GREAT FALLS — After much uncertainty caused by the coronavirus, Don Olson Field finally played host to Legion baseball on Saturday.
The Great Falls Chargers hosted the Lewistown Redbirds on Saturday for their home opener. With no concessions and only 50 percent capacity, it was a different feel. Still, things looked good for the home team early, with Great Falls opening up a 6-0 lead after the third inning. But Lewistown chipped away, cutting it to a 6-5 ballgame by the 8th, eventually winning 10-8.
Despite the loss, the Chargers were thankful to be playing baseball, especially at home.
"It was pretty amazing, honestly. We were out here at 9 o'clock this morning, getting the field ready. Just having fun messing around," Chargers outfielder Andrew Paradise said. "I'm really glad to be playing this year, getting some bonding with the team."
Paradise got on base to kick-start the Chargers' eighth inning, scoring the first of two runs. He would later get to second as the tying run in the ninth, but the Chargers couldn’t capitalize, falling to 1-4 on the season.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Marquart was the spark for Redbirds with three runs scored, including their first two of the game. Lewistown is off to a 3-0 start to its season.
"We're always there for each other and we just always have a good positive attitude at all times," Marquart said "We're feeling really good right now. I mean, I've tried to stay positive and stay on this road and keep this momentum."
