Scoring runs proved elusive for the Missoula PaddleHeads on Friday night as they suffered a 6-1 defeat against the Glacier Range Riders in Kalispell.
The professional baseball team from Zootown saw their Pioneer League-leading record drop to 53-17 with their first loss in seven games, while Glacier improved to 35-35 overall with a league-worst second half record of 6-16.
The PaddleHeads managed to score their sole run in the seventh inning courtesy of a Mike Rosario RBI single, evening the score at 1-1. However, the Range Riders responded by scoring five runs in the eighth inning in front of a crowd of 2,638 fans.
Mark Timmins (4-2) took the loss after giving up five earned runs on three hits and three walks in the eighth inning. Starting pitcher Jonah Jenkins put in a solid performance for Missoula, allowing one run on three hits with eight strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Newcomer Christian Ciuffetteli delivered 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
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The Range Riders ended the game with six hits compared to five for the PaddleHeads, with all five of Missoula’s hits being singles.
The PaddleHeads are set to face the Range Riders in Kalispell again on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
