Brewers Big Inning Stuns Voyagers
Helena, MT-The Voyagers matched a season-low in hits and they could not hold a late, one-run lead in a 6-3 series-opening loss to Helena Sunday afternoon at Kindrick Legion Field.
Great Falls (11-9, 32-26) had its brief two-game winning streak snapped with the loss. The Voyagers are now 6-5 this season against Helena. The Brewers (8-11, 23-34) have claimed four out of five at home against Great Falls. Despite the loss, the Voyagers remain tied for first with Billings in the second half of the Pioneer League North Division.
The game was cruising along with only one base hit until the Voyagers broke through in the fifth. A lead-off solo home run deep to right by Casey Schroeder made it 1-0. It was Schroeder's fourth round-tripper this season. Great Falls starter Alec Hansen was splendid again and did not allow a base hit until the sixth. Hansen went six and only gave up one hit with a season-high 13 strikeouts and three walks in a no-decision. Hansen struck out the side in three consecutive innings from the second through the fourth.
Helena sent 11 men to the plate in the seventh that changed the course of the day. Demi Orimoloye led off the inning with a solo home run deep to left that tied it. Yeraldy Martinez followed with a single to left. Cooper Hummel reached after a bunt attempt was bobbled by the pitcher. Yoel Vazquez loaded the bases with a bunt single up the third base side. Three consecutive RBI singles by Franly Mallen, Ryan Aguilar, and Trever Morrison gave the Brewers a 4-1 lead. Wes Wilson walked with the bases loaded to score another run. A sacrifice fly by Caleb Whalen pushed the final run of the inning across and it was 6-1. The Voyagers scratched two runs across in the eighth for the game's final margin.
Nash Walters recorded the victory in relief for the Brewers. Walters (2-1) worked one-and-two-thirds and allowed two unearned runs on just one hit with three strikeouts and three walks. Brandon Magallones suffered the loss for Great Falls. Magallones (0-2) did not record an out and yielded five runs (four earned) on four hits (HR). Colton Cross earned his seventh save of the season by obtaining the final four outs for Helena. Cross struck out three and walked one.
Helena outhit Great Falls 7-to-4. The Voyagers went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Casey Schroeder had two hits and two RBIs with a run scored. Trever Morrison led the Brewers with two hits and one RBI.
Great Falls closes out the two-game series at Helena Monday night. First pitch at Kindrick Legion Field is scheduled for 7:05. The Voyagers next two-game home stand against the Brewers starts Tuesday night at Centene Stadium. For ticketing and promotional information, visit www.gfvoyagers.com or call 406-452-5311.