stone Powell – .395
On-Base %: Gage Gillott – .495
Slugging %: Stone Powell – ..663
OPS: Stone Powell – 1.123
 
Pitching
Wins: Kyle Warnsman / Parker Hogge – 3
Saves: Mark Wilbur - 4
ERA: Joey Vanzin – 3.26
WHIP: Parker Hogge / Joey Vanzin  - 1.29
Opp. Batting Average: Zachary Hare – .194
Innings Pitched: Nate Malak – 21.1
Strikeouts: Zachary Hare – 29
 
LAST TIME OUT
Slippery Rock picked up its fifth win in the last six games with a 13-5 victory Tuesday at Fairmont State University.

EARLY SEASON STANDINGS CHECK
Slippery Rock and IUP enter this weekend's series holding matching PSAC West records of 3-5, which places them in a three-way tie with Gannon for fourth place in the division standings behind Seton Hill (8-0), California (7-1) and Clarion (4-3).
 
With every team in the PSAC West still having at least 20 conference games to play, the divisional standings are almost guaranteed to fluctuate over the next month heading into the 2026 PSAC Tournament May 6-9 at Critchfield Park.
 
In a shift in format form past years, the top five teams in the divisional standings from both the PSAC West and PSAC East at the end of the regular season qualify for this year's single-elimination tournament.
 
Slippery Rock has qualified for the PSAC Tournament in three of the last four years.
 
THE ROCK'S RECORD WHEN/IN…
• In 1-Run Games: 4-0
• When Scoring 6-9 Runs: 6-4
• When Scoring 10+ Runs: 5-0
• When Holding Opponents to 3-5 Runs: 8-3
• When Leading After 5 Innings: 12-1
• When Out-Hitting Opponents: 11-0
 
ROCK PITCHING STAFF AMONG D2'S BEST
Slippery Rock's pitching staff enters the month of April ranked sixth among 249 Division II teams in strikeouts per nine innings (10.0), 10th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.52), 32nd in WHIP (3.98) and 40th in ERA (4.86).
 
ROCK INDIVIDUALS ON D2 LEADERBOARDS (Top 100)
• Stone Powell: Doubles per game (Seventh / 0.50)
• Mark Wilbur: Saves (24th / 4)
• Michael Kitko: Toughest to Strikeout (28th / 1 strikeout every 15.6 at-bats)
• Treston Nemeth: Toughest to Strikeout (35th / 1 strikeout every 14.4 at-bats)
• Joey Vanzin: Saves (51st / 3)
• Stone Powell: Total doubles (53rd / 12)
• Treston Nemeth: Doubles per game (56th / 0.41)
• Gage Gillott: Walks per game (71st / 0.88)
 
STACKING UP EXTRA-BASE HITS
81 of The Rock's 230 hits (35.2 percent) in 2026 have been of the extra base variety (57 doubles / 10 triples / 14 home runs). For context, SRU's percentage of hits that went for extra bases in 2025 was .267 and in 2024 was .312. The last time SRU closed a season with at least 35 percent of its total hits being for extra bases was in 2023 (.373).  
 
THE IUP SERIES BY THE NUMBERS
Offensively Speaking
• Through 24 games Slippery Rock has averaged 7.4 runs per game on 9.6 hits and 4.4 walks a contest. Collectively, SRU is hitting .318 with a.413 team on-base percentage.
 
• Slippery Rock leads the conference in doubles (57) and doubles per game (2.38) while ranking third in the 16-team PSAC in batting average, fourth in hits and fourth in runs scored pr game.
 
• IUP enters the weekend with per game averages of 6.3 runs, 8.0 hits and 4.3 walks while batting .278 with a .382 on-base percentage. The Crimson Hawks rank in the middle of the PSAC in most offensive statistics with their highest ranking coming in home runs (6th / 20) and home runs per game (6th / 0.83).
 
The Pitching Staffs
• The Rock's pitching staff has limited opponents to 4.8 runs per game on 8.1 hits and 3.2 walks surrendered a game while possessing a 4.86 staff ERA and .283 opponent batting average.
 
• Crimson Hawks pitchers hold a 6.43 team ERA with opponents hitting .285 helping to result in a 6.5 IUP opponent runs per game.  

HOME SWEET HOME
Since Critchfield Park's stadium renovation in 2020, Slippery Rock has recorded a 93-52 (.641) overall regular season home record.
 
HOT STREAKS
• Joey Vanzin: Two saves, no earned runs allowed, five strikeouts and only walk surrendered in last three appearances (3.2 innings).
 
• Cole Grady: 19 strikeouts and two earned runs allowed in last two appearances (nine innings).
 
• Nolan Comerford: No runs allowed over last six innings pitched.
 
• Stone Powell: Eight-game hitting streak, going 14-for-32 over the stretch with nine runs three home runs and 12 RBIs.
 
• Gage Gillott: Six-game hitting streak, 10-for-22 (.455) four multi-hit contests during the run along with six doubles and five walks.
 
• Michael Kitko: Six-game hitting streak, 11-for-25 (.440) three multi-hit contests over the streak along with six runs, one home run and nine RBIs. Has also allowed just one earned run in last 8.1 innings pitched.
 
• Jake Robinson: Two multi-hit games in last three appearances (5-for-11, 6 runs, 3 doubles, 2 walks).
 
• Luke Anderton: Four multi-hit games in his seven starts.
 
HITTING WHEN IT MATTERS (RISP)
1. Treston Nemeth: .500 (13-26)
2. Jake Robinson: .478 (11-23)
3. Michael Kitko: .438 (14-32)
4. Stone Powell: .429 (12-28)
5. Morgen Billotte: .350 (7-20)
6. Gage Gillott: .348 (8-23)
7. Darryn Callahan: .321 (9-28)
 
THE ROCK LINEUP
• Catcher Treston Nemeth has started 22 games for SRU. In addition to solid defense behind the plate, Nemeth is hitting .333 with a .407 on-base percentage, 13 runs scored and 16 RBIs.
 
• First baseman Stone Powell has easily avoided any sort of sophomore slump as he has built on a great foundation set in his freshman year with a stellar 2026 campaign. Entering the weekend, Powell has a slash line of .395/.460/.663 with 20 runs, three home runs and 21 RBIs. 16 of his 34 hits this year have gone for extra bases (12 doubles, 3 home runs, 1 triple).
 
• Slippery Rock possess one of the top all-around middle infield duos in the Atlantic Region in second baseman Clay Wiesen and shortstop Jake Robinson. In addition to stellar defense, the pair have combined to score 33 runs with 38 hits and 23 RBIs.
 
• Robinson has been one of The Rock's top bats in the lineup of late. He's hitting .358 with 18 runs, 17 RBIs and a .451 on-base percentage this year.
 
• The Rock has used three third basemen this season in Brandon Butler (10 starts / 10 RBIs), Max Bernadowski (9 starts, .273/.388./.473, 17 runs, 2 home runs, 9 RBIs) and Brett Galcik (5 starts, .286/.375/.476, 6 runs, 2 RBIs).
 
• One of the premiere players in the entire Atlantic Region, left fielder Gage Gillott is in the midst of another great season for SRU. The Rock's leadoff hitter has started all 24 games and opens the IUP series batting .350 with a .495 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, 18 runs, one home run, 16 RBIs and seven stolen bases.
 
• Centerfield has largely been split between Morgen Billotte (15 starts) and Luke Anderton (8 starts). Billotte has scored 13 runs while driving in 10 more while Anderton has registered hits in 11 of his 32 at-bats this season to go with 13 RBIs and nine runs.
 
• Darryn Callahan has made 23 of his 24 starts in right field. Another of The Rock's breakout athletes in 2026, Callahan is currently hitting .338 with a .440 on-base percentage, 16 runs, three home runs and 18 RBIs while slugging .563.
 
• Michael Kitko can play either corner outfield position, but has served as The Rock's primary designated hitter in 2026. After hitting a home run against Fairmont State and driving in six runs in game three of the Pitt-Johnstown series, Kitko has upped his season slash line to .333/.372/.551 with 17 runs, three home runs and 23 RBIs.
 
STARTING PITCHERS
Slippery Rock has used five starting pitchers in its two PSAC West series so far this year. In last weekend's four games against Pitt-Johnstown Parker Hogge, Cole Grady, Gage Gillott and Zachary Hare served as SRU's starters.
 
• Hare is tied with Nate Malak for the most starts by a Rock pitcher in 2026. The much-heralded freshman is off to a great start to his collegiate career. He'll bring a 2-0 record with a 3.71 ERA and .194 opponent batting average into the weekend. Hare has struck out a team-high 29 batters over 17 innings pitched. He struck out eight batters over 3.1 shutout innings last weekend against Pitt-Johnstown.
 
• Gillott's latest start was his best outing of the season as he gave up just one run with five strikeouts in four innings to capture a win over Pitt-Johnstown. In three starts this season, Gillott is 1-2 with 12 strikeouts, five walks and a .286 opponent batting average over 10.1 innings.
 
• Cole Grady has provided The Rock with strong outings for the majority of the season with the latest being an 11-strikeout, three-run allowed showing over 5.1 innings against Pitt-Johnstown. In five appearances this season, Grady is 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA, .260 opponent batting average, 24 strikeouts and nine walks across 17.2 innings.
 
• Like Grady, Hogge has worked both as a starter and reliever for SRU this season. He holds a 3-2 record while limiting opponents to a .278 batting average along with 14 strikeouts and just four walks in 18.2 innings.
 
ROCK RELIEF PITCHERS
• Joey Vanzin and Nolan Comerford have shined out of The Rock's bullpen as SRU's top two relief pitchers of late.
 
• Vanzin has already pitched in a team-high 10 games, going 1-1 with three saves, a 3.26 ERA and .267 opponent batting average. He has struck out 25 batters while issuing just five free passes in 19.1 innings.
 
• Like Hare, Comerford is enjoying a stellar rookie year for The Rock. He's pitched 11 innings across eight appearances to pick up one save and post a 0.82 ERA with a .158 opponent batting average in addition to 16 strikeouts and just three walks.
 
• Kitko has made three relief appearances this season, giving up just two runs (one earned) in 8.1 innings when coming out of the bullpen.
 
MESSER FIVE WINS FROM ANOTHER MILESTONE
Slippery Rock head coach Jeff Messer begins the IUP series with 1,169 wins, just five victories 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): 1,369
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): 1,231
7. John Goelz (Sonoma State, 1985-24): 1,174
8. Jeff Messer (Slippery Rock): 1,169
9. Mike Sansing (Shorter/Kennesaw, 1989-21): 1,158
10. Chris Hanks (Colorado Mesa, Active): 1,141
 
DII Coaching Wins (Active)
1. John Schaly (Ashland): 1,369
2. Greg Guilliams (Flagler): 1,231
3. Jeff Messer (Slippery Rock): 1,169
4. Chris Hanks (Colorado Mesa): 1,141
5. Joe Urso (Tampa): 1,088
 
UPCOMING STAT MILESTONES FOR SRU
Hits
Gage Gillott: 3 from 125
Michael Kitko: 5 from 125
Brandon Butler: 6 from 100
Stone Powell: 3 from 75
Treston Nemeth: 5 from 75
Clay Wiesen: 11 from 75
Runs Scored
Gage Gillott: 19 from 100
Michael Kitko: 3 from 75
RBI
Michael Kitko: 22 from 100
Gage Gillott: 15 from 75
Doubles
Stone Powell: 3 from 25
Michael Kitko: 5 from 25
Games Played
Brandon Butler:1 from 100
Gage Gillott: 1 from 100
Wins
Nate Malak: 3 from 15
Gage Gillott: 3 from 15
Parker Hogge: 2 from 10
Saves
Mark Wilbur: 2 from 15
Joey Vanzin: 3 from 10
Innings Pitched
Nate Malak: 24 from 175
Gage Gillott: 4 from 125
Parker Hogge: 15.1 from 125
Mark Wilbur: 0.2 from 100
Strikeouts
Nate Malak: 20 from 150
Mark Wilbur: 15 from 125
Gage Gillott: 15 from 125
Parker Hogge: 13 from 100
Michael Kitko: 20 from 100
*Only stats for games played at SRU
 
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
t5. Matt Jones (1993-95): 9
t5. Ryan Oglesby (2011-15): 9
7. Tim Dickinson (1991-92): 8
t8. Joey Vanzin: 7
t8. Andy McClymonds (2019-22): 7
t8. Travis Holman (2021-22): 7
 
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 SCHEDULE
April 10: at Gannon (DH Game 1)
April 10: at Gannon (DH Game 2)
April 11: vs Gannon (DH Game 1)
April 11: vs Gannon (DH Game 2)
April 14: at Walsh
 
IUP PRIMER
• Stats: Link
• Roster: Link
• NCBWA Atlantic Region Top 10: RV
• Overall Record: 12-12
• PSAC West Record: 3-5
• PSAC West Standings: t-4th
• Home Record: 5-4
• Away Record: 4-5
• Neutral Site Record: 3-3
• Streak: L5
• Last 5 Games: 0-5
• Head Coach: Steve Kline | 41st season (130-108 / .546)
 
LAST 5 GAMES
March 31: vs. Point Park (L, 20-16)
March 29: vs. Seton Hill (L, 13-8)
March 29: vs. Seton Hill (L, 6-3)
March 27: at Seton Hill (L, 3-2)
March 27: at Seton Hill (L, 5-4)
 
TOP HITTERS
Camden Rhude: .314 (16-51) – 13 Runs – 3 HR - 11 RBI – .435 OB%
Ricardo Aponte: .346 (27-78) – 18 Runs – 5 HR - 26 RBI – 8 SB - .432 OB%
Teague Hoover: .320 (16-50) – 13 Runs – 7 RBI – 4 SB - .417 OB%
Devon Boyles: .309 (17-55) – 13 Runs – 3 HR - 16 RBI – 2 SB - .403 OB%
Cayden Bender: .283 (13-46) – 10 Runs – 2 HR - 16 RBI – .400 OB%
 
TOP PITCHERS
Derrick Shields: 3-1 – 30.2 IP – 3.82 ERA –  20 K / 5 BB - .221 OBA
Nathan Makoski: 1-2 – 22.2 IP – 4.37 ERA – 14 K / 6 BB - .304 OBA
Cameron Copple: 2-2 – 29.1 IP – 7.36 ERA –  24 K / 12 BB - .234 OBA
Braden Shepherd: 1-3 – 15.1 IP – 8.22 ERA –  15 K / 7 BB - .313 OBA
Gabe Johnson: 0-0 – 7 IP – 1.29 ERA –  6 K / 4 BB - .167 OBA
 
UP NEXT
Slippery Rock embarks on a four-game PSAC West series against Gannon University. The Rock first travels to Gannon for a doubleheader April 10 before hosting the Golden Knights for two games April 11 at Critchfield Park. First pitch of game one on both days is set for 1 p.m.
 



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