Mustangs Open Crucial Series with 3-1 Win over Osprey
Published on August 28, 2019 under Pioneer League (PL)
Billings Mustangs News Release
MISSOULA, Mont. - The Billings Mustangs (21-7, 36-30) expanded their lead in the Pioneer League North Division to six games on Tuesday with a 3-1 win over the Missoula Osprey (15-13, 35-31) in front of 1,636 at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.
The low-scoring contest opened with a solo home run to right from Leonardo Seminati in the second to give Billings an early 1-0 lead. It was Seminati's team-leading ninth home run of the season.
Missoula tied the game by scoring their only run of the night in the bottom of the fifth. After Wilderd Patino and Cesar Garcia put together back-to-back singles to start the inning, Jose Reyes' fielder's choice would be enough two batters later to score Patino from third.
Justin McGregor threw five solid innings in the start, allowing just one run on six hits, not issuing a walk and striking out six. He would leave with no decision, however.
Ian Koch (4-0) was equally remarkable in relief, throwing three perfect innings to back up McGregor's start.
The Mustangs reclaimed the lead in the seventh, a lead they would not relinquish. Quincy McAfee doubled to right with one out and scored later on TJ Hopkins' single to right. McAfee went 2-for-3 with a double, two steals and a hit-by-pitch while reaching in all four of his plate appearances.
Billings tacked on an insurance run in the ninth to make it a two-run game, taking advantage of two straight reaches to open the inning and two defensive errors in the frame.
Francis Peguero earned his sixth save of the season, facing four batters in the ninth. He is now tied for the second-most saves in the Pioneer League.
With the win, the Mustangs have now won five consecutive games to extend their lead in the North Division over the Osprey to six games with 10 left to play, including six left against Missoula. Since Aug. 12, the Mustangs have won 13 of their last 15 games.
The Mustangs and Osprey will play in game two of their three-game series Wednesday, Aug. 28. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. MDT at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.
Pioneer League Stories from August 28, 2019
- Osprey Snap Mustangs' Win Streak with 7-4 Comeback Win - Billings Mustangs
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- Rox Win Extra-Inning Nail-Biter - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Voyagers Claim Third Straight in Idaho Opener - Great Falls Voyagers
- Pages Bookends Game with Go-Ahead Homers - Ogden Raptors
- Sac Flies Not Enough as Raptors Drop Finale to Vibes - Ogden Raptors
- Osprey Fall in Return to Ogren Park, 3-1. - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Chukars Edged in Series Opener - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Owlz Outlasted by Rockies, 10-8 - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Mustangs Open Crucial Series with 3-1 Win over Osprey - Billings Mustangs
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