Great Falls, MT-The Voyagers produced late offense in both games of a doubleheader as they won 6-3 and 3-2 over Billings Wednesday night at Centene Stadium.
Great Falls, MT-The Voyagers produced late offense in both games of a doubleheader as they won 6-3 and 3-2 over Billings Wednesday night at Centene Stadium.
Great Falls (3-2) broke open a 2-2 tie in game one of the series with a four-run 6th. Amado Nunez reached on an infield error to start a one-out rally. Lenyn Sosa followed with a single to center. The next batter, Adam McGinnis, then launched a three-run home run high and deep to left for his first as a Voyager. It was McGinnis' first hit and RBIs of the young season. Logan Sowers scored the fourth run of the frame after he reached base on a dropped third strike. A fielder's choice from Ian Dawkins scored Sowers for a 6-2 cushion. Billings (1-3) plated one in the 7th for the game's final margin.
Andrew Perez posted the win in relief for Great Falls. Perez (1-0) gave up one earned run on two hits with one strikeout. Jack Maynard worked two-and-two-thirds of scoreless relief and allowed just one hit with three strikeouts and two walks. Ricardo Smith suffered the loss for Billings. Smith (0-1) lasted five-and-a-third and gave up five runs (two earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk. The Mustangs committed three errors in defeat.
Game two went hitless and scoreless through the first three innings. Great Falls catcher Jhoandro Alfaro had the game's first base hit in the 4th with a bunt single. Billings scored the first run of the contest in the top of the 6th. Urwin Juaquin walked to lead off the inning. After a sac bunt, Reshard Munroe singled to left and Mariel Bautista drove in Juaquin with a base hit dumped into shallow right. With two outs, Munroe was caught stealing at home to end the inning as Bautista attempted to steal second. The Voyagers had a quick response in the bottom of the 6th. Ramon Beltre started the inning with a base hit to center. With one out, Alfaro grounded a ball to second that resulted in a throwing error at second base. Alex Destino walked to load the bases. The tying run scored on a wild pitch. A two-out, two-run single to center from Logan Sowers made it 3-1. The Mustangs scored one in the 7th and had the tying run at third when the game ended with a strikeout.
On the mound, Michael McCormick notched his second win of the season in relief. McCormick (2-0) pitched two innings and allowed two earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts and one walk. Matt Pidich took the loss for Billings. Pidich (0-1) worked one-and-a-third in relief and gave up two runs (none earned) on one hit with two strikeouts. In his pro debut for Great Falls, 5th round draft pick Jonathan Stiever went three innings and struck out six with just one walk. 30 of his 40 pitches went for strikes. Vince Arobio worked two clean innings in relief as well.
Great Falls goes for the series sweep against Billings at home Thursday night. First pitch at Centene Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Voyagers then hit the road for six straight, with three this weekend at Missoula and a three-game series at Billings next week. For 2018 ticketing and promotional information, call 406-452-5311 or visit www.gfvoyagers.com.
