Range Riders Continue Undefeated Start Behind Big Sixth Inning
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 10 | 3 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
BILLINGS, Mont. - A 10-run sixth inning powered the Glacier Range Riders to a wild 17-9 victory over the Billings Mustangs on Friday night at Dehler Park, as Jacob Steele drove in six runs in the offensive explosion.
Leading 4-1 entering the sixth, Glacier broke the game open by sending 14 batters to the plate and launching three home runs in the inning. Logan Beard started the rally with a bases-clearing double before Steele crushed a grand slam to center field, the first pro homer of his career. Tommy Rover followed suit with his first profession long ball later in the frame with a two-run homer to right, while JD McLaughlin capped the inning with a solo shot to center as the Range Riders surged ahead 14-1.
Steele finished with six RBIs on two hits, highlighted by the grand slam and a two-run double in the third inning. Rover added two hits and three RBIs, while Beard drove in three runs during the decisive sixth inning.
The Range Riders struck first in the second inning when Rover lined an RBI double down the left field line and Kyle Singer added another run with a groundout. Glacier extended the lead in the third after Steele's two-run double to left made it 4-0.
Billings attempted to rally late, scoring seven runs in the seventh inning on four hits. Bodee Wright delivered a three-run triple, Michael Soper added a two-run homer, and the Mustangs also benefited from an error and a bases-loaded walk during the inning.
Evan Langston earned the win for Glacier in his first start in pro ball, allowing just one run on six hits over five strong innings while striking out five and walking one. Josh Tucker took the loss for Billings after allowing four runs over four innings. Davis Pratt, Chris Canada, and Brady Chavez each made relief appearances for the Range Riders.
Despite being outhit 11-10, Glacier once again capitalized on patience at the plate, drawing 14 walks in the contest. Carson Garner and Jake Millan each walked three times. Donovan Ratfield, McLaughlin, Steele, and Rover all recorded multi-hit games.
The Range Riders attempt to continue their hot start to the season with another clash versus Billings on Saturday night. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM at Dehler Park.