Missoula PaddleHeads Playoff Preview

Missoula Paddleheads

Coming off their championship run, it took the Paddleheads some time to find a groove as they
were just 5-6 after 11 games. From there, Missoula caught fire and never looked back, winning
30 of the remaining 37 games in the first half to cruise to the division title by eight games. It was
a bit of a similar story in the second half for the reigning champions –– they were just 10-8 and
were in third place through 18 games. After that, the Paddleheads won 24 of their final 29 games,
including two eight-game winning streaks, to win the second half by six games.

“We’re all thankful to be back in the postseason for a second year in a row. Defending the PBL
title was a mission of ours from the very first pitch of the season,” said Missoula skipper Michael
Schlact.

At the plate, the Paddleheads were led all year by Jayson Newman and Lamar Sparks. Newman
hit a monstrous .369/.441/.704 and broke the PBL short-season record by smashing 32 homers.
He also led the league with 115 RBIs and paced the competition in slugging percentage, total
bases, and extra-base hits. Newman was solid on the mound too, racking up six saves and
allowing just one homer in 14 ⅓ innings. Sparks meanwhile led the team in batting average,
hitting .399/.461/.665 with 18 homers, 28 doubles, 16 steals, and 85 RBIs. Sparks finished
second among qualified hitters in batting average and was tied for third in extra-base hits.
Infielder Nick Gatewood was also a force at the plate, leading the PBL in doubles with 36 and
finishing second only behind Newman in extra-base hits. Overall, Missoula’s 8.36 runs per game
and 136 homers were the highest in the PBL.

On the mound, the Paddleheads dominated thanks to their bullpen. Righty Dan Swain racked up
48 strikeouts in 32 innings (13.5 K/9), allowing just two homers on the year. Cody Thompson
was tied for the team lead with seven wins, pitching to a 3.05 ERA with 43 strikeouts against 14
walks in 45 ⅔ innings. Anchoring the bullpen was right-hander Sam Hellinger, who led the PBL
with 17 saves. Hellinger pitched to a sterling 2.01 ERA, striking out 74 batters in 49 ⅓ innings
(13.5 K/9) against just 13 walks. Hellinger also didn’t allow a home run all season and held his
opponents to just a .204 batting average.

“The guys have worked incredibly hard and have overcome their share of adversity along the
way too,” said Schlact. “There are some incredibly talented teams in the postseason, so all we
can focus on is what we can control. Any time you can join the select few who qualify for the
playoffs is an honor and we’re excited to get rolling.”