PaddleHeads Look To Get Back In Win Column Thursday Opposite Raptors

Playoff Positioning

Despite suffering a pair of losses to start this week, the PaddleHeads remain in the drivers seat in the race for the Pioneer League Playoffs. Missoula (30-14)  is in line for the 2nd playoff spot leading their closest competition in the Yuba Sutter Highwheelers (29-15) by 1 game with 4 games remaining in the half. Simply put, if Missoula wins each of its remaining games, they clinch a Pioneer League postseason berth. 

The PaddleHeads do not have much margin for error with the 1 game advantage over the Highwheelers in this situation.Yuba Sutter also swayed the tiebreaker in their favor as it stands entering action on Thursday. Having not played each other in the half, the tiebreaker will be decided by the numbers of runs scored by opponents. Opponents of the PaddleHeads have scored 273 runs against Missoula this season so far. Yuba Sutter has currently allowed 266 runs.  

The Oakland Ballers are also on the brink of wrapping up a playoff spot with a record of (33-11). A win on Thursday would clinch a playoff berth for Oakland. A win combined with a PaddleHeads loss would also clinch the first half pennant for the Ballers. 

Missoula turns to Nick Parker Thursday night in search of getting things turned around. Parker will make his 2nd appearance in Ogden in the process doing so in that ballpark he made his PaddleHeads debut last May. Parker has been solid in his last 2 starts allowing just 2 runs over 12 innings while striking out 13 batters. Parker also turned in a solid effort faceing the Raptors last July in his last start against Ogden allowing just 1 earned run in 6 ⅔ innings in a PaddleHeads win. 

With some added pressure, the PaddleHeads will look to get things back on track in game 3 from Ogden on Thursday night. First pitch from Lindquest Field is scheduled for 6:30. Tune in on ESPN Radio 102.9 F.M. to listen to all the action. All the action can also be streamed live on 1029espn.com. 

A Conversation with Centerfielder Alec Sanchez

Q: Here we are back in Ogden for the second time in as many seasons. Can you think back to where you were the last time you were here in May of 2024 compared to where you are now as a professional? 

Sanchez: "It's definitely different. It's wild to think about the difference a year can make. Last May I was in the 2nd week as a professional. I didn't really know what to expect. This season I feel that we are dealing with a little bit more adversity compared to last season. The timing is also much different. We were just getting started in the 1st half last May whereas now things are right at the tail end of this half." 

Q: There is a good number of 2nd year players on the roster. Have you seen a change collectively from this group in terms of your mentality? 

Sanchez: "Yes, I feel like we have learned how to deal with failure better compared to last season. We haven't been carrying the weight of one bad game to the next. I feel like that has been a nice stepping stone for this group." 

Q: Obviously this has been a tough start to the week here in Ogden having lost the 1st 2 games of this series. But what has been the message in the clubhouse leading into this game 3 as you think about getting things turned around? 

Sanchez: "We know in our lockerroom how good we are. Schlact, and I were just discussing how this can even happen to the best baseball team on the planet thinking about how the Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling right now. Every team goes through a little skid. We will try to deal with it in the same way they would. Every day we come to the ballpark it's a new day. We're going to work hard every day and see what happens. Tonight I think you will see a change in the outcome." 

Q: Do you think this spoiler role has helped Ogden in this series playing on its home field? 

Sanchez: "Yes, it's helped them to a degree. I definitely would not say that we are pressing. I feel like Ogden just came out to compete and give us a fight. We have beat ourselves at times. They're also playing with house money and have been having fun. But I think tonight you will see a shift in this series."

Q: What do you think will be some key factors to getting things rolling in the right direction in the coming days? 

Sanchez: "First off I'm looking for Nick Parker to have a good start tonight and hopefully get some runs early. I'm confident our bullpen will do a good job after Nick. I also want to see some good team defense from our group collectively tonight."

Q: Touching on Parker, he has been able to have good success in his last few outings. What do you think has been him improving on the mound in recent outings? 

Sanchez: "His last 2 starts have been very good. I think he has been trusting his arsenal of pitches better. He's been throwing his fastball for strikes and has been able to do the same with his secondary stuff. He has not been nibbling around the zone and has been attacking hitters knowing that he can get them out if he executes his pitches. Hopefully this success translates into success tonight."

Q: You have a lot of action coming at home in the 2nd half of the regular season. Do you look forward to having that opportunity when you turn the page from the 1st half? 

Sanchez: "Yes, definitely. I always love playing in Zoo Town. I especially miss Missoula on weeks like this down in Ogden. It has been so hot here this week. I feel like I'm back home in Florida with this weather. Even if it gets warm in Missoula I can cool off with the river or something like that. Being in front of the fans in Missoula is always great. I'm looking forward to getting back and having a strong 2nd half with everyone in this clubhouse."  

Starting Lineups 

        Thursday July 10, 2025

 Missoula PaddleHeads (30-14) vs. Ogden Raptors (25-18)

(Nick Parker 3-0 6.11 ERA) vs. Chase Chatman (4-1) 6.23 ERA

Missoula PaddleHeads (30-14)

1. #3 Colby Wilkerson 2B

2. #7 Roberto Pena 1B

3. #21 Mike Rosario RF

4. #55 Adam Fogel LF

5. #8 Colin Gordon SS

6. #13 Nich Klemp C

7. #19 Layton Barry CF

8. #27 Taylor Smith DH

9. #2 Kamron Willman 3B

RHP #28 Nick Parker

Ogden Raptors (25-18)

1. #23 Damian Stone RF

2. #28 True Fontenot 2B

3. #37 Chris Sargent C

4. #22 Connor Bagnieski DH

5. #18 Kenny Oyama CF

6. #5 Carmine Lane 3B

7. #3 Cole Jordan LF

8. #29 Elliot Good SS

9. #21 Dylan Wilkinson 1B 

LHP #17 Chase Chatman 

Umpires 

Dillon Collins (3rd Base)

Thomas Rhodes (Home Plate)

Neil Turner (1st Base)