NAMPA, Idaho  – Opening day of GNAC play for the Yellowjackets was a battle between two teams that hope to see themselves atop the conference standings at the end of the season. The Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets (10-8, 1-1 GNAC) split a pair of extra innings games at the defending GNAC champions, the Northwest Nazarene University Nighthawks (15-9, 4-2 GNAC). 
 

The opening game saw multiple lead changes and ties en route to a Nighthawk walk-off in the 12^th inning, grabbing the win 8-7. The game saw a total of 31 hits and a total of 11 pitchers used. Game two was quite the opposite - the planned seven-inning game went to nine innings, with the 'Jackets winning 3-2, recording only five hits to NNU's seven in the pitcher's dual.

GAME ONE: NNU: 8, MSUB: 7   (FINAL - 12 inn.)

The 'Jackets started off their conference slate with an instant classic that ended with heartbreak in extra innings. Finding themselves down 6-2 in the 8^th inning, the bats got going, bringing in four runs in the inning to tie the game. Zack Blaszak drew a walk to start the inning, followed by singles by Jack Nehler and Kaden Kirshenbaum. Ryan Jeffrey also worked a four-pitch walk to bring in the first run of the inning and pull the 'Jackets within three. Ryker Fortier drilled the first pitch, hitting a bases clearing double to left center to tie the ball game at six runs each. 

Both pitchers made quick work through the next few innings - holding the teams scoreless until the 12^th. Hayden Mullins took over for the 'Jackets, going 4.0 innings while only allowing two hits and zero runs.  Fortier came through in the clutch once again with an RBI single to bring home Kirshenbaum and give the 'Jackets a 7-6 lead in the 12^th inning, and after leaving two stranded, Andy Evans stepped onto the mound looking for a save to put game one to rest. After a walk and a Yellowjacket error, the Nighthawks were able to tie it 7-7 with a triple down the right field line. Just two pitches later, NNU's Walsh would come up with a walk-off RBI single to steal game one of the four game series.

The Yellowjackets had 14 hits, led by Fortier with an outstanding day at the plate. The junior went 5-6 with 4 RBIs, 1 run, and 1 double. Both Kirshenbaum and Jeffrey had three hits and two runs each, with Jeffrey adding in an RBI and a walk. Parker Bleggi added two RBIs in game 1.

Jackson Betancourt started on the mound for the 'Jackets, going 6.2 innings and giving up six runs while striking out four. Mullins had an outstanding performance while keeping the Nighthawk offense quiet for four innings - he retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced, two by strikeout. 

GAME TWO: MSUB: 3, NNU: 2   (FINAL - 9 inn.)

Despite a disappointing end to game 1, the 'Jackets came out confident and grabbed an extra inning victory to split the opening day of GNAC play. Brennan Chappell had an impressive outing for the 'Jackets, going 6.0 inning and only giving up two runs on six hits while striking out six. With two outs in the top of the 9th, Bleggi worked a walk to give the 'Jackets someone on. Bodee Wright singled to center and Bleggi used some smart base running to advance to third. A passed ball allowed Bleggi to head home and score the game winning run for the 'Jackets, winning 3-2 over NNU in extras.

The 'Jackets got on the board first in the 4^th inning, grabbing a 2-0 lead after an RBI from Fortier, followed by his steal attempt, allowing Kirshenbaum to cross home plate. NNU would pick up a pair of RBI singles to knot the game at 2-2 setting up another dramatic finish. Andy Evans grabbed the win for the 'Jackets after going 3.0 innings while only allowing one hit. Chappell was three outs away from a 7-inning complete game, but Evans would take over and dominate, shutting down the Nighthawks and sending his team home victorious. 

An action-packed opening day of GNAC play saw five total extra innings, with the two games being split by MSUB and NNU. The senior-laden 'Jackets showed their poise and responded after a tough loss to pull out the victory.

HEAR FROM WADDOUPS: "We played lots of extra baseball today and I am really proud of how our guys competed. It was great to see our guys battle back in game one. Fortier was clutch all day and really stepped up. It was tough losing in extras, but Millins did a fabulous job out of the pen giving us a chance to win. Game two was a true pitcher's dual - Chappell was electric and Evans bounced back after a tough game one - he showed some real toughness to come out and perform like that in game two. Our offense did just enough to pull out a gritty win."

STATISTIC LEADERS

RBI: Ryker Fortier (5), Parker Bleggi (2), Ryan Jeffrey (1)

BB: Zack Blaszak (2), Bodee Wright (2), Kaden Kirshenbaum (2), Ryan Jeffrey (2)

IP: Jackson Betancourt (6.2), Brennan Chappell (6.0), Hayden Mullins (4.0)

SO: Brennan Chappell (6), Jackson Betancourt (4), Andy Evans (3)

THE BUZZ: Ryker Fortier was named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game 1 after going 5-6 with 4 RBIs, 1 run and 1 double. Brennen Chappell was named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game 2 after going 6.0 innings while only allowing 6 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6.

UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings baseball team will wrap up the four-game series tomorrow in Nampa, Idaho against the #RV Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks. Live statistics for the GNAC matchup can be found here, and the live stream link can be found here.