Schultz Holds Voyagers Offense In Check in 4-1 Win

GREAT FALLS, MT- The offense of the Great Falls Voyagers scored runs in bunches in a game 2 win over the Missoula PaddleHeads Wednesday to set up the rubber match on Thursday night at Centene Stadium. Both offenses would remain quiet through the first 5 innings with only 1 run being scored between the 2 teams combined over that stretch. The PaddleHead offense would find success in the 6th inning to edge into the lead. As it worked out, that would be all Connor Schultz and the rest of the PaddleHeads pitching staff would need. 

 Missoula would stretch its lead out to 4 in the 6th inning thanks to a 3-run rally to start the frame. On the other end of the equation, the Voyagers offense would only be able to muster 2 hits as a team through the night with Schultz doing a bulk of the heavy lifting. Mark Simon would also pitch well down the stretch earning a 4-out save over the final 1 ⅓ innings to give Missoula a 4-1 victory. This win clinched the series win for Missoula on the road and gave the PaddleHeads momentum for their return to the Garden City over the weekend. 

First baseman Dondrei Hubbard got the PaddleHeads on the board in the early going with a double into the left center field alley to make the score 1-0. Hubbard would be one of only 2 players in the PaddleHead order to finish with at least 2 hits finishing the night 2-for-4. This would also be the only offensive production for either team leading to the 6th. It would prove to be enough for Schultz. 

The Pennsylvania native would throw nearly 70% of his pitches for strikes over 6 ⅓ innings allowing only 1 run on 2 hits to earn his 3rd win of the season. Schultz would strike out eight in the outing while walking just 1 batter. The 2nd year PaddleHead would get more breathing room from the offense in the top of the 6th. 

A walk to Thomas DeBonville started the 6th inning. One batter later,  third baseman Patrick Chung would get a pitch he could handle in an 0-1 count, launching a towering  2-run blast that would travel over 430 feet before reaching its final resting place to make the score 3-0. Center Fielder Keaton Greenwalt would tack another run on the board with a double to make the score 4-0. This would be a fitting ending to the offensive night for Greenwalt who finished the night 3-for-4. Chung would wrap up the night 1-for-5. 

Trailing 4-1 in the 8th, the Voyagers would mount their only threat offensively loading the bases. With 2-outs recorded, the PaddleHeads would turn to closer Mark Simon. The 3rd year PaddleHead would come through in the clutch spot to record the final out to end the threat with the bases loaded. The 2021 league pitcher of the year would also hold the line in a scoreless 9th inning to earn his 3rd save of the season. 

The PaddleHeads (25-8) would remain 5 games clear in the Northern Division race in the Pioneer League with the win on Thursday. Missoula will return home Friday for a 3-game series welcoming the 2nd place team in the North, the Glacier Range Riders (19-12). First pitch from Allegiance Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. If you cannot make it to the park, catch all the action on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M..