NAMPA, Ida. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team dropped both ends of a GNAC doubleheader Friday, falling 11–8 and 5–0 to Northwest Nazarene (20-8, 10-0 GNAC) at Elmore Vail Field.
 
The Yellowjackets (13-12, 7-3 GNAC) showed offensive firepower early in the opener, piling up 11 hits and building a six-run lead, but could not withstand a late surge from the Nighthawks, who scored 10 runs over the final two innings to complete the comeback. In game two, MSUB was limited to just three hits and was shut out for the first time in their 2026 campaign.
 
"Coxen was electric today," said head coach Derek Waddoups. "He had an outstanding performance for us today, but it was disappointing that we couldn't hold the lead in game one. I loved our offensive approach in game one as well. We did so many great things, we just needed more competitive strikes from our bull pen."
 
GAME ONE: MSUB 8; NNU 11
In the first game, the 'Jackets responded after trailing 1-0 with a decisive four-run third inning. Cole Ayala was hit by a pitch to spark the rally before Kyle Henington launched a two-run home run to right field to give MSUB the lead. Ryker Fortier later came around to score on an error, and River Smith capped the inning with an RBI double to make it 4-1.
 
MSUB continued to apply pressure in the fifth, as Jack Nehler singled ahead of Kaden Bertram's towering two-run home run to left-center, extending the lead to 6-1. The Yellowjackets added another run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly from Smith, pushing the advantage to 7-1 and appearing in full control.
 
Northwest Nazarene flipped the momentum in the bottom half of the seventh, using a two-run home run and a series of extra-base hits to score five runs and cut the deficit to 7-6. The Nighthawks then capitalized again in the eighth, stringing together hits and taking advantage of free passes to score five more runs and surge ahead 11-7.
 
MSUB attempted a late push in the ninth, as Fortier walked and moved into scoring position before Bertram and Smith delivered back-to-back singles, with Smith driving in a run to cut it to 11-8. However, the rally fell short as the final two outs were recorded.
 
Henington led the Yellowjackets offensively, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and a run scored. Bertram turned in another strong performance, finishing 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored. Smith was also key in the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Fortier added a 2-for-4 effort with three runs scored and a stolen base.
 
On the mound, Sam Coxen was dominant through six innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out nine and walking three. Malcolm Bartholomew was charged with four runs while recording just one out in the seventh, and Blake Sweat allowed one run over two-thirds of an inning. Hayden Mullins took the loss after giving up five runs on four hits in one-third of an inning during the decisive eighth, while Scott Klinker recorded two outs and allowed one hit with no runs.
 
"Chappell gave us a chance in game two," Waddoups said. "He didn't have his best stuff today, but he is a great competitor. Talley from NNU threw a great game, we just needed to put more balls in play against him to give ourselves a chance. Looking forward to bouncing back tomorrow."
 
GAME TWO: MSUB 0; NNU 5
In game two, offense was at a premium for MSUB as NNU's Talley kept the Yellowjackets off balance throughout the night. MSUB threatened early, putting runners on in the first and second innings, but was unable to capitalize.
 
The Nighthawks broke through in the third with an RBI double, then created separation in the fifth inning. A solo home run was followed by a three-run blast, aided by an MSUB error, stretching the lead to 5-0.
 
The Yellowjackets managed just three hits in the contest, with Nick Reed providing the only extra-base hit on a double. Jack Nehler and Kaden Bertram each added singles, but MSUB struck out 10 times and left limited opportunities on base.
 
Brennen Chappell started and took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Carson Waples provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, tossing a clean inning with one strikeout and no baserunners.
 
STAT LEADERS
HITS: Kaden Bertram (3)
RUNS: Ryker Fortier (3)
RBI'S: Kaden Bertram (3); River Smith (3)
IP: Sam Coxen (6.0)
SO: Sam Coxen (9)
 
THE BUZZ: Sam Coxen was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game one and Carson Waples was named Intermountain Health Player of the game for game two.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will look to rebound in the series finale against Northwest Nazarene on Saturday as they aim to get back on track in GNAC play with another doubleheader duel starting at 12:00 pm.