SAN MARCOS, Cali. – The Montana State University Billings baseball team dropped their first games of the season against Cal State University San Marcos, falling short 6-9 on Thursday and 3-10 on Friday.
 
The Yellowjackets (2-2) started slow in their first game, before rallying to take a lead in the seventh inning. It wouldn't be enough though, after a five run eighth inning from the Cougars (3-2) put them in the driver's seat for the rest of the game. The 'Jackets wouldn't get nearly that close in game two, totaling just three hits until the final inning as San Marcos won big at home.
 
Game One: MSUB 6, CSUSM 9
 
The 'Jackets struggled to get things going on the offensive side of the ball early, only collecting three hits in the first five innings. And they would have to play behind early after Luke Reece's two-run home run in the bottom of the first put San Marcos in the lead. But MSUB pitcher Jackson Betancourt would find a rhythm after that, only allowing another run after that, allowing four hits and striking out three in his five innings of work.
 
The bats woke up in the top of the sixth for MSUB, when first baseman James Anderson hit a no doubter to right center, scoring Hayden Foltz. And despite San Marcos scoring off an error in the bottom of the inning, the 'Jackets wouldn't be deterred, taking the lead with a three run seventh inning. Zack Blazsak hit a bloop single to score Jack Nehler from third, moving the 'Jackets within one. Just a few batters later, Anderson would collect his second clutch hit of the day, scoring Blaszak from third, and Foltz for the second time in the game, giving MSUB a 5-4 lead.
 
But the Yellowjackets wouldn't be able to hold that lead for long, when the Cougars put up five runs in the top of the eighth. MSUB allowed four walks in the eighth, including three with the bases loaded to score runs. San Marcos also scored on a sacrifice bunt, and a wild pitch, only collecting two hits in the inning. Despite Foltz collecting an RBI double in the ninth, it would be a consolation run as the 'Jackets fell 6-9, their first loss of the season. "We just couldn't finish the job and gave away too many freebies." Said Yellowjackets head coach Derek Waddoups.
 
Anderson finished 2-5, with 4 RBIs and a run. Foltz was a perfect 3-3, with two walks and two runs. He and Blaszak had the only other RBIs for MSUB. Carson Green was 2-5, scoring a run and making a pair of impressive catches in centerfield. Coming in in relief for Betancourt, Cole Bertram made his MSUB debut, throwing one inning and not giving up an earned run.
 
"I thought we came out a little flat today," said Waddoups, "But I'm proud of how we picked things up in the middle innings and scored some runs. Carson got going today, and James and Hayden both had big days. It's disappointing to let this one get away from us, but we'll learn from it. It's a great opportunity for growth, and will benefit us throughout the season.
 
Game Two: MSUB 3, CSUSM 10
 
The Yellowjackets played close for the first two innings, but a five run third inning put the Cougars up big, and the 'Jackets were never able to respond, struggling to get anything going offensively. Pat MacDonald Jr. led the way for the Cougars on the mound, picking up the win after throwing five innings, allowing just three hits and striking out five. Neither Trevor Schott, Abraham Sanchez, or Daniel Neria allowed a hit in relief for CSUSM, who hit well all game to earn the victory.
 
"Today was not our best performance." Said Waddoups. "The good thing is we play again tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing how our team will bounce back."
 
Tyler Godfrey hit a pair of singles, and walked to reach base in each of his three plate appearances. Green was 1-3 with a walk. The 'Jackets scored three runs in the final half inning, with Bodee Wright and Cole Dawson collecting RBIs. Parker Bleggi, Colby Kiesling, and Keegan Weston each scored a run in the ninth. "We had several quality at bats in the ninth, especially Wright and Dawson." Said Waddoups. "I hope that we can carry some of that momentum over into tomorrow."
 
THE BUZZ: Anderson was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for the game Thursday… Godfrey was selected as Player of the Game for the matchup Friday… The 'Jackets had seven different players make their MSUB debuts over the opening two games of the CSUSM series… This series marks the first ever meetings between the 'Jackets and the Cougars.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets and Cougars face off two more times, with a double header scheduled for Saturday, February 11^th. Game one is scheduled to begin at 11 AM (noon MST), with the second game starting at 2 PM (3 PM MST). Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.