PaddleHeads Take Series Behind 6-3 Win Over Voyagers

Missoula MT- The rubber match of a 3 game series featured the Missoula PaddleHeads and Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday night at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers held a first inning lead in each of the first 2 games of the series. Great Falls did get on the board for the 3rd consecutive day Thursday scratching a run across in the frame. However, the 1st inning would not conclude with Missoula trailing on this night. Furthermore, Missoula would also never find themselves on the losing end at any point. 

Jayson Newman struck for the second night in a row in the early innings to give Missoula the lead. This time it would be a 1st inning 2-run blast to put Missoula out in front by a tally of 2-0. 2-out clutch hits from Thomas DeBonville would also play a big role through the contest allowing the PaddleHeads to remain comfortably in front. After adverse weather conditions moved into the area in the 6th inning, action would be brought to a halt. Since the game had advanced past the 5th inning, the PaddleHeads were awarded a 6-3 victory after play was brought to an end at the end of the 6th. 

DeBonville struck for the first time with 2-outs in the second inning as the PaddleHeads brought their lead to 3-1. DeBonville would bring home 2 more runs in the 4th as the PaddleHeads would bring their lead to 5-1. DeBonville finished the night 2-for-3 with 3 runs driven in. Alfredo Villa would do well on the other side to make sure the lead would stand up. 

Villa would settle in after the 1st inning in 4 consecutive scoreless frames after that point. The former Grand Junction Rocky would strike out 4 over 5 innings of work to earn the win. All 3 of Missoula's starting pitchers would have quality starts in the series working at least 5 innings. .

Collin Runge would have another big night at the dish in a losing effort for the Voyagers finishing 2-for-3. Runge would finish 8-for-12 in the 3 game series opposite the PaddleHeads to go along with a homer, 3 doubles, and 6 RBIs. It would not be enough on this night however as the Voyagers offense would be held in check collectively for the majority of the night. 

The PaddleHeads (10-5) will now see action shift back to the Garden City as the PaddleHeads open a 6 game homestand on Friday night. Making their first appearance of 2023 at Allegiance Field at Ogren Park will be these same Great Falls Voyagers (5-8). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Listen to the call on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.