Range Riders Snap Losing Streak With 6-4 Victory Over Billings

KALISPELL, Mont. - The Glacier Range Riders snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 6-4 victory over the Billings Mustangs on Tuesday at Glacier Bank Park.

Billings struck first in the top of the first inning when Adam Cootway delivered an RBI single. The Mustangs added another run in the third after Kyle Micklus drew a walk, extending their lead to 2-0.

Glacier battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. Donovan Ratfield drove in a run with a double before Carson Garner brought home another with a sacrifice fly.

The Range Riders took control in the sixth, scoring three runs to move ahead 5-3. Carson Hornung delivered the go-ahead hit, lining a single that gave Glacier its first lead of the night.

Cameron Bowen pulled Billings within a run with a solo home run to left field in the top of the eighth, but the Range Riders added an insurance run and held on to secure the victory.

Lance Wade earned the win for Glacier, allowing no hits or runs over two innings while striking out two and walking two. Aidan Elfering started for the Range Riders and allowed three runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked five.

Alex Bustamente recorded the save.

Hayden Mullins took the loss for Billings after surrendering two runs on three hits over one inning. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. Mustangs starter Julian Garcia allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits over five innings while striking out six and walking four.

Glacier finished with 10 hits. Ratfield, Jake Millan and Hornung each recorded two hits, while Hornung went 2-for-4 and led the team with two RBIs.

The Range Riders also played error-free defense. Brock Vradenburg led the team with 10 defensive chances.

Micklus drove in two runs for Billings while batting seventh in the lineup. Jacob Gutierez led the Mustangs with three hits in five at-bats, and Cootway finished 2-for-4.