Voyagers pick up first victory, Washington shines as he hits for cycle

Outfielder Xane Washington (left) and Head Coach Sean Repay (right)

The Voyagers had a lot to celebrate last night, as they took home the W in their second game of the season against the Billings Mustangs at Voyagers Stadium, final score was 17-14. 

It was an offensive show all night, as the two teams combined for 30 hits and 31 runs, 16 of which came in the final three innings. The theme of the game was back-and-forth, as there were 8 lead changes in total. The Great Falls offense reached new heights at the end of the game, where they would ride the momentum of a familiar face on the team.

Center fielder Xane Washington had a near perfect game offensively for Great Falls, collecting five hits, hitting for the cycle, notching 4 runs and 8 RBI’s, and a grand slam in the bottom of the 8th that would prove to be the game-winning play, The Voyagers were down 11-8 in the bottom of the seventh when Xane stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. He sent a line drive into right center, running for an RBI triple, and tying the game. The very next inning, Xane found himself in the same situation with the bases loaded again, and he managed to one-up himself the only way he could, clearing the bases again, this time with a grand slam to right field. This 4-run shot gave Washington the cycle for the day, capping off what was an elite showing for the Voyagers’ bats. Fans, coaches, and teammates alike all hope that this performance opens some eyes to Xane’s play, giving him a chance to be promoted.

Jack Lynch, Freddy Rojas Jr. and Livingston Morris all had three hits as well, combining for 5 RBI’s between them. Steven Washilewski got the start for the Voyagers, going 4 innings, surrendering 5 runs, 3 of which came from a Patrick Mills bloop single in the top of the first. Braden Forsyth is awarded his first professional victory, Dayan Reinoso shuts the door in the 9th and is credited with the save. Final score: 17-14