(Billings Mustangs release)
BILLINGS — The Billings Mustangs (3-11) were held to a season-low four hits on Friday in a 5-2 loss to the Missoula Osprey (7-7) in front of 3,496 fans at Dehler Park. It was the second consecutive nights the Mustangs had a season-low in hits.
Justin McGregor (0-2) faced the minimum in his first three innings of work in the start, getting the help of two double plays behind him. The Mustangs rolled three double plays in total in the game, setting a new season-high.
The Osprey broke a 0-0 tie in the fourth on the power of four hits, an error and a wild pitch. The first three batters to the plate singled, led by the RBI hit of Tristen Carranza.
Billings recouped two of the runs in the fifth when Matt Lloyd hit a two-run homer to right, his first pro home run. Lloyd went 2-for-4 in the game, accounting for half of the Mustangs’ hit total. After Lloyd’s home run, the Billings offense fell silent, having their final 13 batters of the game retired.
Patrick McGuff (1-1) went a season-high seven innings in the start, giving up two runs on four hits, striking out three and not issuing a walk. He was followed by perfect innings of relief from Pedro Zorrrilla and Mailon Arroyo. Arroyo struck out the side in the ninth to earn his second save in three opportunities this year.
The Mustangs will look to avoid the series sweep on Saturday in the finale of the three-game set. Saturday is also Jesse Winker bobblehead giveaway night at Dehler Park. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Jesse Winker bobblehead, courtesy of Jimmy John’s. First pitch at Dehler Park is set for 6:35 p.m. MDT.
