Billings Needs Extras to Top Helena 12-11
Published on July 6, 2014 under Pioneer League (PL)
Helena Brewers News Release
The Helena Brewers (9-12) lost a heartbreaker on Sunday 12-11 to the Billings Mustangs (11-10) in 12 innings.
The Mustangs put three runs on the board in the top of the first, scoring in the first frame for the third straight game. Cory Thompson and Aristedes Aquino had homers in the inning off Helena starter Josh Uhen. Uhen pitched four innings in the start, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out a season-high seven strikeouts.
Billings would extend their lead in the fifth with two more runs, making it a 5-0 lead when Aquino had an RBI single off J.B. Kole. Aquino was 4-for-5 with five RBI, three runs, and two homeruns.
Trailing 7-1 going to the bottom of the seventh, Helena put on an offensive showcase. Seven runs would cross the plate in the inning for the Brewers giving them an 8-7 advantage. Mitch Meyer, Sthervin Matos and Francisco Castillo came up with doubles in the inning off of two Mustangs pitchers, knocking Jose Guzman out of the game.
It would be back and forth for the next two innings with the Brewers taking a 9-8 lead to the ninth. Zach Hirsch came in for the save, but was unable to convert. The former Cornhusker would let in three Mustangs runners in the inning to give the visitors an 11-9 lead. The late rally included two homeruns; one from Alex Blandino, a solo shot to left, and Aquino's second round-tripper of the day.
Trailing by two going to the bottom of the ninth the Brewers found their way back into the ballgame. Greg McCall came up with a clutch two-RBI single to tie the ballgame and send it to extras. McCall was 3-for-6 with 4 RBI, a season-high in both hits and RBIs for the catcher out of UT-Arlington.
After Ryan Deeter pitched two shutout innings of relief in the 10th and 11th innings, Luke Curtis entered the game for the Brewers in the 12th. The closer would give up two hits including a chopping single over the head of Gregory Munoz to score the go-ahead run for the Mustangs.
Helena's offense would go down in order in the bottom of the 12th to end the game.
The Brewers now take to the road for a seven game trip, starting with four contests with the Owlz. First pitch on Tuesday from Orem is set for 7:05 p.m.
Pioneer League Stories from July 6, 2014
- Chukars Rock Raptors in Fourth Inning to Take Series - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Early Deficit Too Much for Missoula in Loss - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Pummel Osprey to Complete Sweep - Great Falls Voyagers
- Billings Needs Extras to Top Helena 12-11 - Helena Brewers
- Big Inning Drops Raptors - Ogden Raptors
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 6 at Missoula - Great Falls Voyagers
- Jake Mayers to Hillsboro, O's Add Pitcher Newton - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Brewers and Mustangs Split a Double-Header - Helena Brewers
- Six-Run Sixth Keys Voyager Comeback - Great Falls Voyagers
- Great Falls' Rally Downs Missoula - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Reverse Script from Last Night Equals Chukars Loss - Idaho Falls Chukars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
