21 Hit Explosion Leads PaddleHeads to Win Over Raptors

MISSOULA, MT- After seeing 'knockout' rounds in the first 2 games of this series, action on Thursday would finally end in regulation in game 3 between the Ogden Raptors, and Missoula PaddleHeads. The Missoula attack saw success in single innings over the course of the first 2 games of the series but failed to put runs on the board consistently. Things would play out much differently for the offense on this night as seemingly every batter would have a hand in the effort. Backed up by a fabulous effort by starting pitcher Dawson Day, Missoula would leave nothing to doubt. 

The PaddleHeads would put runs on the board in each of the final 4 innings of the game to stretch the lead to double digits coming down the stretch. The offense would tally 21 hits when it was all said and done. Each batter in the order collected at least 1 hit on the night. Day would do more than hold up his end of the bargain on the flipside in 6 scoreless frames on the mound. The end result would be a convincing 13-3 win for the PaddleHeads as Missoula claimed its third win in the series against the Raptors. 

The PaddleHeads would waste no time getting things rolling taking the lead immediately in the 1st inning. After a leadoff single from second baseman Ryan Cash, Keaton Greenwalt would jumpstart a huge offensive night with a 2-run homer to put Missoula on the board. Cash reached base 3 times in the win finishing 2-for-4. Greenwalt would enjoy one of his strongest offensive performances of the season finishing 4-for-6 with a pair of runs driven in. 

Day would remain firmly in control of the Ogden attack in 6 shutout innings earning his second win for Missoula in as many starts. The 2nd year professional would allow 4 hits over those innings while striking out 4 batters. The Lewis & Clark State product has yet to give up a run in 13 innings pitched with the PaddleHeads this season. The offense would just keep on coming on the flipside down the stretch blowing the game open in the process. 

The PaddleHeads attack would outscore Ogden 11-2 in the final 4 innings as Missoula blew the game open. The middle of the PaddleHeads order was especially tough as Greenwalt, Jake Guenther, and Dondrei Hubbard would all finish with at least 3 hits on the night. Guenther would finish 3-for-4 with an RBI. Meanwhile, Hubbard would knock in a pair as part of a 3-for-5 effort. Collectively, the trio finished the night 8-for-14 with 4 runs scored and 6 RBIs. 

Cameron Thompson put the finishing touches on offensively for Missoula in the bottom of the eighth fittingly with a 3-run home run to extend the PaddleHeads advantage to 11 runs at 13-2. Thompson would finish off the night 2-for-5 with 3 driven in and and a pair of runs scored. 7 batters in the PaddleHeads order finished with at least 2 hits allowing Missoula to cruise to a win Thursday night opposite the Raptors. 

The PaddleHeads (38-13) will look to keep the momentum rolling in game 4 of the series opposite Ogden (31-20) on Friday night at Allegiance Field. It will be an exciting night at the park as the PaddleHeads will host Harry Potter Night. A fireworks display will also follow the ballgame. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. If you cannot join in on the fun in person, listen to the action on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.