Long Ball Leads Mustangs Past PaddleHeads

MISSOULA, MT- The Missoula PaddleHeads played host to the Billings Mustangs for the 1st time this season in game 1 of a 6 game set at Allegiance Field Ogren Park. This was their first appearance in this ballpark since their battle in the Pioneer League Playoffs last season. After finding success in this ballpark last fall, the Mustangs once again looked comfortable Tuesday. Behind success from the offense, Billings would roll in the 1st game of this series.

The Mustangs would clump runs together in numerous instances scoring 2 runs or more in an inning in 4 separate frames. Success with home runs would be common throughout the contest with 3 long balls playing a role. Billings was able to keep the PaddleHeads offense in check throughout allowing the Mustangs to hold a lead from the 4th inning on. The end result was a 12-5 win for the folks from the Magic City. 

After seeing just 1 man reach base in the first 2 innings, the Mustangs would get their offense going in the 3rd taking their first lead of the night. After a walk, and a hit batter set up a threatening situation, Briley Knight would take advantage, hitting a 3-run blast to right center giving the Mustangs their 1st lead at 3-1. Knight finished 3-for-6 with 3 driven in and a pair of runs scored. Missoula would have an answer to this push in the early going. 

The PaddleHeads would tie the game in the bottom of the inning with a little small ball. After a run scored in the frame on an error, Alec Sanchez would race home on a double steal play to tie the game at 3. More success with extra base hits from Billings in the innings that followed however would immediately see the Mustangs get back to the lead and then some. 

3rd year Mustang Gabe Wurtz would give Billings the lead right back in the 4th with a solo blast to jumpstart another 3 run push. Taylor Lomack would also drive home a pair with a single that made the score 6-3. Lomack was rock solid from the top of the order finishing 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. Wurtz also chipped in with a 2-for-5 effort. The Mustangs would also continue to pull away a few innings later. 

An RBI infield single from Lomack would kick off yet another rally for Billings that saw its lead swell to 6 runs in the top of the 6th. Gary Lora would then clobber a ball to the wall in left center in the frame knocking in a pair with a double to expand the lead to 9-3. Lora finished 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles in the win. The last home run of the night for Billings would help the Mustangs put on the finishing touches in the 7th inning. 

Blake Evans would bring the Mustangs' run total to double digits in the top of the 7th with a home run to right center that brought home 2 making the score 11-4. Evans scored 4 runs in the win as part of a 2-for-4 performance. 

Right Fielder Banks Tolley was one of 2 PaddleHeads making their professional debut Tuesday and provided a spark for Missoula in the late innings. The All-American selection laced a triple into right center in the 8th recording his 1st professional hit as a result. Patrick Chung would bring him home a batter later to make the score 12-5. 

Catcher Carlos Perez also made his professional debut with Missoula Tuesday out of the University of Miami. The rookie duo of Perez and Tolley would both finish 1-for-4. Chung had a solid night in the losing effort finishing 3-for-5 with an RBI and run scored. 

The PaddleHeads (42-13) will look to get back on the horse in game 2 of this 6 game slate opposite the Mustangs (26-29) Wednesday night. First Pitch at Allegiance Field is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. If you cannot make it to the park for another 'Wolf Wednesday' at the ballpark, tune in on 102.9 ESPN Missoula and 1029espn.com.