Offense Scuffles In Loss To Mustangs

BILLINGS, MT—Following a series loss to the first half-champion PaddleHeads, the Voyagers (27-20) went into Dehler Park Tuesday evening looking to get off on the right foot in their second-half opener against the Billings Mustangs (25-21). Despite a solid showing from starter Matt Thomas, Great Falls came out on the wrong side of a quick 5-1 contest that saw only two total runs scored past the opening frame.

After a strong finish to the first half that included five multi-hit games over his final two weeks, Mustangs designated hitter Jackson Raper went 3-for-4 out of the cleanup slot for Billings to back seven innings of one-run ball from lefty Elijah Gill, who moved to 2-0 on the year. Chris Monroe recorded two knocks for the Voyagers for the second straight game, but it wasn't enough in a matchup that saw the visiting squad put up only six hits, with none going for extra bases.

The Voyagers jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first on an unusual play that saw Riley Jepson come in to score from third despite a successful pickoff of Michael Deeb at first base for the third out of the inning. This lead would unfortunately be short lived, as a two-run double from Gabe Wurtz and an RBI groundout by Bryce Jackson would put Billings on top 3-1, a lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game. The bats were quiet for both sides through most of the night, with the Mustangs bringing in their final two runs on a bases-loaded double play ball in the fourth and a Raper RBI single in the fifth.

Working past a shaky first inning, Matt Thomas settled in well on the mound for the next five, surrendering only three additional hits to the Mustang lineup down the stretch in what was ultimately his best performance since joining the rotation in late June. Anthony Becerra followed Thomas out of the bullpen with two scoreless frames to hold the deficit at four, but the Voyagers picked up only one hit in the final three innings as Foster Pace and Beau Bonvillain closed the door on the win for Billings. 

The Voyagers once again look to pick up their first win of the second half in a rematch with the Mustangs on Wednesday night in Billings. The season series now sits at 3-1 in favor of the Mustangs following a 2-1 series victory on the road at Centene Stadium back in June. The two clubs match up 11 more times this season and are expected to be competitive in the race for a spot in the Pioneer League playoffs in September. First pitch for game two of the six-game set is set for 6:30 PM MDT.