By Jackie DeMolee, UND Athletic Media Relations

Last season sophomore pitcher Derek Biermaier (Roseau, Minn.) saw action in six games on the University of North Dakota baseball team. So far this year, he's pitched in 10, and leads the Fighting Sioux with four wins their first year of Division I.

Biermaier talks about the transition to Division I, playing more on the road and trying to get a few more wins in the latter part of the this season. He also talks about his expectations for next season adding fresh faces to the dugout.

Do you prefer to pitch or hit? I really enjoy both but if I had to pick I would choose hitting.

Because of the transition to D1, the team has been on the road a lot, how does this affect play? It doesn’t affect play physically so much. It makes it harder to be mentally sharp every game when you’re away from home so much, having to deal with other teams fans every game, things like that.

Is there any difference in competition between last year and this year? The teams are much better, they don’t give you anything. You have to work for every little thing you get.

What are your expectations for next year? I don’t really know what to expect. We will have a lot of new guys on our club, and with the close group of guys we have now it will be interesting to see how we mesh together. But we are looking forward to welcoming them to the program.

Do you have any game day routines, if so, what are they? I listen to the same song right before we get to the field, when I get dressed for the game I do it in the same order every time, I play catch with the same person before every game I pitch, and I say a prayer during the National Anthem.

What’s your favorite baseball team? New York Mets

What kind of music gets you pumped up? Mostly rock, but some rap.

What’s your favorite memory from traveling this season or last season? Getting our first win at Missouri State.

What are your plans for the summer? Play amateur ball in Minnesota.

What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Fruity Pebbles

Do you have any plans after college, if so, what are they? I don’t really have any plans yet.

Who’s your favorite baseball player? David Wright.

Who do you look up to? My parents.

The Fighting Sioux baseball hosts Dakota Wesleyan on Friday afternoon at Kraft Field. UND heads to Kansas State Tuesday before returning home on May 2 to host Concordia (Minn.).