(Editor’s note: Mustangs media release)
BILLINGS — The Billings Mustangs (5-11) churned out another offensive showcase on Monday in their 9-7 win over the Great Falls Voyagers (5-9) in front of 2,081 at Dehler Park. The win represents the first time in 2019 the Mustangs have put together back-to-back wins.
The Mustangs scored the first seven runs of the game, keeping the Voyagers scoreless through the fifth. Nick Lodolo made his third professional start on Monday, throwing two innings, allowing one hit in scoreless work while striking out three and not issuing a walk.
Omar Conoropo (2-0) backed up Lodolo with 4 1/3 innings of solid relief. The pair combined to retire 13 consecutive batters between the first and fifth innings as Great Falls went into the sixth with just one baserunner in the game.
The Mustangs opened up a 7-0 lead after a four-run fourth, followed by another two runs in the fifth. TJ Hopkins lined a two-RBI double back up the middle with the bases loaded in the fourth to lead the charge. Hopkins finished Monday 1-for-3 with a double, two runs, three RBI and a walk.
The Voyagers tried to make a late push, scoring seven runs over a three-inning span including five runs in the seventh. Great Falls’ offense totaled 12 hits, led by the 3-for-4 night of Ty Greene who scored two of their seven runs.
The Mustangs held a 9-7 lead going into the top of the ninth, but Great Falls would bring the tying run to the plate. After a leadoff single for Greene, Jerry D’Andrea struck out the next three batters to end the game and earn his first save of the year in the Pioneer League.
Totaling 17 hits in the game, Billings got a hit from all nine of their batters. They have combined for 35 hits over their last two games, posting each of their highest hit totals in back-to-back nights.
The Mustangs will look for the sweep of the brief two-game series Tuesday at Dehler Park. First pitch against the Voyagers is set for 6:35 p.m. MDT.
