Two Big Innings Doom Yellowjackets in 14-10 Loss at Northern Colorado

Box Score

GREELEY, Colo. – 11 runs in two innings proved to be the difference as Montana State Billings dropped a 14-10 decision at Northern Colorado Saturday afternoon in the first game of a twinbill.   MSUB fell to 1-5 on the year, while UNC improved to 2-0. 

MSUB got the scoring started in the top of the first as Ty Sobieraj singled to right field scoring two runs for the early 2-0 lead.  The Bears answered back in the bottom of the second as they scored two runs courtesy of an error and a RBI single for a 2-2 score.

Northern Colorado blew the game open in the bottom of the third as all nine batters came to bat and plated six runs highlighted by a three run home run to left center by Casey Coy for an 8-2 lead.

The Yellowjackets didn’t give up as they continued to fight hard and cut the deficit to 8-6 with a four run fifth inning.  A two RBI double by Kyle Ailes and a RBI single Brian Dukart scored three of the runs, while Joe Via scored on a balk.

Just as in yesterday’s game, the Bears had the answer each time the Yellowjackets would make a run.  This time, UNC scored five runs in the bottom of the six to go ahead 13-6 and added a run in the seventh for a 14-6 lead.

MSUB added three more runs in the eighth to cut the deficit to 14-9 courtesy of a RBI Double by Nick Harris, a RBI single by Sobieraj, while Matt Schoonover scored a run on a groundout.  The Yellowjackets held in the bottom of the eighth and were able to score one run in the ninth as they loaded the bases with nobody out.   However, a pitching change by UNC followed by a fielder’s choice to score the run and a double play ended the threat and the game.

Sobieraj led the way with a 4 for 5 outing in the opener with three RBI.  Dukart went 2 for 4 with a RBI as well as MSUB had 11 hits on the day.  Fielding proved to be an issue as the ‘Jackets committed five errors on the day.

Northern Colorado had four players with multiple hit games as two players had four hits each.  The Bears banged out 18 hits and two errors on the day.  Andy Mees led the way with a 4 for 5 day and two RBI, while Kevin Sandberg was 4 for 5 as well with one RBI.  Mees scored three times as well.

Archie Smith (0-1) took the loss as he went just three innings, surrendering eight hits, eight runs – seven earned, no walks and no strikeouts.  Cody Clark pitched 2.2 innings, allowing six hits, five runs – three earned, one walk and three strikeouts.  Andy Vennum finished the game going the final 2.1 innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, one walk and one strikeout.

The second game of the doubleheader will begin in approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener and the series will conclude Sunday with a single game beginning at 12 p.m.  Fans can watch the live stats at www.uncbears.com.