Big 8th Inning from Hawks Down Voyagers in Game 2

Late Runs Cost Voyagers Game 2

(Great Falls, Mt.) The Great Falls Voyagers (30-49/16-17) had a lead going into the top of the 8th inning versus the visiting Boise Hawks ( 40-40/12-20) and looked to maintain that lead through the game. With the pitching staff the Voyagers were calling in, the game looked like a showing for the win. Unfortunately, the Hawks had other ideas and scored five runs in the top of the 8th inning to win 7-5.
The Voyagers took the early lead, scoring 1 in the top of the first as lead-off hitter Xane Washington reached on an error, stole second, and came home on a ground out by Collin Runge. The Voyagers put up two more runs in the second inning as Giovanni DiGiacommo drew a walk and was brought home on a home run over the right field fence by Eddie McCabe.
Leading 3-0 after two innings, the Voyagers did give up two runs in the top of the 3rd inning but got one back in the 4th as Charley Hesse hit a solo shot over the left field fence for a 4-2 lead. Both pitching staffs kept the offenses off the board, and starting pitcher Kelsey Ward left in the 6th inning with a chance for the win. The Voyager bats came alive in the bottom of the 7th inning to get what looked like an insurance run. Riley Jepson reached on an error, stole second, went to third on another error, and was brought home by DeGiacommo's single to left.
Leading 5-2, it looked like another win for the Voyagers, but the Hawks bats came to life in the top of the 8th inning, scoring five runs to take a 7-5 lead. The Voyagers could not get another run across as they lost this one. This was only the 2nd loss for the Voyagers to the Hawks in 8 games played. The Voyagers will look to get back on the winning track on Thursday night as they take on the Hawks in game 3 of this six-game set. The game starts at 7 p.m., see you at the stadium!!