Yellowjackets Come-From-Behind for Season-Opening Victory, 8-4

Box Score

DENVER, Colo. – The Montana State Billings baseball team opened the 2009 season in wining fashion Friday as it came-from-behind to defeat host Metro State, 8-4 in the first of four games against the Roadrunners.  Sophomore Jeff Ridgeway went 3 for 6 with a game wining, two run, home run in the top of the eighth.

“It was a good start to the season,” said head coach Chris Brown.  “I liked our approach offensively.  We were aggressive, but smart at the plate.  It was a total team effort as everyone played well. 

Metro State (3-4) opened the game with the first run of the game as Matt McConnell doubled down the right field line, followed by a RBI single from Mike Coffey for a 1-0 lead in the third inning. 

The Yellowjackets continued to fight hard and broke through in the top of the sixth inning as senior Stefan Malkuch singled up the middle scoring two runs for a 2-1 lead.  MSUB added two more runs in the seventh for a 4-1 lead as junior Matt Schoonover laid down a sacrifice bunt scoring senior Andrew Hernandez.  Later in the inning, senior Joe Via doubled to center, scoring Ridgeway.

Yellowjacket hurler Steve Scott went six strong innings, allowing one earned run on eight hits with three strikeouts.  Scott did not walk a batter.  Jeff Bjorklund came on in relief and picked up the victory as he went the final three innings, allowing six hits, three earned runs and fanned two. 

“Steve Scott pitched a great game for us,” Brown added.  “Jeff Bjorklund came on in relief, got nervous and got into some trouble, but he settled down and shut them down the last two innings.  Jeff did a lot of nice things offensively and defensively.”

The Roadrunners tied the game in the bottom of the seventh as Chris Redding and McConnell hooked up for a double and a RBI single, respectively.  Coffey also got into the act with a RBI single, while McConnell later scored on a wild pitch for a 4-4 game.

MSUB didn’t sweat it as Hernandez reached on an error in the eighth followed by the two run blast by Ridgeway for a 6-4 lead.  The ‘Jackets added two more runs in the ninth for an 8-4 victory.

Malkuch finished the game 3 for 5 with three RBI, while Nick Harris and Chris Round each had three hits a piece.

The Yellowjackets and the Roadrunners are scheduled for a doubleheader tomorrow at 11 a.m., followed by a single nine-inning game Sunday at 11 a.m. to conclude the four game series.