MSUB unable to hold off a furious comeback in the series finale by Central Washington.
 
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings softball team looked to bounce back after dropping two games to Central Washington yesterday. The two teams have history of close battles and some thrilling games, and this double header had some of everything.
 
The Yellowjackets (7-20-1, 1-7 GNAC) opened the day by dropping game one to the Wildcats  (9-16, 5-3 GNAC) by a final of 6-0. The 'Jackets ended the day coming up just three runs short in a back-and-forth battle.
 
Game One: CWU 6, MSUB 0
 
The Yellowjackets' offense couldn't get going in game three of the series, dropping a 6-0 ball game to the Wildcats. Laver, the Wildcats' pitcher, pitched a complete game while only giving up five hits and allowing zero walks. The 'Jackets had chances to breakthrough, but timely pitching and solid defense by the Wildcats would halt those opportunities.
 
After a quiet first inning, Central Washington put up four runs in the bottom of the second inning and that would prove to be too much to overcome. Caitlyn James pitched another complete game, giving up 10 hits and five earned runs (six total runs). Alexis Tovar led the 'Jackets at the plate, going 2-3 in game one. Lauren Blaschak, Claire Bagnell and Malia Cavan all picked up a hit at the plate but were left stranded each time.
 
After seven straight GNAC games on the road, the 'Jackets will look to finish off with a win in game four of the series.
 
Game Two: CWU 11, MSUB 8
 
In game two of the double header, the 'Jackets jumped out to a quick lead, but the Wildcats would not go away as they scored 10 unanswered runs in the middle innings to complete the comeback and sweep the series with an 11-8 victory.
 
The 'Jackets found their offense early in this one – jumping out to a 7-1 lead after just the top half of the second inning. Teagan Seeton notched the first hit of the game which was followed by a Tovar single, and a Marin Penney walk to load the bases. Kilee Imada had an outstanding at-bat and drew a bases loaded walk to put the 'Jackets up 1-0. Blaschak extended the lead with an RBI single which was followed by a bases loaded walk, this time by Ashley Akers, which added another run. And to complete the four-run inning was Riley Warden as she scored Imada with an infield ground ball. After looking to start hot and build moment in the early innings, the 'Jackets were doing just that, showing great signs of life in the series finale.  
 
The 'Jackets led 4-1 going into the top of the second inning, and they just kept scoring. They finished the top half of the inning with a 7-1 lead, something that this offense is always capable of. Blaschak put the ball in play, and it extended the lead as Seeton came across the plate. Akers had another patient at-bat as she got walked to add another RBI, and Warden added a perfectly placed sac fly to score Imada. The 'Jackets were firing on all cylinders early in this one.
 
The Wildcats, searching for the series sweep, would simply not go away. They scored at least one run in each of the first five innings of the game, continuously chipping away at the lead before eventually grabbing it. The home team put up five runs in the 3^rd inning, putting themselves ahead 8-7, and never looked back to complete the series sweep. Blaschak did provide a late spark and add an RBI single in the 6^th inning to bring the game back within three, but the Wildcats ended the game without giving up any additional runs.
 
Three 'Jackets each picked up two hits in the game led by Seeton, Blaschak and Tovar. Kaylin Galvin, Penney and Warden added some offense with one hit each. Overall, the 'Jackets offense had nine hits and 6 walks, which led to eight runs while also leaving 10 on base.
 
Freshman pitcher Shelby Wasilewski picked up the loss in 3.0 innings pitched. Caitlyn James came in on relief and finished the game.
 
THE BUZZ: Tovar was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game in game one, while Blaschak was selected in game two.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will head to Seaside, California next week to compete in the Monterey Bay Round Robin. Their games begin on Friday, March 22^nd and conclude on Saturday, March 23^rd. All tournament information can be found on our schedule website page or your specific be found here.