Despite holding a four-run lead going into the ninth inning, the Missoula PaddleHeads were unable to secure the win on Friday, ultimately losing 16-14 to the Ogden Raptors at Ogren-Allegiance Park.
Ethan Swanson was credited with the loss after entering the game in the ninth inning with a 14-10 lead. The 24-year-old pitcher from Oklahoma gave up six runs on three hits, along with four walks and one hit batsman, before being relieved by Mark Timmins with two outs.
Timmins managed to retire the one hitter he faced. Missoula’s Mike Rosario started the bottom of the ninth with a base hit, but the PaddleHeads’ comeback attempt fell short.
The Zootown’s Pioneer League baseball team saw their five-game winning streak end, bringing their record to 35-11. The Raptors, who are the defending champions of the league, improved to 22-24 and ended a two-game losing streak.
Ogden took a 9-3 lead in the first 3 1/2 innings before Missoula fought back. The Raptors held a 10-8 lead going into the bottom of the eighth, where the PaddleHeads scored six runs, with four coming from Cameron Thompson’s inside-the-park grand slam.
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The PaddleHeads ended the game with 16 hits compared to 14 for the Raptors. Alongside Thompson, Patrick Chung, Roberto Pena, and Alec Sanchez also hit home runs for Missoula. Chung, Adam Fogel, and Luis Navarro each had three hits.
Missoula will face Ogden again on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
