PUEBLO, Colo. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team dropped a hard-fought 9–6 decision to Colorado State Pueblo Wednesday afternoon at Rawlings Field in game two of a three-game series between two programs receiving votes in the ABCA/Division II Coaches' Poll.
The Yellowjackets (3-3) produced nine hits and six runs and briefly seized control late, but a seven-run eighth inning by CSU Pueblo swung the momentum and proved to be the difference.
MSUB's offense was led by
Cade Queen, who delivered a standout performance at the plate. Queen went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI, a walk and a run scored.
River Smith finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a walk, while
Kyle Henington added a 2-for-3 day with a walk. Nathan McDonald went 1-for-4 with an RBI, and
Jason Wright delivered again with a pinch-hit double.
"We did so many good things offensively today, we just need to maximize our scoring opportunities," said head coach
Derek Waddoups. "Overall we are playing good baseball, we just have to minimize the big innings defensively."
On the mound,
Sam Coxen turned in a strong start, throwing 6.0 innings while allowing two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Blake Sweat followed with a clean seventh inning, striking out two while
Hayden Mullins rounded it out on the mound for the 'Jackets.
"Coxen was outstanding for us on the mound today, he just continues to grow as a pitcher," Waddoups said. "
Blake Sweat put up a zero in the seventh and I thought we had the win with Mullins taking the mound. Just a tough day for him but he will bounce back and get a lot of wins for us."
Game Flow
The Yellowjackets wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Queen opened the game with a solo home run to right field in the top of the first inning. CSU Pueblo answered in the second to even the score, then took a 2–1 lead in the fourth on a run-scoring double play.
After several scoreless innings, MSUB mounted its most productive frame in the seventh.
Kaden Bertram and Smith opened the inning with singles, setting the stage for McDonald's RBI single down the left-field line to tie the game. A walk loaded the bases before a pair of passed balls allowed two more runs to score, giving the Yellowjackets a 3–2 lead. Queen followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, pushing the advantage to 4–2.
CSU Pueblo responded emphatically in the bottom of the eighth, sending 10 batters to the plate. The ThunderWolves used a combination of extra-base hits, an MSUB error and a three-run home run to erupt for seven runs and take a 9–4 lead.
MSUB continued to fight in the ninth inning. Wright doubled to left center to lead off the frame, and Smith drew a walk to put two aboard. After a single loaded the bases, Queen worked a walk to force in a run.
Ryker Fortier followed with a sacrifice fly to bring MSUB within three, but the rally ended there and the Thunderwolves would go on to take the 9-6 game two victory.
STAT LEADERS
H: Three players tied (2)
R:
River Smith (2)
RBI:
Cade Queen (3)
IP: Same Coxen (6.0)
SO:
Sam Coxen (7)
THE BUZZ: Sam Coxen was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after throwing six complete innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just two runs.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will look to bounce back and secure the series in the finale against CSU Pueblo on Thursday, with first pitch scheduled for noon at Rawlings Field.
