The traditional powerhouse Yellow Jacket baseball team opens its season Saturday, February 18th with a neutral field doubleheader against pre-season #12 Mercyhurst at Glenville State beginning at noon.

WVSU has captured two of the last three Mountain East Conference championships and were runner-up last season.

Both teams were picked to finish first in their division in their respective conferences

The Yellow Jackets return three of their top hitters in infielders Brandon Wright, Trayvis Patterson, and Phil Mandt from last season's 32-15 squad.

Wright hit .323, Patterson hit .288 and knocked in 28 runs, and first baseman Mandt batted .277 while driving in 31 runs and leading the team with 16 doubles.

The pitching staff is led by senior Tyler Hall who finished 7-2 last season with a 3.52 earned run average.

Junior Colby Gainer will move from the bullpen to the starting rotation after going 3-1 with a 1.27 ERA in 35 1/3 innings in 2016.

WVSU opens its home season on Saturday, February 25th against Clarion.