PREVIEW: UNC Baseball Prepares for Four-Game Homestand at Jackson Field

Tuesday, April 28

Greeley, Colo.

3 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

Air Force

Brett Barber Celebrating at First wit Coach Werbach

Kassidy Schwartz | UNC Athletics

4/27/2026 10:05:00 AM | Baseball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado baseball returns home this week, settling back into Jackson Field for a four-game home stand. The Bears will first host in-state opponent Air Force in a midweek match up on Tuesday, April 28 before resuming Summit League play over the weekend against Omaha.

First pitch against Air Force is set for 3 p.m. MDT. Fans can follow all the action via live stats and watch live on MidcoSports Plus with updates provided throughout each game.

LAST TIME OUT: Northern Colorado most recently traveled to face South Dakota State in Summit League play. Due to inclement weather, the series was shortened to two games, with each team earning a victory to split the series. Brandon Sanchez delivered a standout performance over the two-game stretch, hitting an impressive .500 (5-for-10) while driving in five runs to lead the offense. He showcased his power with a home run and a double, compiling nine total bases and a .900 slugging percentage. Sanchez also crossed the plate three times and played clean defensively, recording five assists without an error. His consistent production at the plate and reliability in the field made him a key contributor across both games.

NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: This Bears continue to show competitive balance at the plate, hitting .271 as a group with key contributors like Jaden Stone (.355), Logan Pruski (.319), and Wilson Kieffer (.327). UNC demonstrates plate discipline with 160 walks and have multiple players capable of producing runs in key spots. Defensively, the Bears have been steady with a .965 fielding percentage and reliable production up the middle. On the mound, Jake Storey, Reece Wagner, and Ethan Louthan provide experience and the ability to log innings.

SCOUTING AIR FORCE: The Falcons hold a 21–20 overall (12–6 MW), has been perfect at home (14–0) and carries a losing record on the road 5–15). Offensively, the Falcons are hitting .311 with 381 runs, showing a balanced attack with power (44 HR), speed (120 SB), and patience (.419 OBP), led by Wyatt Hanoian, Ben Niednagel, and Tripp Garrish. Defensively, they are solid (.969 fielding). On the mound, Air Force holds a 7.46 ERA, 183 walks, and 51 home runs allowed.

SCOUTING OMAHA: Omaha carries a 14–21 overall (9–8 SL) with a (6–7) home record and (6–12) road mark. Offensively, the Mavericks hit .277 as a team with 202 runs, with contributors like Jackson Trout (.375, 6 HR) and Henry Zipay (.348), with a total of (27 HR). Omaha shows plate discipline (.371 OBP) but are not overly aggressive on the bases (37 SB). Defensively, they field at a .969 clip and have turned 15 double plays. On the mound, the Mavericks hold a 6.48 ERA, and opponents are hitting .301 against them; while Maddox Meyer and Sam Beck provide some stability in the rotation.

DIAMOND CLUB: The Diamond Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Baseball program. By giving to the Diamond Club, you help provide access to facility enhancements—such as the Jackson Field Turf Project—along with advanced technology and elevated daily operations, giving our student-athletes the resources to compete and excel at the highest level.

Give to the Diamond Club today!

FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit uncbears.com. Follow the baseball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsBSB) and Instagram (@UNC_BearsBaseball).