Brewers and Mustangs split a double-header

The Helena Brewers (9-11) split a double-header on Saturday with the Billings Mustangs (10-10) taking game one 5-3 and falling 6-5 in the second.

The Brewers posted four runs in the bottom of the second inning of game one on five hits off of Mustangs starter Tejay Antone (0-1). Antone threw two and two thirds innings in his Pioneer League debut, giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks.

Cy Sneed and Brandon Moore (1-0) combined for a dandy of an outing, striking out seven batters on seven hits.

Francisco Castillo was the offensive anchor, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored in game one. He would rack up two stolen bases on the day, doubling his season total.

The second game would become much more interesting as late scoring from Helena pushed the Mustangs to the brink.

Billings took a 6-1 lead to the bottom of the seventh with the help of three Helena errors. They would do all of their scoring in two innings, putting three runs on the board in the first and fifth.

With a 6-1 lead going to the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mustangs almost gave the game away. Natanael Mejia led off with a single and the Brewers later loaded the bases. With the bases juiced, Francisco Castillo ripped a three-RBI triple to right field to bring the tying run to the plate. Elvis Rubio then popped a single over the head of Cory Thompson to score Castillo and bring the tally to 6-5. Sthervin Matos, playing in his first Pioneer League game, then struck out to end the contest.

The Brewers and Mustangs will face off in the finale of their three-game series on Sunday. First pitch from Kindrick Field is set for 1:05 p.m.

About the Brewers: The Helena Brewers are a minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Home games are played at Kindrick Legion Field in Helena from mid-June through early-September. Tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and children. For more information call the Brewers at (406) 495-0500.