Billings homers its way to blowout win over Ogden Raptors on Wednesday
The Billings Mustangs answered the team’s low output from Tuesday with an explosion to even their series with the Ogden Raptors, claiming a 15-1 victory Wednesday night at Lindquist Field.
Six Mustangs (11-9) totaled two hits as all but one Ogden (7-13) pitcher struggled to hold Billings down.
Patrick Mills hit a two-run homer off new Raptors starter Adrian Santa Cruz to put the Mustangs ahead 4-1 in the fourth inning.
Jacob Kline smacked a two-run home run against Ogden’s Alex Friesen in the fifth inning for an 8-1 lead.
And, facing Bruce Yamamoto in the ninth inning, Billings third baseman Travis Holt socked a grand slam for the final 15-1 tally.
Ogden’s lone run came when shortstop Matthew Golda singled in second baseman Connor Bagnieski in the second inning.
Right-hander Gabriel Pacheco was the only Raptors pitcher to keep the Mustangs scoreless. He allowed one hit and pitched around three walks to blank Billings in the seventh and eighth innings.
The visitors got seven good innings out of their starter for the second straight night. Patrick Maybach earned the win by spreading seven hits across seven innings, allowing the one run while striking out four and walking one.
Right fielder Pearce Howard hit 3 for 4 to lead Ogden at the plate, raising his season average to .413.
The two teams play again at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.