PaddleHeads Turn To Beard As Opening Day Starter

The Missoula PaddleHeads are now approximately 24 hours away from opening the 2026 season in the opening game of a 3 game series on the road opposite the Oakland Ballers. This matchup will pin 2 Pioneer League Playoff teams from last season against each other. This will also mark the beginning of the Ballers title defense after winning their first league championship  in franchise history in 2025. Missoula will also look to put an end to its recent struggles on Opening Day having lost their last 3 coming into Tuesday. Michael Schlact will turn to one of his most trusted pitchers in 2025 on Opening Night looking to do just that. 

After spending the 2025 season at the back end of the rotation, things will come full circle for 2nd year pro Brendan Beard. The Texas native was officially named the Opening Day starter by Schlact and his staff Monday ahead of the first game of the season.  After a rookie campaign that saw Beard establish himself as a solid weapon in the rotation, Schlact will look for Beard to take another step this season. 

"Beard is a well deserved nod for Opening Day because he was huge for us last season all the way through and earned a spot on the All-Star team," Schlact said. " He's a steady presence on and off the field and I know the guys will all play hard behind him."

The Texas Lutheran product spent the entire season in the PaddleHeads rotation making 17 starts in his rookie campaign. Beard finished the year with a 5-3 mark with a 5.60 ERA in those outings punching out 96 batters in 91 ⅔ innings of work. Beard was especially strong in the 2nd half of the season making it past the 5th inning in 5 of his last 6 starts. Things all came together for the product of the Lone Star State in one outing on August 3.  

Beard became the 1st PaddleHead in franchise history to toss a complete game shutout last August in a start against the Mustangs. The right hander allowed just 2 hits while striking out 12 in the outing. Beard was joined by fellow rotation member Ryan Wentz who tossed a complete game of his own soon after. 

The Ballers plan to turn to one of their best pitchers from last season in right hander Gabe Tanner. Tanner finished 9-0 last season in 11 starts with a 3.26 ERA. The former Pioneer is a fitting Opening Day choice for the Ballers and returning Manager Aaron Miles considering the 2nd year pro is also a native of the Oakland area. This will be the first appearance for both Beard, and Tanner going against their respective opponents. Now both will take on the challenge of Opening Day on Tuesday. 

The PaddleHeads and Ballers open a 3-game series on Tuesday night in the opening game of the Pioneer League season for both squads. First pitch from Raimondi Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Lock in with every pitch live on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.