MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team clinched its spot in the GNAC Tournament with a dominant doubleheader sweep of Western Oregon on Saturday, rolling to a 9–1 win in game one before securing the berth with a 7–1 victory in game two at WOU Baseball Field.
The Yellowjackets (21-19; 15-10 GNAC) punched their postseason ticket in convincing fashion, combining for 24 hits on the day while holding Western Oregon to just eight total hits and two runs. MSUB used early offensive surges in both games and steady pitching throughout to control the twin bill from start to finish.
"Today was the most complete baseball that we have played as a team this season," said head coach
Derek Waddoups. Queen was outstanding in game one and gave us another quality start. Our pitching staff threw really well all weekend.
Andrew White came in the eighth inning and got two big strikeouts with bases loaded to seal the deal for us."
GAME ONE: MSUB 9; WOU 1
In the opener, the 'Jackets set the tone immediately, erupting for four runs in the first inning behind six hits and two sacrifice flies. After adding another run in the second, MSUB continued to apply pressure with a run in the fifth, two more in the seventh aided by defensive errors, and a final insurance run in the ninth. Western Oregon's lone run came in the seventh inning, but the outcome was never in doubt as MSUB built a commanding early lead.
Jason Wright delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the season in game one, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, three RBI, three runs scored and a walk.
Kaden Bertram was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while
Espn Fisher finished 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
Adam Rowland added a 2-for-3 effort with a double and a run scored, and
Ryker Fortier chipped in with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base.
Cade Queen earned the win on the mound, turning in a strong outing with 7.0 innings pitched, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four and walking three.
Lance Schaaf recorded one out in relief, allowing two hits and a walk, and
Andrew White shut the door with 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing just one hit and one walk.
"We got off to an early start in both games today," Waddoups said. "Wright was electric at the top of the lineup and we had production from all nine spots. It is great to see the depth that our lineup contributes."
GAME TWO: MSUB 7; WOU 1
Game two followed a similar script, as MSUB again jumped out early with two runs in the first inning before breaking the game open with a four-run second. The Yellowjackets added one more in the sixth, while Western Oregon's only run came in the third inning on an unearned play, as MSUB's pitching and defense limited any chance of a comeback.
Wright continued his standout day at the plate in game two, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored to cap a seven-hit doubleheader.
Jack Nehler was perfect, going 2-for-2 with a double, a run scored and two walks.
Kaden Bertram drove in four runs, finishing 1-for-3 with a walk, while
Nick Reed went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Fortier added a double, an RBI and two runs scored as the offense remained consistent throughout the lineup.
Hayden Mullins started game two, pitching 4.0 innings while allowing one unearned run on three hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
Carson Waples picked up the win in relief, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two and issuing no walks.
"Mullins and Waples were outstanding on the mound in game two," Waddoups said. "The controlled the zone and made quality pitches in big moments. We are excited to for what lies ahead over the next few weekends in preparation for the GNAC Tournament. I am proud of the team and excited for this group to have a postseason opportunity."
With the sweep, MSUB not only secured a crucial conference series win but also officially locked in its place in the upcoming GNAC Tournament, marking a significant milestone as the regular season enters its final stretch.
THE BUZZ: Cade Queen was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game one and
Jason Wright was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game for game two.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will look to carry that momentum into next weekend's GNAC series against Northwest Nazarene.
