The Billings Mustangs (1-0) stormed back with a seven-run eighth inning to defeat the Idaho Falls Chukars (0-1) 11-8 in the season opener Tuesday night at Melaleuca Field.

The Mustangs struck first with a three-run third inning highlighted by a two-run single from Cameron Bowen and an RBI knock by Adam Cootway.

Idaho Falls answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning when Sam Canton launched a two-run homer to trim the Billings lead to 3-2.

The Chukars grabbed their first lead of the night in the fifth inning on an RBI double by Mateo Mathews and a run-scoring groundout from Tyler Wyatt.

That advantage lasted only until the top of the sixth when Patrick Mills blasted Billings’ first home run of the season, a solo shot that tied the game at 4-4.

A half inning later, Idaho Falls appeared to seize control by scoring four runs to build an 8-4 lead.

After being held scoreless in the seventh, the Mustangs erupted in the eighth, sending twelve men to the plate and scoring seven runs to silence the home crowd. The Chukars needed three different pitchers to get through the inning as the Mustangs collected five hits and drew four walks. Cam Yuran delivered the big blow of the inning with a go-ahead two-run double that put the Mustangs in front 9-8. By the end of the frame, Billings had built an 11-8 cushion.

Hayden Mullens (1-0) earned the win in his professional debut, while Nate Roof (1) locked down the save with a perfect ninth inning. Jordi Romero (0-1) took the loss for Idaho Falls.

In a game filled with offense, all eighteen starters between the two lineups reached base safely at least once.

The Mustangs have now won their season opener in four consecutive seasons.

Billings and Idaho Falls continue the series Wednesday night, May 20, with Hudson Boncal taking the mound for the Mustangs against Yency De Jesus for the Chukars. First pitch from Melaleuca Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MT.