Bothwell Breaks Strikeout Record in Range Riders’ 3-2 Win Over Mustangs

KALISPELL, MT - Runs were at a premium Friday night at Glacier Bank Park, but the Glacier Range Riders found just enough offense to edge the Billings Mustangs, 3-2. The night also saw history made, as starting pitcher Ty Bothwell set the franchise's single-season strikeout record.

Bothwell's fourth strikeout of the game — a swinging punchout of Charlie Muniz in the top of the fourth inning — gave him 93 on the year, surpassing the previous mark. He went on to strike out eight Mustangs over six strong innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while walking three. The performance earned him the win and capped a record-setting night on the mound.

Billings struck first in the fourth on a Casey Sorg RBI double. Glacier answered in the fifth when JT Mabry's sacrifice fly tied the game, and Eli Paton followed with a two-run single to give the Range Riders the lead for good.

Hudson Boncal took the loss for Billings, giving up three runs on three hits over five innings with five strikeouts. Luke Cooper closed the door in the ninth for the save, while Nick Zegna and Nick Ferazzi each tossed scoreless relief for Glacier.

Paton paced the offense with two RBIs, going 1-for-2. TJ Clarkson, Angel Mendoza, Xavier Casserilla, Mabry, Jack Lynch, and Paton all recorded hits in the win. Defensively, the Range Riders were flawless, turning one double play and committing no errors. Mendoza led the way with 10 defensive chances handled cleanly.

Sorg drove in both Billings runs, finishing 1-for-3. Patrick Mills and Chase Hanson also had hits for the Mustangs.

The two teams match up once again on Saturday night at Glacier Bank Park.