SAN DIEGO – Point Loma dropped their opening day doubleheader against Montana State Billings by a score of 9-5 and 1-0. Zack Noll and Stirling Strong gave the Sea Lions great starts but the offense could not provide them much run support. 

Game One
Point Loma dropped game one of today's doubleheader 9-5 to Montana State Billings. The Sea Lions left 12 on base and could not find that one crucial hit to have momentum swing their way.

PLNU would take an early lead in the third inning when Jarrett Lindsay scored on a fielder's choice. The Sea Lions had the opportunity to strike for more when the Yellowjacket catcher could not squeeze the pitch and ended up going to the backstop. Otto Kemp and Travis Takata each moved up 90 feet into scoring position. Unfortunately, the MSU Billings pitcher was able to get out of the inning with only one run coming across to score in the inning.

At the top of the fifth Montana State Billings would break the game open scoring five runs. The Point Loma pitching staff could not find the zone walking four batters in the inning. All four batters would come around to score on back-to-back, two-out doubles by Wyatt Setian and Nathan Bloxham.

Point Loma would grind for a run in the top of the fifth to cut the Billings lead to 5-2. Just when Point Loma had some momentum going their way MSU Billings would fire right back scoring three in the top of the sixth to extend their lead 8-2.

Point Loma would not shy away from getting two of those runs back on a Takata two-RBI single and cutting the lead in half, making it 8-4. The Sea Lions would tag on one more run in the bottom half of the seventh to bring them within striking distance of the Yellowjackets.

The Yellowjackets would add one run in the top of the eighth which proved to be too much for the Sea Lions. PLNU would fall in their season opener 9-5. MSU Billings pitcher Sam Muskat received the win coming on in relief, with the loss going to Zack Noll. 

Game Two
Stirling Strong pitched six strong innings, striking out seven and allowing only one run, but the Sea Lion offense could not provide any support for the senior left-handed pitcher.

PLNU was looking to take an early lead in the first inning after back-to-back singles by Travis Takata and Otto Kemp. Baxter Halligan then walked to load the bases. Justin Ledgerwood then dug into the batter box looking to give the Sea Lions an early lead. Ledgerwood, unfortunately, ended up striking out. The next two batters would put the ball in play but could not find a hole in the defense. Point Loma would leave all three runners stranded.

The Yellowjackets would push a run across in the top of third after a leadoff walk started the inning. Tyler Detloff then doubled putting runners on second and third with no outs. Strong would limit the damage only allowing one run to score.

The rest of the game was a pitchers dual that saw no runs and five hits after the third inning. PLNU dropped game two of today's doubleheader 1-0. The Yellowjackets pitcher, Matthew Houlihan received the victory, while Strong took the loss. Dylan Barkley of MSU Billings would record his first save on the 2020 season. 

Team Records
Point Loma (0-2, 0-0 PacWest), MSU Billings (2-0, 0-0 GNAC)

News and Notes
> Jarrett Lindsay reached base in three of his four at-bats. 
> Zack Noll did not allow a hit in 4.2 innings of work.
> The Sea Lions, offensively, recorded more hits (7-5) and walks (8-5) than the Yellowjackets.
> This is the first time since 2017 that PLNU dropped their season opener.
> Stirling Strong matched his career-high in strikeouts with seven.

Up Next
The two teams will conclude their series with a single nine-inning game on Saturday, Feb. 1. The first pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.