(Editor’s Note: Billings Mustangs Press Release)
BILLINGS – The Billings Mustangs (4-11) churned out a season-high 15 runs on 18 hits, also a season-high, in their 15-8 victory over the Missoula Osprey (7-8) in front of 3,154 at Dehler Park on Saturday to avoid the series sweep.
A night after producing their lowest hit total of the season, the Mustangs set the benchmark for 2019 offensively, churning out five multi-run innings in the runaway win.
After trailing 2-0 early, Billings scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a lead they would never relinquish. Reniel Ozuna and Cash Case both tripled in the inning while Victor Ruiz smacked his first of two doubles on a three-hit night. Case had two triples in the game, going 2-for-4 with two triples, two runs and two RBI.
Between the fifth and eighth innings, the Mustangs scored at least two runs in every inning at the plate, getting the best of Tyler Poulin in relief. Poulin has given up 14 runs to the Mustangs over his last two appearances.
Matt Lloyd homered for a second straight game for his only hit Saturday, a three-run blast in the sixth.
Eric Yang finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI. It was Yang’s first double, home run and multi-hit performance of his young professional career.
Andrew McDonald (1-0) earned the win by matching his career-high with three innings of relief. He gave up two runs on two hits, striking out three and not issuing a walk.
The win was the largest of the season for the Mustangs, setting season-highs in a plethora of offensive categories.
After a day off Sunday, the Mustangs return to action with a two-game series at home beginning Monday against the Great Falls Voyagers. First pitch July 1 in the series opener is set for 6:35 p.m. MDT.
