Ratfield Drives In Five as Range Riders Clinch Series Win Over Ballers

FLATHEAD VALLEY, Mont. - Donovan Ratfield drove in five runs on three hits, powering the Glacier Range Riders to a commanding 13-1 victory over the Oakland Ballers on Wednesday night at Glacier Bank Park. The win secured the three-game series for Glacier and improved its strong start to the season.

Ratfield wasted no time making an impact, launching a three-run home run to left field in the first inning before adding a two-run double in the fifth. His five-RBI performance highlighted a dominant offensive effort by the Range Riders.

Glacier jumped on Oakland early, taking a 5-0 lead in the first inning. Jake Millan delivered a two-run single before Ratfield's three-run blast capped the inning.

The Range Riders broke the game open in the fifth, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs. Carson Hornung started the outburst with a solo home run to left field, the first of his professional career. Drew Collins added a two-run single, Millan drew a bases-loaded walk, Ratfield lined a two-run double, and Hornung later drove in another run with a groundout as Glacier stretched its lead to 12-1.

Aidan Elfering earned the victory in relief, allowing one run on six hits over five innings while striking out eight and walking one. Starter Jared Engman set the tone early with two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out one. Ryan Humphreys closed out the game with two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three.

Glacier collected 11 hits on the night, with Ratfield, Kyle Ashworth, and Hornung each recording multiple-hit performances. Tommy Rover reached base consistently, drawing three walks as part of a patient offensive approach that saw the Range Riders collect 12 walks as a team.

With the victory, the Range Riders have secured the series against the defending Pioneer League champion Ballers and will look to complete the three-game sweep on Thursday night at Glacier Bank Park. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM.