Mustangs Drop Second Half Opener
Published on July 18, 2021 under Pioneer League (PL)
Billings Mustangs News Release
Missoula, MT - Fresh off their first half season crown last night, the Missoula Paddleheads kept the momentum rolling tonight with a 12-6 win over the Billing Mustangs.
For the first time in this six-game series, the Missoula Paddleheads got on the scoreboard first with a run in each of the first three innings.
Cam Thompson, the first batter in the first inning, slugged a solo-home run to open up the scoring off Billings starter Kelvan Pilot. Thompson blasted a three-run home in the eighth inning last night as well.
On his birthday, Nick Gatewood doubled in Aaron Bond in the second inning to stretch the Paddleheads lead to 2-0. Gatewood would also blast a solo-home run in the seventh inning as well.
Missoula opened up the game with a five run fourth inning. The inning was highlighted by doubles from Jared Akins and Skylar Black. Paddleheads jumped ahead 8-0 after four innings of play.
Billings finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning off a Jesus Azuaje sacrifice fly to left field. Missoula starter Jason Seever blanked the Mustangs through the first five frames. It was Seever's first start since 2016 when he pitched at Santa Clara University.
Billings trailed by just three after a five run top of the eighth inning on just one hit. In the bottom half of the inning, the Paddleheads erupted for three runs to win 12-6.
Jalen Garcia finished 0-for-5 tonight and failed to reach base for the first time since June 18th against Grand Junction. The on-base streak is snapped at 23 games.
Kelvan Pilot had allowed just three earned runs in his first two starts, which totaled 10 1/3 innings. Tonight he was tagged for seven earned runs and lasted just 3 2/3 innings.
The Mustangs (0-1) and Paddleheads (1-0) face off again tomorrow in game five of the six game series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:15 PM and don't forget to catch the pre-game show starting at 4:55 P.M. on ESPN Billings 910 AM/105.5 FM or online at espn910.com.
Pioneer League Stories from July 18, 2021
- Seven Run Fourth Inning Lifts Billings to 12-8 Win - Billings Mustangs
- PaddleHeads Sign NAIA All-American Leef - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Hawks Pick up a Win to Start Second Half - Boise Hawks
- Mustangs Drop Second Half Opener - Billings Mustangs
- PaddleHeads Start Second Half on Right Foot in Victory - Missoula PaddleHeads
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