Home Run Power Blows Away PaddleHeads in 16-2 Defeat

MISSOULA, MT- Trailing in the top of the 2nd inning, the Missoula PaddleHeads would face trouble right out of bed in game 3 of a 6 game set opposite the Billings Mustangs. Facing a bases loaded jam, the PaddleHeads would be in search of the final out to escape the 2nd trailing 2-0. Alejandro Figuredo of the Mustangs would make sure that this would only be wishful thinking with one big swing with 2-outs. This proved to be a sign of things to come on this Sunday as well in a huge afternoon for the Billings offense. 

Figuredo delivered with a 2-out grand slam in the top of the second inning to bring Billings' advantage to 6-0 as part of a 6-run rally. Another long home run in the frame from John Michael Faile would do even more damage in the frame that saw Billings take an 8-run lead. The Mustangs would end up scoring 14 runs total over the first 3-innings. This would prove to be plenty as the PaddleHead offense would be held in check throughout in a 16-2 loss.

Figuredo would be one of 2 Mustangs to finish with 5 RBIs in the game as part of a 1-for-5 effort. Michael-Faile brought his RBI total to five in the 3rd inning hitting his second home run in the contest to give Billings a 14-0 advantage. Michael-Faile finished the afternoon 3-for-6.  More production from the longball would put the finishing touches on offensively for the Mustangs a few innings later. 

Gabe Wurtz brought his outstanding offensive afternoon to a close bringing in the final runs of the day for the Mustangs in the 7th inning with his 11th home run of the season. The 2nd year Mustang would launch a ball well over 400 feet to left to bring the tally to 16-1. The Georgia native knocked in 3 runs in the win finishing the afternoon 3-for-5. Missoula would not enjoy much offensive success tallying only 6 hits as a team. But a few highpoints from the bullpen would give PaddleHeads fans something to cheer about. 

Jestin Jones would have a solid outing out of the Missoula pen tallying 3 strikeouts over 3 innings allowing just 1 run. This came just days after exiting a ballgame after being struck by a line drive in a game this week opposite the Great Falls Voyagers. Jonest has now struck out 6 in his last 2 outings out of the bullpen. 

Cameron Thompson has made a bit of a name for himself in a role you wouldn't expect as a reliever. Thompson would appear in the 9th inning for Missoula Sunday and would strike out the side. Not only that, the Kansas State product would also come within one strike of the extremely rare 'immaculate inning' throwing 8 consecutive strikes to the first 3 batters he faced. After one foul ball, Thompson would strikeout catcher Brady West on the 10th pitch of the inning. In 3 innings pitched out of the pen, Thompson has allowed only 1 base runner. Thompson would give fans something else to smile about in the home half of the 9th. 

With 2-outs recorded, Thompson's spot in the order would come up in the bottom of the 9th. The former Wildcat would jump on a slider on the inside, launching a solo bomb over the right field wall to bring the score to 16-2. This sequence may have not affected the final box score in a big way, but surely was a unique way to bring a week of action to a close. Thompson finished his day at the plate 1-for-4. 

The PaddleHeads (48-18), and Mustangs (28-38) will have a one day break in the midst of this 6-game set on Monday in an off-day for both teams. Billings, and Missoula will continue action on Tuesday evening in game 4 of the series from Allegiance Field. First pitch in the Garden City is scheduled for 7:05. Tune in to hear all the action on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.