BILLINGS, Mont. – After trailing 5-3 entering the seventh, the Saints exploded for nine straight runs, including a grand slam by Adam Eskil to power past the Yellowjackets 13-10 in the final game of the four-game series.
 
RBI doubles by Colton Peha and Kahi Hirano, along with home runs by Peha and Eskil fueled the Saints' offense. Their 13 runs were the second most runs scored in a win this season
 
The Saints got on the board first, with Colton Peha connecting for his second shot of the season, a home run to right field. Montana State Billings managed to take back the lead in the in bottom of the third on a RBI single and sac fly.
 
In the fourth inning, with runners on second and third and two outs, Kahi Hirano delivered the clutch hit, shooting a ball into the gap. Both runners scored and putting Saint Martin's back on top 3-2.
 
The Yellowjackets responded right back, scoring two runs on a double to left center before another RBI double pushed the lead to 5-3.
 
However, the Yellowjackets' lead did not last long, when the Saints loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh. A walk allowed a run to score, setting up Peha for a two RBI double down the left field line. Ryan Colvin then added two more insurance runs, sending a ball up the middle, scoring two more and gave the Saints a 8-5 lead.
 
The highlight of the game came in the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, Adam Eskil connected for his first grand slam of the season. It marked the second grand slam of the series for the Saints. The Yellowjackets managed to score five runs in the final two innings but were unable to catch the Saints, with SMU winning 13-10.

"We did a great job competing throughout the lineup," said head coach Kelly Gau. "It was important for us to keep working to score every inning knowing how potent their offense can be. This is a very special group when we put it together. I'm proud of how well they've played for each other during the second half of the year despite many moments of adversity."
 
Garrison Ritter got the start on the mound, going four innings, allowing five runs, three earned on six hits. Luke Hare pitched a clean fifth before Aaron Shoup (1-6) pitched the final four innings, earning the win.
 
The Saints return home for their final series of the season after spending six weeks on the road. SMU hosts Concordia for two doubleheaders next weekend with live video and stats available on smusaints.com.