CLERMONT, Fla. – The Montana State University Billings softball team picked up it's first win at The Spring Games Friday, defeating Upper Iowa University 8-0 after falling to Minnesota State University in the opening matchup of the day to split it's second day of games in Florida.
 
The Yellowjackets (4-9-1) were bested by a score of 7-0 to open the day by the Mavericks (13-3), but would respond well in game two, putting things together to pick up a shutout victory over the Peacocks (4-12). It was MSUB's second shutout victory of the season, and the team's third run-rule victory so far this season.
 
Game One: Minnesota State 7, MSUB 0
 
The Mavericks never really let the Yellowjackets get going offensively, holding the Yellowjackets to just a single hit in the game. MSUB would remain close in the game's early portions, holding Minnesota State scoreless over the first two innings and only allowing five hits. But seven walks would hurt MSUB's ability to keep runners off the basepaths, and five runs between the fourth and sixth innings would grow the lead for Minnesota State, taking down the 'Jackets for the second time in as many days.
 
"Our pitching made good adjustments today and picked up some quality outs," said Yellowjacket head coach Lisa McKinney. "The outfield made some great plays as well, highlighted by an excellent diving catch from Claire (Bagnell) in the first inning. "Offensively, we're getting better with our timing, but just needed to get some more balls in play. But we showed great improvement as a team from yesterday."
 
Claire Bagnell picked up MSUB's lone hit in the game, going 1-2. Payton Meyer reached base for her third game in a row with a walk. Shelby Wasilewski started and pitched three innings for the Yellowjackets, allowing just two earned runs, while Elaina Troxell struck out a pair of batters across the final four innings.
 
Game Two: MSUB 8, Upper Iowa 0
 
The Yellowjackets would take an early lead, plating one in the first inning when Teagan Seeton plated a run through heads up baserunning after a Marleigh Nieto steal attempt would force a throw to second. MSUB would never lose control of that lead throughout the rest of the game, with Caitlyn James dominating the Peacock's hitters in the circle throughout the game. The 'Jackets would continue to add on insurance runs throughout the rest of the game, highlighted by a trio of RBI singles from Marin Penney, building up an 8-0 lead by the bottom of the sixth inning to bring the run-rule into effect, and collect their victory an inning earlier than scheduled.
 
"I'm very proud of our group and how we put everything together this game," McKinney said. "Caitlyn threw a phenomenal game for us, and our defense played well behind her. Our offense made the adjustments it needed to, and we did a great job of hitting the ball well on the ground. I thought we got better and better every inning of the game."
 
James finished with the complete game, throwing six innings and allowing just five hits. She attacked the zone well, never conceding a walk and striking out three batters. Penney finished 3-4 in the game with four RBIs and a run, while Payton Meyer finished 1-2, while Alexis Tovar batted 1-1 in the game with a walk. Kaylin Galvin reached base with a pair of walks and added three runs and two steals, while Bryn Lucht, Jazlyn Kalehuawehe, and Claire Bagnell all crossed the plate on time each in the game. Seaton also finished with one run, and stole a base, tying the Yellowjacket's team high with six on the year.
 
THE BUZZ: Bagnell was selected as Intermountain Health Player of the Game in game one, while Penney earned the honors in game two… James pitched her second shutout of the season for the Yellowjackets… Penney has now totaled 79 career RBIs, just one away from climbing into the top 20 in MSUB history.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjacket play two more games tomorrow, taking on Bemidji State at 1:30 PM ET (11:30 AM MT), before facing off against University of Mary at 4:00 PM ET (2:00 PM MT). Access to live video for all of MSUB's contest at The Spring Games can be found online here.