Missoula PaddleHeads suffered back-to-back losses on Sunday, marking only the third time this season.
The Billings Mustangs dominated Missoula’s pitchers, totaling 25 hits in a doubleheader sweep with scores of 9-6 and 16-11 at Ogren-Allegiance Park. The Pioneer League-leading Zootown team’s record dropped to 45-15 following the defeats, coming off a double win against Billings the previous day.
Dawson Day started the first game for Missoula but struggled, giving up five runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings. The PaddleHeads fell behind early 6-1 and couldn’t recover in the seven-inning match.
Both teams recorded 10 hits each in the game. Patrick Chung and Alec Sanchez hit home runs for the hosts, while Sanchez, Mike Rosario, Collin Runge, and Kamron Willman each had two hits.
People are also reading…
In the second game, the PaddleHeads fell behind 5-0 early but managed to take the lead 6-5 after four innings before ultimately losing 16-11 to Billings.
Manager Michael Schlact used five pitchers in the game. Starter Kenny Jinks allowed five runs on four hits in four innings, while Andrew Garcia took the loss, giving up four runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning.
Sanchez and Josh Elvir hit home runs for the hosts, with Elvir, Pena, and Carlos Perez each contributing two hits.
The PaddleHeads will now head to Great Falls for a three-game series against the Voyagers starting on Tuesday night.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
