(Mustangs media release)
BILLINGS — The Billings Mustangs (15-22) were denied a three-game series sweep of the Great Falls Voyagers (14-21), falling 6-2 on Wednesday in front of 2,516 at Dehler Park.
The Mustangs held the first lead of the game, picking up a run in the bottom of the first. On the second pitch of the inning, Quin Cotton sailed a solo home run to right field to give Billings an early 1-0 lead. It was Cotton’s second home run of the season. He would finish the game 1-for-3 with a steal and was hit by a pitch.
The Voyagers took their first lead of not only the game but of the series in the third on a two-run homer from Caberea Weaver. The home run ended a run of 20 consecutive scoreless innings for the Billings pitching staff.
Billings tied the game back up in the bottom of the third at 2-2 with their final run of the game. TJ Hopkins tripled to center field with one out and scored on a sacrifice fly from Victor Ruiz in the next at-bat to even the game up.
The Voyagers scored the final four runs of the game, utilizing two solo home runs and a two-RBI single with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth to put things away.
The Mustangs were held to just five hits in the game, having 14 consecutive batters retired between the third and eighth innings. Kaleb Roper (1-0) threw four perfect innings of relief, striking out seven, to earn the win for the Voyagers.
The Mustangs now head on the road for the rest of July as they begin a 10-game road trip tomorrow night — their longest road trip of the year. It opens with a four-game series against the Missoula Osprey. First pitch on July 25 is set for 7:15 p.m. MDT at Ogren Park Allegiance Field in Missoula.
