Espinoza's Dazzling Start Hands Mustangs Third Straight Win
Published on June 18, 2021 under Pioneer League (PL)
Billings Mustangs News Release
Billings, MT - In his fifth start of the season, Adolfo Espinoza turned in his best one. His dominant performance lifted the Billings Mustangs (11-12) to a 4-0 victory over the Grand Junction Rockies (8-15).
Espinoza on his birthday fired 7 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball and allowed just four hits while striking out a dozen. The Victorville, CA native set season highs in strikeouts and innings while giving manager Joe Kruzel the longest outing by a Mustangs starter this year. Espinoza also struck out eight of the nine Rockies hitters tonight.
It was a pitchers duel in the first three innings as neither team had a hit until the top of the fourth inning. The Mustangs offense finally broke through after a Jalen Garcia walk. Their first hit off the Rockies starter Michael Flynn was a two-run home run by Chris Salvey over the left field fence. Salvey gave the Stangs a 2-0 lead after four.
They would tack on two more in the fourth after two walks were issued by Flynn. Chris Eusay drove home Dalton Cobb from third on a sacrifice fly. The next batter Jalen Garcia legged out an infield single to score Jesus Azuaje and the Mustangs led 4-0.
That was all the offense they needed. Colin Kelly and Tyshaun Chapman combined to complete the Mustangs first shutout of the year.
The Mustangs are currently riding a three game winning streak and have won four of their last five games.
The Mustangs and Rockies pick the series up tomorrow in game three of a six game set. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM on Wednesday and don't forget to catch the pre-game show starting at 6:15 P.M. on ESPN Billings 910 AM/105.5 FM or online at espn910.com.
Pioneer League Stories from June 18, 2021
- Rockies Three Run Seventh Snaps Mustangs Winning Streak - Billings Mustangs
- Hawks See Lead Slip Away Late - Boise Hawks
- Hilton's Stellar Outing Highlights Victory over Raptors - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Espinoza's Dazzling Start Hands Mustangs Third Straight Win - Billings Mustangs
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.
