The Billings Mustangs (32-11) clinched a first-half playoff berth on Wednesday night with an 18-2 win over the Red Pocket Mobiles (10-34) at Dehler Park.

The victory secured the franchise's 34th postseason appearance and their first since 2023. It is also the first time the Mustangs have clinched a playoff spot in the first half since the league became independent in 2021.

Billings struck first in the game with two runs in the opening inning before breaking it open with four solo home runs in the second to take a 6-0 lead.

Bodee Wright started the second inning barrage with an inside-the-park home run before A.J. Shaver followed with a solo blast. Two batters later, Michael Soper and Charlie Muniz hit back-to-back dingers to cap the four-homer inning.

The Mustangs finished with seven home runs on the night. Soper and Muniz each homered twice for their first multi-homer games, while Adam Cootway also went deep.

Shaver turned in another historic performance, going 5-for-5 while hitting for the cycle for the third time this season.

On the mound, David Hankins (2-2) took care of business, tying his season high with eight innings to earn the victory. The right-hander allowed just two runs on three hits and did not allow his first hit until the sixth inning.

Newcomer J.J. Almeda pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out Red Pocket catcher Manny Jackson to end the game.

Billings evened the three-game series at one game apiece with the win and will look to claim the set on Thursday night at Dehler Park. Right-hander Jaden Harris is expected to start for the Mustangs with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 pm.