Due to a shortage of starting pitchers with Alfredo Villa and Dawson Day on the inactive list, the Missoula PaddleHeads turned to third baseman Collin Runge to step up on Saturday night.
Runge showcased his knuckleball skills, delivering seven solid innings for Zootown’s professional baseball team in an 8-5 victory against the Billings Mustangs. Runge (1-0) only allowed two runs on four hits, frustrating the opposition with his pitch-to-contact knuckleball.
With this win, Missoula extended their Pioneer League-best record to 22-7, maintaining a three-game lead over the second-place Glacier Range Riders, who currently hold a 19-10 record.
The PaddleHeads secured all the runs they needed in the first two innings, scoring five in the first and one in the second. Notable offensive contributions came from Roberto Pena’s solo home run and RBI singles by Josh Elvir, Taylor Smith, and Cam Thompson.
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Missoula recorded 14 hits compared to Billings’ eight. Pena led the offensive charge with a home run, double, single, and two RBIs. Thompson, Patrick Chung, Mike Rosario, and Colin Gordon each contributed with two hits.
The next game for Missoula will be against Billings (15-14) on Sunday afternoon. Following that, the PaddleHeads will return home for a series against the Range Riders starting on Tuesday.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
