The Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets fell short in a doubleheader against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks, falling 11-3 and 10-2 in non-conference action. In each game, the Jackets' competed early, but fell in the end to a hard-hitting Nighthawks team.
The Nighthawks got off to a hot start, scoring four in the first inning to set the tone at 4-0. The Yellowjackets would get on the board in the top of the third inning off a steal at home plate from
Josie Theilen, followed by a solo home run shot from junior
Kendall Klemp in the fourth to bring the lead to two for the Nighthawks. The home run marks Klemp's first of her Yellowjacket career. Thielen would score again on another passed ball in the fifth inning to bring the lead to within one for the Jackets', but the Nighthawks would overpower them on the offensive side to claim an 11-3 win. Freshman
Josie Theilen recorded two hits, one for a double, and a stolen base for MSUB.
Grace Hood and
Alexis Tovar both had doubles, along with
Marleigh Nieto who recorded a single.
Avery Gray got the start for the Jackets', having a slow start in the first inning but held the Nighthawks scoreless for the next four, retiring the next nine of ten batters to hold the score at 3-4. Gray recorded three strikeouts and one walk in five innings pitched.
The Yellowjackets took the early lead in game two off a
Josie Theilen single to score
Marleigh Nieto in the first inning. The Nighthawks would score off two fielder's choices to regain the lead in the second and third innings.
Grace Hood would smack a solo home run in the fourth inning to add another for the Jackets', but the Nighthawks four-score inning in the fourth would overcome the Yellowjackets to earn the 10-2 victory.
Danica Butler started the game for the Yellowjackets, recording three strikeouts.
THE BUZZ: Josie Theilan would be named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game one with two hits and two runs scored.
Marleigh Nieto was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game two with two hits and one run scored.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket Softball team will face Northwest Nazarene for another double header Saturday, March 14.
