(Mustangs media release)
BILLINGS – The Billings Mustangs (4-9) dropped their first extra-innings game of the season to the Helena Brewers (8-6), losing 1-0 in 10 innings in front of 3,109 at Dehler Park.
Luis Alecis delivered the best start of his four-year career, hurling seven shutout innings for Billings. He would strike out seven and allow just one hit. It was a career-high for Alecis in innings and strikeouts.
Wilfred Salaman would counter with seven shutout innings in the start for the Brewers as well. The left-hander fanned three and gave up four hits.
Dylan Harris, an undrafted free agent making just his second start for the Mustangs, would deliver at the plate for the second straight night. The Nova Southeastern product went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a steal for the Mustangs to improve to 7-for-10 with three doubles to start his professional career. He would account for half of the team’s hit total.
In a 0-0 tie going to the bottom of the ninth inning, Harris laid down a bunt single to reach leading off the inning. After stealing second with one out, he would be stranded there after a strikeout and a grounder to short.
Helena got the lone run of the game in the 10th off one hit. With two outs Eddie Silva doubled to left to score Nick Egnatuk who was the designated runner to start the inning at second.
Billings again made a push that was denied in the bottom of the 10th inning. Drew Mount led off with a single and Jay Schuyler was walked to load the bases with one out. In the next at-bat, a come-backer to the pitcher triggered a double play to end the game and deny the Mustangs their first series victory of the season.
The Mustangs defense has allowed just two runs over the last 19 innings and has seen 15 consecutive shutout innings from their starting pitchers.
Billings now heads to Missoula to begin a six-game series in four days with the Osprey. First pitch in game one on Saturday is set for 7:05 p.m. from Ogren Park Allegiance Field.
