Billings Mustangs starting pitcher Greg Blackman struck out seven in six strong innings of work, helping the hosts pick up a 6-1 win over the Ogden Raptors on Saturday at Dehler Park.
The Mustangs (36-41 overall, 14-15 second half) got a big victory against the Raptors (35-42, 13-16) to help strengthen their playoff hopes, with Billings now winning six of their past eight games.
The Oakland Ballers (17-12 second half) currently hold the final open playoff spot in the Pioneer Baseball League’s second-half standings and are three games ahead of the Mustangs with 19 regular-season games to go.
Blackman’s only run given up was when he hit Landen Barns with a pitch with the bases loaded in the second inning, but he recovered from the mistake to allow just four hits in his outing. Brendan Medoro came on in relief and finished the game out, allowing just one hit in three innings while striking out two.
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Dylan Leach got the Mustangs’ scoring started when he drove in Jacob Kline from a base hit in the third, but Billings broke the game open with a five-run fifth that had two home runs, including a grand slam from Connor Denning. Evan Blum added to the offense with a solo blast of his own.
The Mustangs will attempt to win the series against the Raptors when they square off in a series finale at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Dehler.
