The Billings Mustangs (25-7) created late separation in a 14-8 win on Thursday night over the Missoula PaddleHeads (16-17) at Allegiance Field to take a 2-1 lead in the six-game series.

Billings scored the game's first run in the opening inning, but Missoula answered with one in the bottom half before adding two more in the second to take a 3-1 lead.

The Mustangs responded with four runs in the third inning to move in front for good. Patrick Mills highlighted the rally with the first of a pair of two-run homers on the night.

The PaddleHeads trimmed the deficit to 5-4 with a run in the fourth, and the score remained unchanged through the next three innings.

Billings appeared to break the game open in the eighth, scoring five runs against three different Missoula pitchers. Charlie Muniz led off the inning with his team-leading 12th home run of the season before Mills launched his second two-run homer of the game as the Mustangs extended their lead to 10-4.

The PaddleHeads answered with a two-out grand slam by Nich Klemp in the bottom of the eighth to pull back to within two.

The Mustangs responded one final time in the ninth, scoring four more runs to put the game away. A.J. Shaver delivered a two-run single as part of a four-RBI night.

Jaden Harris (1-0) earned his first win of the year, allowing four runs over five innings while striking out five. Missoula starter Jaren Jackson (2-3) suffered the loss despite retiring ten consecutive batters to close out his six-inning outing.

With the victory, the Mustangs remain the only Pioneer League team to not suffer consecutive losses this season.

The Mustangs and PaddleHeads continue their series on Friday night in Missoula. Cole Calnon is expected to start for Billings with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 pm.