Yellowjackets Sweep Eastern Washington in Exhibition Double-Header (April 18, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – Meghan O’Donnell hit two home runs in game one and Megan McCrae tossed a one-hitter in game two as MSU Billings swept a softball double-header from Eastern Washington 13-0 and 3-0.  The games were counted as exhibitions and will not count toward the Jackets’ season record or stats.

O’Donnell homered in the second and fourth innings of game one as the Yellowjackets won via the eight-run rule in the fifth inning.  MSUB scored eight runs in the second to break the game open.  Joey Ehnes and Stephanie Cochrun combined for the three-hit shutout with each striking out four batters in the game. 

O’Donnell was 3-for-3 in the game with four RBI and three runs scored.  Right fielder Sara Hanley was 1-for-1 with three RBI and a run scored.  Catcher Layne Pavey was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

In game two, McCrae and Eastern Washington’s Tiffany Manhart battled each other in a pitcher’s duel with McCrae’s Yellowjackets finally plating three runs in the bottom of the fifth to pull away for the win.  McCrae allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out nine in seven innings.  Manhart gave up five hits and three runs in six innings, striking out eight and walking two.

The Yellowjackets put together their three-run rally with doubles from Joey Ehnes, Hanley and O’Donnell.  Ehnes, Hanley and Tahnea Murphy each drove in a run in the fifth to give McCrae enough breathing room.  Stephanie Cochrun, Christy Wankel and Murphy each scored in the inning.

The Yellowjackets will play at Dickinson State on April 21 before returning home for their final home stand on April 25-26 against PacWest foe Hawaii-Hilo.