Voyagers Shutout Hawks in Game 5; Earn Series Split

Voyagers Take Win In Game 5

(Great Falls, Mt. ) The Great Falls Voyagers (32-50/18-18) came into the game on Saturday night in desperate need of a win to stay in the hunt for the 2nd half of the season playoff race. Not only did the Voyagers, but the Boise Hawks (41-42/13-22) did as well. Having lost two and won two, the Voyagers came out ahead in this one behind some great pitching by starter Greg Blackman.
The Voyagers got things going with a run in the first inning as lead-off hitter Collin Runge hit a double to left field and was brought home by catcher Billy Hancock. The Voyagers maintained that 1-0 lead until the bottom of the 4th when Runge again got on with a fielder's choice and took advantage of that as he was brought home along with Hancock on a single to left by Jaylen Armstrong.
Leading 3-0 going to the bottom of the 5th inning, the Voyager bats still needed to be done as they got lead-off hitter Andy Atwood on with an infield hit and then a stolen base to second. Riley Jepson worked a walk, and both were brought home as Jaylyn Williams singled to center to get Atwood home, and Runge reached on an error, scoring Jepson.
Blackman maintained the 5-0 lead through the top of the 6th inning, only giving up three hits and striking out four batters in the process. The Voyagers decided one more run should prove plenty of insurance and did so with Xan Washington doubling to the left and coming home on a double to center by Jepson.
Leading 6-0, the relief crew of Breonn Pooler and Andrew Garcia shut down the Hawkes in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings, only allowing one hit through those three innings. With the Voyagers getting the win 6-0, they stay within 7.5 games of the Paddleheads for a shot at the second half of the season. The Voyagers will round out this six-game series versus the Hawkes on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., with the gates opening at 11 and the Voyager Mascot, Orbit, celebrating his birthday! Come out and have a great time at the Stadium!!