PaddleHeads Split Double-Header Sunday Opposite Mustangs

Billings MT- For the second time this week, the Missoula PaddleHeads would square off with the Billings Mustangs in a double-header to wrap up a six-game slate on Sunday afternoon at Dehler Park. The two teams split a double-header that was played on Thursday evening after Wednesday night's game was postponed. After more rain played a factor Saturday night, the 2 sides would once again play in a twin bill to wrap up the series Sunday. Both teams entered the day looking for a series win with a sweep of the double-header. However, in 2 games that played out much differently, both teams would find the win column after the dust settled. 

The PaddleHeads offense enjoyed the most success they have all season in Game 1 Sunday collecting a season high in hits, and runs en route to a 10-4 victory. Game 2 would prove to be a stark contrast as the Billings staff would hold Missoula's offense to only a pair of hits in a 2-1 defeat. The PaddleHeads would see the tying run make it to 3rd base in the 9th inning but would untimely see that chance come up short. As a result, the PaddleHeads would split the double-header and 6 game slate to close their opening week of action. 

Missoula's offense would roll in Game 1 tallying 10 runs on 14 hits to set the tone. The PaddleHeads would see contributions up and down the lineup as 5 players finished with at least 2 hits in the contest. Missoula would get the offense in gear from the start, scoring a pair of runs in the top of the first. Patrick Chung would score on a single from Jayson Newman to open the scoring before Keaton Greenwalt came home on a sacrifice fly from Jake Guenther. Newman, and Greenwalt both tallied 3 hits in the win with Newman finishing 3-for-4 and Greenwalt finishing 3-for-5. Chung also chipped in with a 2-for-3 effort and Guenther was 1-for-4. 

The PaddleHeads would extend the lead in the second, scoring 2 more runs in the frame. After Kameron Willman scored on a balk, McClain O'Conner raced home on a sacrifice fly to make the score 4-1. Willman would finish the day 2-for-4. It would also prove to only be the start of a big day offensively for O'Conner. 

The UC-Santa Barbara product would hit the first of 2 home runs of game 1 to extend Missoula's advantage in the 4th making the score 5-1. Later in the 7th, O'Conner would blow the game open with a 3-run blast down the right field line to make the score 10-3. O'Conner would finish the game 3-for-4 with 2 home runs and 4-driven in. 

This offensive production would prove to be plenty of support for starter Conner Schultz who earned the win on the hill for Missoula. The Pennsylvania native allowed only 2 runs on 4 hits  over 5 innings of work. Despite getting things off to a good start offensively in Game 1, Billings would turn things around in a big way in Game 2. 

The Mustangs would grab the early advantage in Game 2 scoring in each of the first 2 innings. Center Fielder Mikey Edie singled home a run in the 1st to open the scoring before Casey Harford would also single home a run an inning later to make the score 2-0. Edie would finish 1-for-3 and Harford would finish 2-for-4. Despite not finding the scoreboard the rest of the way, Billings would make this lead stand up behind the effort of their starter. 

Trevor Jackson would strikeout 5 over 4 ⅔ innings allowing only 1 run in that span to keep the Mustangs out in front. The PaddleHeads offense would never find much success over the course of the 7-innings tallying only 1 hit over the course of the game. 

1 swing in the 5th inning provided the lone spark offensively for Missoula  as Thomas DeBonville would hit a solo home run in the frame down the right field line to make the score 2-1. Missoula would never get closer however, allowing Billings to come away with the win. DeBonville finished the game 1-for-3. 

Mark Timmins was outstanding out of the bullpen for the second time this week in a losing effort tossing 4 shutout innings for the PaddleHeads. The second year professional tossed 8 innings of shutout ball against the Mustangs in 2 outings while striking out 10 combined. 

The PaddleHeads (3-3) will now return home for the first time this season after completing a 6-game slate opposite the Mustangs (3-3). Missoula will welcome a Southern Division foe to town for the Opening Night festivities as the Rocky Mountain Vibes (2-3) will make the trek to the Garden City. This will mark the first time the Vibes have visited Missoula in this iteration of the Pioneer League. 

Join the PaddleHeads on Tuesday May 30 for Opening Night at Allegiance Field at Ogren Park. The first 1,000 fans into the stadium will receive a custom PaddleHeads poster upon entry. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. If you can't make it to the field, listen to the call on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.