Three-Run Eighth Inning Dooms Yellowjackets, 5-2

Box Score

DENVER, Colo. – Three unearned runs in the eighth inning by Metro State broke open a 2-2 game as the Roadrunners posted a 5-2 victory over visiting Montana State Billings Saturday afternoon.  With the loss, MSUB falls to 1-1 on the year, while Metro State improves to 4-4.

The Yellowjackets jumped on the board first in the top of the fifth as junior transfer Ty Sobieraj singled followed by a single from junior Patch Wirtzberger.  Senior Bryce Thomas put down a nice bunt single to load the bases.  Sophomore Jeff Ridgeway singled up the middle scoring two runs for a 2-0 lead.

The Roadrunners responded in the bottom of the frame with a double and a single to begin the inning.  Matt McConnell continued where he left off yesterday with a two RBI single to even the game at two.

Archie Smith pitched 5.2 strong innings in his Yellowjacket debut as he allowed nine hits, two earned runs and five strikeouts. 

The game remained 2-2 until the eighth inning when reliever Stefan Malkuch struck out the first batter of the inning but Sobieraj was unable to handle the pitch as it went to the backstop allowing Everett Altman to reach first on the pass ball.  A sacrifice bunt and a steal by Altman put runners at the corners.  Tyree Abshire belted a RBI single for a 3-2 lead. 

Following a single and a walk, Abshire was caught stealing for the second out of the inning.  Chris Redding hit a two out single, followed by McConnell driving in his third run of the game and a throwing error on Malkuch allowed Redding to score on the play as well for a 5-2 lead.

The Yellowjackets didn’t go quietly in their last at bat as they got the tying run to the late courtesy of a pass ball strikeout and a walk, but were unable to get anything across.

Senior Joe Via led the Yellowjacket attack with a 2 for 4 outing, while Ridgeway continued where he left off yesterday with a single and two RBI.  Six Yellowjackets had one hit a piece.  McConnell led the way for the Roadrunners with a 3 for 5 outing and three RBI.

Malkuch (0-1) picks up the loss going two innings while allowing four hits, three unearned runs, two walks and one strikeout.

The four game series is scheduled to conclude Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.