MUSTANGS HOLD ON TO FIRST WITH 6-3 WIN OVER OWLZ
July 25, 2017 - Pioneer League (PL)
Billings Mustangs News Release
OREM, Utah - The Billings Mustangs (17-17) got their record back to .500 and maintained first place in the Pioneer League North Division with a 6-3 over the Orem Owlz (24-10) in front of 3,571 at the Home of the Owlz.
Orem struck first with Spencer Griffin 's first professional homerun in the bottom of the first inning. It would be his only hit of the game as Griffin struck out in his next three at-bats. That was the only run surrendered by Luis Alecis (4-2) in another outstanding start. Alecis threw five and two-thirds innings, giving up just one run and striking out a season-high eight batters. He earned his fourth win of the season and became the first Mustang pitcher to reach four wins.
Billings took their first lead in the fourth after having their first nine batters of the game retired. Satchel McElroy led off the top of the fourth with a single and scored on an error. Miles Gordon then hit his fourth homerun of the season later in the frame that would also bring in Stuart Fairchild . Gordon and McElroy would each score two of the six Mustangs runs.
That 3-1 lead was extended to 6-1 after three more runs came in in the sixth. Andy Sugilio singled to score McElroy and Leandro Santana doubled to score both Gordon and Sugilio.
Billings' bullpen was once again solid as the Owlz were held scoreless between the first and ninth innings before making a late run. Miguel Aguilar could not quite find his way out of the bottom of the ninth coming just an out shy of his first professional save. Ryan Nutof entered the game after it was narrowed to a 6-3 advantage and struck out Jeyson Sanchez looking to end the game.
The Mustangs and Owlz will face off in game two of their three-game series Tuesday at the Home of the Owlz. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Dehler Park is currently in the Final Four of Ballpark Digest's Best of the Ballpark competition. Fans can vote every day for the home of the Mustangs by visiting the following rookie-sweet-sixteen
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Pioneer League Stories from July 25, 2017
- Brewers Fall in Opener against Raptors - Helena Brewers
- MUSTANGS HOLD ON TO FIRST WITH 6-3 WIN OVER OWLZ - Billings Mustangs
- Dallas Carroll Named Player of the Week - Helena Brewers
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