PUEBLO, Colo. – Daniel Cipriano slugged his second home run in as many games and posted five runs batted in as Montana State University Billings defeated Colorado State University Pueblo 16-9 in non-conference baseball Saturday afternoon at Rawlings Field.
 
The Yellowjackets (5-1) totaled 17 hits and won a battle of explosive offensive innings against the Thunderwolves (3-3) in the third game of a four-game road swing. "It was a great team victory today and we had a number of different players step off the bench and perform today after Pueblo mounted their comeback," said MSUB head coach Derek Waddoups. "I was really proud of the quick start and resilience of the group as we faced some challenges in the middle innings."
 
Cipriano homered to left field in the first inning after Wyatt Setian singled to give MSUB a quick 2-0 lead. The 'Jackets added single runs in the third and fourth before mounting a tremendous fifth inning, which included seven runs on five hits for an 11-0 lead. In the fifth, MSUB loaded the bases and Dayton Provost singled for a pair of runs batted in. Sam Powers and Nathan Bloxham singled and Cipriano drove a double down the left field line to clear the bases.
 
Despite the commanding lead, the Thunderwolves stormed back to striking distance with a run in the sixth inning and an impressive eight-run seventh. Billy Reyes homered to left field to start the rally and CSUP sent 10 to the plate and scored on both a wild pitch and a passed ball. The Pack totaled eight runs on six hits and three errors were charged to MSUB in the frame.
 
MSUB added further insurance with five runs in the eighth inning. Again, the 'Jackets began by loading the bases. Sam Powers and PJ Ausmus delivered singles to bring in Tanner Parker and Dylan Johnson. Will Riley recorded the last of four hits in the inning with a double down the right field line to score two.
 
Leading by seven, Cort Dietrich pitched a scoreless ninth for MSU Billings. Matthew Houlihan (2-0) earned the win in his second start. Houlihan worked 5.0 innings and did not allow a run. He also walked five, struck out three, and allowed three hits. Luke Bucher (1.1 IP, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K) and Braelen Pippin (1.2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) also pitched in relief.
 
CSUP starter Gunnar Pickett (0-1) suffered the loss and lasted 3.2 innings with three earned runs, eight hits, four strikeouts, and one walk. Seven men saw time on the mound for the Thunderwolves through nine innings.
 
Powers went 3-for-5 with two runs scored for the 'Jackets. Setian finished 2-for-3 with a double and a walk. Cipriano, Ausmus, and Andrew Schleusner also recorded multi-hit games.
 
MSU Billings (5-1) closes out its time in Pueblo, Colorado Sunday with a rematch against University of Sioux Falls at 11 a.m. at Rawlings Field.
 
THE BUZZ: Cipriano was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game after hitting his second home run of the season Saturday…The Yellowjackets have scored 35 runs over three games this week.