Mustangs Rally, But Can't Complete Comeback in 5-3 Defeat

BILLINGS-The Billings Mustangs rallied for three runs in the eighth to tie the game, but the Great Falls Voyagers pulled out a 5-3 win on Thursday night at Dehler Park.

The comeback was undone in part by Billings (1-2, 26-23) committing four errors, which contributed to all five runs for Great Falls (2-1, 29-21) being unearned.

Mustang starter Kenny Serwa and Great Falls hurler Quincy Jones both twirled two scoreless frames to begin the game, but Great Falls got to Serwa in the third.

After an error began the inning, Great Falls loaded the bases on a walk and a bunt single with no outs. Collin Runge followed with an RBI single to bring in the first run. A double play ball followed, but another run scored. Michael Deeb then ripped another sharp single to put the Voyagers up 3-0.

In the meantime, the Mustangs struggled to put together a meaningful rally against Jones. Crews Taylor led off the first with a single, but Jones set down the next eight. Billings also had runners on the corners with two outs in the third, but a fielder's choice ended that inning with no runs.

Mustang pitching was able to keep the game within striking distance as Serwa stranded multiple Voyagers in the fourth and fifth innings to keep it a 3-0 contest. Out of the bullpen, Yasnier Laureano walked the bases loaded in the seventh, but McLain Harris earned the final out to escape that jam before striking out the side in the eighth.

However, the Mustangs could not solve Jones. Beginning with the final out of the third, Jones set down 12 of the next 13 Mustangs, with even the one baserunner coming by way of an error. Jordan Barth doubled high off the wall with two outs in the seventh, but advanced no further.

In the eighth, though, the Mustangs came to life. After a strikeout to begin the inning, Taylor drew a walk, then scored with Mason Dinesen dropped a 1-2 pitch just inside the left-field line for an RBI double.

Jones was then pulled for Montana Quigley, who induced a fly ball to center from Jalen Garcia. However, center fielder Breydon Daniel lost in the twilight, and the ball fell, putting two in scoring position for Gabe Wurtz. Wurtz then lined a 2-2 pitch to center to score both runners, tying the game at 3-3.

In the ninth, Al Pesto entered and retired the first two hitters. However, Great Falls took advantage of another Mustang error which extended the inning. After a single put two men on, Jake Malec beat out a ground ball to second and Deeb hustled home from second to score the go-ahead run. Lukas Polanco followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 5-3.

In the bottom of the ninth, Aidan Nagle led off with a pinch-hit single, but Anthony Becerra came on and retired the final three Mustangs, nailing down a 5-3 win for Great Falls.

The Mustangs will play game four against the Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday night. Billings will start LHP Patrick Maybach (Pro debut) while Great Falls will throw LHP Tyler Naumann (1-4, 7.57). Pregame on Friday on the home of the Mustangs, ESPN 910/105.5 FM with Brennan Mense will begin at 6:15 ahead of a 6:35 p.m. first pitch.