Voyagers come back falls short in loss to Glacier Range Riders

(Great Falls, Mt.) The Great Falls Voyagers (11-5) came in to the 4th game of the 6 game series versus the Glacier Range Rider (7-8) looking to secure the win and guarantee at least a split in the series. This wasn't to be though as the Voyagers were unable to capitalize on opportunities to score runs.

The game started out well for the Voyagers as Daniel Breydon started the game off with a single to right. He then stole second, moved to third on a ground out from Jake Malec and scored on a sacrifice fly to right by Andy Atwood. The early lead didn't last long though as the Range Riders were able to score three runs in their half of the second inning.

The Glacier squad also picked up 2 in the 3rd and 1 in the 4th to take a 6-1 lead after 3 and a half innings. The Voyagers were able to push one across in the 4th however on a lead off triple by Riley Jepson. Jepson was brought home on a single to center by Tyler Krabbe.

The Range Riders were held scoreless in the top of the 5th and the Voyagers had a golden opportunity to score some runs in their half of the fifth with the bases loaded and nobody out. A strike out followed by a double play dashed those hopes and kept the lead 6-1 going into the 6th inning.

The Range Riders grabbed an 8-2 lead going into the bottom of the 6th and the Voyagers once again loaded the bases up, this time with two out. This was done interestingly enough without a single hit by the Voyagers as Derek Kolbush was walked, while Adam Oviedo and Daniel were both hit by pitches. The Voyagers were once again unable to capitalize on this chance.

Both teams traded scores in the 7th with the Voyagers run coming on a single by Jepson, who advanced to third on two wild pitches. He then scored on a sacrifice fly by Nick Emanuel, who was batting for Krabbe.

Down 9-3 entering the bottom of the 8th the Voyagers desperately needed some runs, and got them. Oviedo got a single then went to second on a wild pitch. Jake Malec drew a walk then both runners advanced on a wild pitch, then advanced and Oviedo scored on another wild pitch. A single by Jepson scored Malec and the Voyagers were down 4 (9-5) going into the 9th inning.

The Range Riders were able to score one run in the top of the inning and the Voyagers had to score at least 5 runs. Eddie McCabe, pinch hitting for Michael Deeb started the inning off with a single to left. Colling Runge drew a walk. Kolbush's grounder to short got McCabe out at second with Kolbush reaching on the fielders choice. Oviedo then drew a walk, loading the bases once again for the Voyagers. With one out in the inning it looked like the Voyagers were in line for some runs. However a fly out to short center and a ground out finished any hopes for a Voyagers rally, leaving them on the losing end of a 10-5 score.

With the series now tied at 2 games a piece the Voyager look to retake the series lead on Saturday night. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7. It should be another beautiful evening at Centene Stadium so come out and cheer on your Voyagers!!

Written by Ross Drishinski