SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino baseball team dropped a pair of non-conference contests to Montana State Billings Saturday afternoon at Fiscalini Field.

Montana State Billings won 10-8 in game one, followed by a 7-6 decision in game two.

The defeats see the Yotes drop to 0-3 on the young season.

Game 1: Montana State Billings 10, Cal State San Bernardino 8

CSUSB made a furious comeback bid, but ultimately could not overcome a nine-run deficit to open the day.

The Coyotes got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning, when senior Jeremy Giesegh (Upland, Calif.) hit a solo home run to straightaway centerfield, giving the Yotes a 1-0 advantage.

The Yellowjackets responded with two runs in the second, seven in the third, and one in the fourth to take a commanding 10-1 lead.

CSUSB began to chisel away at the deficit in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single from junior Alejandro McKay (San Diego, Calif.) to make it 10-2. 

An inning later, the Yotes made it a ballgame again with four runs to make it 10-6. Benji Solano (Chula Vista, Calif.) started the scoring in the frame with a two-run single, followed by an RBI fielder's choice from senior Dom Dominguez (Victorville, Calif.) and an RBI single from freshman Tyson Pettingill (Overton, Nev.).

CSUSB got the tying run to the plate in both the eighth and ninth innings, and got ninth inning runs on a ninth inning single from Dominguez and sacrifice fly from Pettingill, but ultimately the bid fell just short. 

Giesegh, Dominguez, and junior Michael Gonsalez (Los Angeles, Calif.) all posted a pair of hits to lead the Yotes offensively. 

The loss was charged to starter Carter Herrera (Yucaipa, Calif.) on the bump, but the story of the game was the relief outing by senior Harrison Cordeiro (Chicago, Ill.). Cordeiro threw 5.2 no-hit innings, allowing no walks and striking out nine.

Game 2: Montana State Billings 7, Cal State San Bernardino 6

Just like in game one, the Yotes got on the board first on a first-inning home run from Giesegh. The senior hit a 1-1 pitch over the wall in left center for a two-run homer, putting the Coyotes ahead 2-0 at the end of one. 

Montana State Billings got one run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the third, and took their first lead of game two with a four-run top of the fourth. 

In the bottom of the fourth however, the Coyotes got all four runs back on one swing. On a 2-1 pitch, Giesegh lined a grand slam that was just high enough to clear the left field fence to put CSUSB ahead 6-5.

The advantage would prove to be short-lived, as the Yellowjackets took the lead in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer, and neither team would score again for the rest of the night.

Giesegh was a major factor in the contest, going 2-for-3 with two home runs, six RBIs, and two intentional walks. He was intentionally walked with the tying run on third base with two outs in the bottom of the seventh and final inning. Leadoff hitter Keedan Nadeau (Highland, Calif.) also went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in the defeat.

CSUSB and Montana State Billings will close out their four-game set on Sunday at Fiscalini Field. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m.