BILLINGS, Mont. – Despite the Saints having the lead after four innings in both ends of the doubleheader, including a grand slam by Bryant Nakagawa, Montana State Billings rallied twice to sweep the Saints in Montana.
 
The Saints' bats came alive in the first game, scoring eight runs in the first four innings, highlighted by the grand slam for Nakagawa, before the Yellowjackets used a 10 run fifth inning to comeback. In the second game, McNicoll provided the run support with a solo home run but once again, the Yellowjackets responded in the fifth, scoring five runs en route to sweep.
 
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Saints (9-33, 8-26) jumped out to the early lead in the second inning, scoring two runs on a double to left center by Steven Sordahl. In the third, SMU added two more runs on RBI at bats by Bryant Nakagawa and Kahi Hirano.
 
The Yellowjackets (27-13, 26-8) chipped away at the lead, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third on a single and sac fly. In the top of the fourth, Sordahl led off with a single up the middle, followed by a single from Austin Feist and a hit by pitch to Adam Eskil. With the bases loaded and nobody out, MSUB got two outs and were on the verge of getting out unscathed. Nakagawa changed that with one swing of the bat, connecting for his third home of the season and first career grand slam to put the Saints up 8-2.
 
However, the Yellowjackets rallied in the fifth inning, scoring 10 runs on eight hits, one error and none left on base. Two two-run home runs highlighted the fifth, along with a two RBI double. MSUB added two more runs in the sixth on a shot down the left field line to secure the 14-8 win.
 
Clark Streby got the start, going four plus innings, allowing seven runs on 10 hits while striking out two. Robbie Shineman (0-1) pitched one inning, earning the loss before Benjamin Wadowski threw the final inning of relief.
 
In the second game, Micah McNicoll put the Saints on the board first in the fourth inning, with a solo home run to left field. His second home run of the season.
 
Tanner Inouye (2-4) got the start, and worked out of a bases loaded jam in the third with a doubleplay. Once again, Montana State Billings used clutch hitting to jumpstart their offense and regain the lead. In the fifth inning, with two outs, the Yellowjackets stringed together five straight hits to score five runs and take a 5-1 lead.
 
The Yellowjackets added one final run in the sixth and went on to win the second bill 6-1.
 
The series finale will take place tomorrow at noon PST. Live stats and video of the game will be available on smusaints.com.