LACEY, Wash. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team delivered a commanding doubleheader sweep over Saint Martin's on Friday, cruising to a 13–1 victory in the opener before backing it up with a 7–1 win in game two.
The Yellowjackets (17-16; 11-7 GNAC) controlled the day from start to finish, piling up 23 hits and 20 runs across the two games. MSUB consistently applied pressure offensively, drawing 10 walks and taking advantage of defensive miscues to keep innings alive and extend rallies.
HEAR FROM COACH GREISMAN: "After last weekend's series, our guys were really eager to get back on the field and respond, and I thought they did a great job of doing that today. From the first pitch, we brought a lot of positive energy and focus, and that carried throughout the entire lineup. It was a complete effort and a great day for us at the ballpark."
On the mound, the 'Jackets held the Saints to just two unearned runs, 11 hits, and struck out 11 hitters with
Brennen Chappell and
Sam Coxen earning their fifth and fourth wins of the season respectively.
HEAR FROM COACH GREISMAN: "Coxen and Chappell were outstanding and really set the tone on the mound. They did what they do best - commanding the baseball, mixing speeds, and consistently working at the bottom of the zone. What I'm most proud of is how that momentum carried over to the bullpen. Those guys came in, attacked hitters, and continued that same level of execution and dominance from start to finish."
GAME ONE: MSUB 13; SMU 1
In game one, the 'Jackets wasted little time establishing control. After a scoreless first inning, MSUB broke through in the second as
River Smith doubled to put two runners in scoring position before
Cole Ayala and
Jason Wright each delivered RBI singles to give the Yellowjackets a 2–0 lead.
MSUB added to its advantage in the fourth inning, capitalizing on an error and a sacrifice bunt by
Ryker Fortier to push across two more runs and extend the lead to 4–0. The game turned into a rout in the fifth inning, when the Yellowjackets erupted for five runs on three hits, two walks, and a hit batter. Wright highlighted the inning with a two-RBI double, while
Jack Nehler added a sacrifice fly to cap the frame.
The offense continued to roll in the sixth with another run scoring on a wild pitch, and MSUB tacked on three more in the eighth inning, taking advantage of walks and wild pitches to stretch the lead to 13–0.
Nick Reed paced the offense with a 3-for-5 performance, scoring three runs. Wright finished 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI, while Smith went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. Ayala contributed a 2-for-5 day with a double, three runs scored, and an RBI, and
Adam Rowland reached base five times, scoring three runs and driving in two.
On the mound, Coxen turned in one of his stronger outings of the season, tossing 7.0 shutout innings while allowing just five hits and one walk to go along with five strikeouts.
Lance Schaaf followed with an inning of relief, allowing zero earned runs and two hits, while
Owen Combs closed out the victory with a scoreless ninth inning, striking out one and working around a walk and a hit batter.
GAME TWO: MSUB 7; SMU 1
In game two, the Yellowjackets once again showcased their resilience after falling behind early. Saint Martin's scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first, but MSUB answered immediately in the second inning.
Kaden Bertram singled to start the rally before Smith doubled down the line, setting up RBI opportunities.
Nate McDonald brought home the tying run with a groundout, and
Landon Carter followed with an RBI single to give MSUB a 2–1 lead.
The game remained tight until the fifth inning, when the Yellowjackets delivered the decisive blow. McDonald opened the inning with a single before Carter was hit by a pitch and
Adam Rowland reached on a bunt single and a throwing error that scored McDonald.
Fortier then broke the game open with a two-RBI single up the middle, later stealing second and third to stay aggressive on the basepaths. The speedy shortstop is now 20-20 on stolen bases this season and sits just five steals shy of the MSUB single season record. Bertram added an RBI double in the inning, and Reed capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly as MSUB plated five runs in the to extend the lead to 7–1.
Fortier finished 1-for-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases. Bertram was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI, while Carter went 1-for-2 with an RBI. McDonald added a hit and an RBI, and Smith chipped in with a double and a run scored. Rowland also contributed with a hit and a run scored as part of the five-run fifth inning rally.
Brennen Chappell delivered a steady performance on the mound, earning the win after throwing 6.0 innings and allowing just one unearned run on three hits while striking out four and walking four.
Cody Snow closed out the game with a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit and striking out one.
HEAR FROM COACH GREISMAN: "On the offensive side of the ball, we did a great job of staying within our approach and found success behind quality at bats, hard hit balls in play, and timely hitting. Getting contributions from every player that stepped into the box was awesome to see. Can't wait to wake up and get back to the ballpark tomorrow!"
STAT LEADERS
H: Four players tied (3)
R: Adam Rowland (4)
RBI: Ryker Fortier (3);
Jason Wright (3)
IP: Sam Coxen (7.0);
Brennen Chappell (6.0)
SO: Sam Coxen (5);
Brennen Chappell (4)
W: Sam Coxen (Win);
Brennen Chappell (Win)
THE BUZZ: Same Coxen was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game one and
Brennen Chappell was named Intermountain Health Player of the game for game two.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings baseball team is back in action tomorrow for game three and four of there series against Saint Martin's with first pitch is set for 1:00 PM (MT).
