Voyagers shut out Billings in home opener

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (June 21, 2014) - The Great Falls Voyagers opened up their 2014 home slate with their first shutout of the season, blanking the Billings Mustangs 2-0 Saturday night at Centene Stadium.

The Voyagers (4-2) got on the board right away in the first inning thanks to some shaky defense by Billings (3-2). With two on and two out, Zach Fisher hit a grounder to short that was bobbled by Cory Thompson, allowing Ryan Leonards to trot home.

The one run was all the Great Falls pitching staff needed. Starter Jeff McKenzie (1-0) tossed six shutout frames, allowing just two hits while notching his first quality start.

After McKenzie, it was a trio of 2014 draftees that brought this one home for the Voyagers. Making his pro debut, Jace Fry retired the Mustangs in order while collecting a pair of strikeouts in the seventh.

Following Fry, fellow lefty Brian Clark picked up two strikeouts of his own while pitching a scoreless eighth inning in his pro debut.

Great Falls then turned to Connor Walsh for the ninth, and the righty recorded the final three outs to collect his first save as a minor leaguer and seal the Voyagers first shutout of the season.

The Voyagers tacked on an insurance run in the eighth. Louie Lechich started the inning by drawing a walk, and after advancing to second on a wild pitch, was driven home on a single by Chevy Clarke.

The Voyagers and Mustangs continue this four-game series Sunday afternoon at Centene Stadium. Lefty Chris Freudenberg (0-1, 3.00) will be on the mound for the Voyagers while Billings will turn to righty, Tyler Mahle (0-0, 5.40). First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. and coverage will begin at 12:45 on 1400 AM KXGF and gfvoyagers.com.