BILLINGS — In an exciting season opener on Tuesday night, the Billings Mustangs kicked off their Pioneer League campaign with a solid 6-3 victory over the Missoula Paddleheads at Dehler Park.
The Mustangs took control early, scoring the first run in the second inning when Evan Blum delivered a sacrifice fly to plate Briley Knight, who moments earlier had stolen third base.
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By the fourth inning, the Mustangs widened their lead as Blum’s single drove in two more runs showcasing offensive prowess with a 3-0 advantage. Tyler Shelnut added fireworks with a two-run homer in the fifth, pushing the Mustangs to 5-0.
Though the Paddleheads rallied in the sixth with a run from Nicholas Klemp’s single, the Mustangs responded quickly in the same inning with Patrick Mills’ double extending their lead to 6-1. Missoula managed to close the gap in the seventh, scoring two runs on Roberto Pena’s single, bringing the score to 6-3.
Despite a valiant effort from the Paddleheads' batters, the Mustangs’ pitching staff held firm, with Shane Spencer earning the win, and Devyn Lopez collecting a save. Overall, the Mustangs displayed a balanced offense and a strong pitching performance, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
