Voyagers Swept on Belonis Walk-Off
Published on August 25, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
HELENA, Mont. (August 24, 2015)Â - Carlos Belonis hit a walk-off single with two outs in the ninth to give the Helena Brewers a 3-2 win and complete a sweep of the Great Falls Voyagers Monday night at Kindrick Legion Field.
With the game tied at two entering the ninth, the Voyagers (12-12, 29-31) had a chance to go in front as Joxelier Garcia started the inning with a single, then moved into scoring position on a sacrifice. Alex Farina (1-2) was able to strand the runner at second, sending the contest to the bottom of the ninth still tied.
Mitch Ghelfi started the inning with a double off Danny Dopico (2-3), moving to third on a wild pitch. An intentional walk and a hit batter loaded the bases with one out for the Brewers (8-16, 24-36), and Dopico struck out Jonathan Oquendo for the second out, bringing up Belonis. The reigning Pioneer League Player of the Week then roped a single down the line in left to bring Ghelfi home and complete the four-game sweep.
Both starting pitchers started strong, as neither gave up a hit until the third. The Voyagers plated the contest's first run in the fourth, as Johan Cruz hit his fourth homer of the season and second of the series to make it 1-0.
The Brewers answered in the fifth. Yerison Pena drew a walk from starter Lucas Shearrow, moved to second on a wild pitch, then scored on an RBI single by Milan Post.
Two innings later, Helena took their first lead. Ghelfi began the inning with a walk, and after a single and a sacrifice moved him to third, he raced home on a wild pitch to put the home team in front.
Great Falls came right back to tie it in the eighth. With one out, Grant Massey singled, stole second, and then raced home after an error by the first baseman Post to even the score at 2-2.
The loss for Great Falls is their fourth in a row, and season-high fifth straight loss on the road. With Billings knocking off Missoula Monday, the Voyagers lead in the race for the second Pioneer League North playoff spot is down to one and a half games, heading into this week's series between the Voyagers and Mustangs at Centene Stadium.
The Voyagers will now head home and open-up their four-game set with the Mustangs Tuesday night at Centene Stadium. Great Falls will send lefty Tanner Banks (4-3, 2.21) to the mound, while Billings will counter with fellow southpaw Jacob Constante (2-2, 4.47). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and coverage will begin at 6:45 on 1400 AM KXGF and gfvoyagers.com.
Pioneer League Stories from August 25, 2015
- Great Falls Suffers Fifth Straight Setback - Great Falls Voyagers
- Voyagers Game Notes: August 25 vs. Billings - Great Falls Voyagers
- Voyagers Swept on Belonis Walk-Off - Great Falls Voyagers
- Owlz Top Raptors 7-4 - Ogden Raptors
- Alex Abbott Powers Owlz to 7-4 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Hot Bats Pace Win over Idaho Falls - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Osprey Drop Finale at Billings, 6-4 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Walk-Off Gives Brewers Sweep - Helena Brewers
- Chukars Tumble at Grand Junction - Idaho Falls Chukars
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