BILLINGS, Mont. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team delivered a thrilling finish in their Easter Sunday doubleheader opener, walking off Central Washington 6–5 in comeback fashion before dropping the series finale 11–2.
The Yellowjackets (15-16, 9-7 GNAC) leaned on timely hitting and late-inning execution in the game one victory, overcoming a four-run deficit and erasing a late one-run hole before pushing across the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. MSUB piled up 20 hits across the two contests, highlighted by multiple extra-base hits and several multi-hit performances, while the pitching staff combined for 18 strikeouts on the day.
GAME ONE: MSUB 6; CWU 5
Central Washington jumped out early in the opener, using a pair of two-run home runs in the second inning to build a 4–0 lead. The 'Jackets were held in check through the first four innings before breaking through in the fifth.
Nate McDonald sparked the rally with a walk, and
Cole Ayala followed with a double to put two in scoring position. A double-play ball allowed a run to score, and
Ryker Fortier later delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4–2.
MSUB continued to chip away in the seventh inning, as
Jason Wright led off with a single and later scored on a
Jack Nehler RBI base hit.
River Smith followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 4–4, completing the comeback from four runs down.
After Central Washington briefly reclaimed a 5–4 lead in the eighth inning, the 'Jackets answered immediately in the bottom half. Ayala doubled to put the tying run in scoring position, and Wright delivered again with a clutch triple to even the score at 5–5 and send the game to the ninth.
The dramatic finish came in the bottom of the ninth, as Nehler opened the inning with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball. With one out,
Kaden Bertram lined a single into left field, and a misplay by the outfielder allowed Nehler to race home with the winning run, sealing the walk-off victory.
Nehler led the way offensively, going 3-5 with two RBI's and two runs scored while Wright turned in a big performance, finishing 2-4 with one RBI, one run, and a triple. Bertram went 3-for-5 with the walk-off knock, while Ayala was 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored. Fortier added an RBI and two stolen bases in the win.
On the mound,
Cade Queen went 5.0 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits while striking out seven and walking four.
Cody Snow provided 2.1 innings of relief, giving up one run on two hits with a strikeout and a walk.
Owen Combs earned the win, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk to close out the game.
GAME TWO: MSUB 2; CWU 11
In the second game, Central Washington took control early and never looked back, using consistent offensive pressure and a five-run fifth inning to pull away. The Wildcats scored in five different innings, taking advantage of defensive miscues to extend their lead.
MSUB threatened early but couldn't capitalize, stranding runners in multiple innings before finally breaking through in the seventh. Wright provided the lone highlight offensively, launching a two-run home run to get the 'Jackets on the board.
Wright finished game two going 2-4 with a home run and two RBI. Fortier added a 2-4 effort with a stolen base, while Bertram went 2-3.
Kyle Henington was 1-3 with a run scored, and
Cole Ayala chipped in a hit.
Scott Klinker started and took the loss, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing eight runs (four earned) on nine hits with six strikeouts.
Hayden Mullins followed with 2.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out four and walking one.
HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCES
H: Kaden Bertram (5);
Jason Wright (4)
R: Jason Wright (2);
Jack Nehler (2);
Cole Ayala (2)
RBI: Jason Wright (3)
IP: Cade Queen (5.0);
Scott Klinker (4.2)
SO: Cade Queen (7);
Scott Klinker (6)
W: Owen Combs (Win)
THE BUZZ: Jack Nehler 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 hit the road next, traveling to Lacey, Washington to continue GNAC play against Saint Martin's on April 10.
