The Missoula PaddleHeads secured their seventh consecutive victory on Tuesday by defeating the Idaho Falls Chukars at Ogren-Allegiance Park with a score of 10-4.
Currently, Missoula’s professional baseball team holds the top spot in the 12-team Pioneer League with a record of 16-3. Following closely behind are the Boise Hawks and Northern Colorado Owlz at 14-5.
Initially, Idaho Falls (5-14) had a 3-2 lead going into the sixth inning, but the PaddleHeads turned the game around. They took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth and went on to score six more runs unanswered.
Key players in Missoula’s sixth inning were Alec Sanchez and Colin Gordon. Sanchez hit a leadoff home run, while Gordon’s bases-loaded single scored Adam Fogel, giving the team the go-ahead run.
The PaddleHeads utilized five pitchers during the game. Reece Fields claimed the victory in relief of starter Nick Parker, who allowed three runs on six hits and recorded 11 strikeouts in five innings.
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Fields, at 22 years old, successfully prevented the visitors from scoring in the sixth inning. Mark Timmins and Ethan Swanson replicated this achievement in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Arman Sabouri pitched the ninth inning, allowing one run.
The PaddleHeads ended the game with 14 hits compared to the Chukars’ nine. Gordon contributed significantly with three hits, including a home run and a double, resulting in five RBIs. Roberto Pena managed two doubles and a single, while Mike Rosario tallied three singles for the team.
Following the series against the Chukars, the PaddleHeads will face Great Falls in a three-game weekend series. Missoula recently completed a successful six-game sweep against Great Falls on Sunday.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.