(Billings Mustangs release)
BILLINGS – The Billings Mustangs (11-18) were denied their third consecutive win in a 5-4 loss to the Orem Owlz (9-20) in front of 3,642 at Dehler Park on Saturday.
Orem was able to score runs in each of the first two innings, plating one run in both the first and second. Livan Soto was walked to lead off the game by Jared Solmon (3-1) and scored on Tim Millard’s RBI single three batters later. Solomon would be dealt a loss for the first time this season, giving up four runs on five hits in four and one-third innings. He would strike out five and walk three.
Trailing 2-0, the Mustangs were able to take their first and only lead of the game in the bottom of the second. Drew Mount was walked to start the frame before Jay Schuyler singled him in and Carlos Rivero scored two on his first single of the night. Rivero went 2-for-3 in his second multi-hit game of the year. He would also add in his second stolen base.
The score would remain 3-2 in favor of Billings into the fifth when the Owlz scored their final three runs of the night. Mario Sanjur added a two-RBI single to cap the scoring, his third reach of the game. Sanjur would throw out three runners attempting to steal, proving the difference in the game.
The Mustangs would get the tying run on base in all of the final three innings of the game, but could never find a way to even the contest. Mariel Bautista led off the seventh with a walk but was caught stealing, Bren Spillane doubled to lead off the eighth but was stranded at second and Zeek White singled to lead off the ninth and was caught stealing. Cam Williams made a diving catch to rob Cash Case of what would have perhaps been a game-tying double in the ninth to seal the win.
The Mustangs and Owlz will face off in the second game of their three-game series Sunday at Dehler Park. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.
