Series Win Pushes 'Stangs to .500 in H2

In a thrilling clash, the Billings Mustangs outlasted the Glacier Range Riders with a final score of 10-8. The game saw both teams showcasing their offensive prowess in a back-and-forth battle.

The Glacier Range Riders got off to a strong start, with Gabe Howell's first pitch swinging single started it off. Dean Miller's double and Matt Clayton's homer added to their momentum, securing a 3-run cushion in the opening inning.

However, the Billings Mustangs responded swiftly, showing their resilience with a trio of runs in the bottom of the first. Taylor Lomack's home run and Gabe Wurtz's second triple in as many at-bats triple set the stage for a competitive matchup.

The Mustangs capitalized on their momentum, taking the lead in the 4th inning with Emmanuel Sanchez's key single that brought Mitch Moralez home. The Range Riders countered, with an error allowing them to level the score at 4-4 in the 5th. Mason Dinesen's single then put the Range Riders back in control.

Yet, the Mustangs weren't done. Brady West's commanding homer in the 5th inning propelled them to a 6-5 lead. The Range Riders were undeterred, as Christian Kirtley's clutch home run in the 6th tied the game once more.

The 6th inning proved pivotal for the Mustangs, who managed to capitalize on errors and passed balls to net four runs. Led off by a Lomack single, the Mustangs followed it with an RBI double by Aljeandro Figueredo and three walks in a row - all on full counts. Perhaps the most important, Mitch Moralez collected his third base on balls of the game, which is a season high for him. This surge gave them a 10-7 advantage, a lead they fiercely defended.

The Range Riders fought back in the 9th inning, with Dean Miller's single allowing them to narrow the margin. However, Hunter Schilperoort secured his third save of the year giving the Ponies a hard-fought victory with a final score of 10-8.

Trevor Jackson also picked up his third win giving up just two runs, neither earned, on a two-run homer by Christian Kirtley, on four hits and he tied a season-high five punchouts. 

Pat Maybach settled in nicely after surrendering three runs in the first, as he goes five innings giving up five runs, three earned, on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts. 

The Mustangs look for their first series sweep against the Range Riders this season at 6:35 p.m. Thursday, with pre-game coverage starting at 6:15 p.m. on ESPN 910/105.5 FM or ESPN910.com. You can also watch every pitch on FloSports.