Glacier Ranger Riders third baseman Christian Kirtley had a standout performance, but the Missoula PaddleHeads secured a 16-10 victory on Tuesday at Ogren-Allegiance Park.
Kirtley had a memorable game, hitting three home runs, including a grand slam, and accumulating a franchise-record 10 RBIs — just one short of the all-time Pioneer League record set by Benjamin Broussard in 1999.
Despite Kirtley’s efforts, Missoula’s offense proved too strong as they extended their league-best record to 24-7, maintaining a four-game lead over second-place Glacier (20-11). The PaddleHeads tallied 17 hits compared to the Range Riders’ nine.
Missoula delivered four home runs, with Roberto Pena hitting two and Colin Gordon and Adam Fogel each hitting one. Pena ended with three hits and a team-leading five RBIs. Mike Rosario and Josh Elvir both contributed with three singles each.
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This win marked the PaddleHeads’ fourth consecutive victory, breaking a 10-10 tie with four runs in the seventh and two in the eighth. Missoula used five pitchers, with Noah McBride earning the win by pitching 1 2/3 innings in relief, allowing two runs on two hits with three strikeouts.
The PaddleHeads will continue to face the Range Riders through Sunday.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
