9-Run 6th Inning Leads PaddleHeads Past Ballers
13 Unanswered Runs Highlights Missoula Win Over Oakland
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 0 | X | 15 | 9 | 0 |
Missoula, MT - Friday's ballgame between the Missoula PaddleHeads and Oakland Ballers at Allegiance Field was a low scoring affair for a bulk of the night. 5 runs combined crossed the plate in the first 5 innings with the Ballers holding the slight advantage. Missoula only mustered 3 hits in that stretch with Oakland out in front. In the bottom of the 6th inning, however, things took a drastic turn in another direction.
After the first batter in the bottom of the 6th was retired, 11 consecutive PaddleHeads found a way aboard in a massive offensive push. 9 runs crossed the plate in this sequence with the PaddleHeads flipping the game on its head. Walks were once again a huge issue for the Ballers issuing 5 walks in the inning and 15 total in the game. Outside of a rally in the 4th inning the Oakland offense was also held in check. This led to a comfortable 15-3 win for Missoula in the end, evening this 6-game set at 2 games apiece.
The PaddleHeads jumped out in front early with success in the 1st inning. Nich Klemp knocked in Will Bermudez with a base hit to bring the game's first run home. Tyler Stone then knocked in another with a double to left field making the score 2-0. Oakland delivered a punch back from this sequence a few innings later.
Oakland brought 3 runs home in the top of the 4th to take the lead with 4 singles doing the damage. Jaden Collora, and Nick Leehey had RBI singles in the inning that saw the Ballers take a 3-2 lead. This was the final damage done from the offense however on this night with the PaddleHeads allowing only 1 hit the rest of the way.
Joskar Feliciano brought home the lead run as part of Missoula's 9-run rally in the bottom of the 6th with an RBI single. Bermudez and Enzo Apodaca fanned the flames with singles of their own in the inning leading the PaddleHeads to double digits in the inning. Bermudez had a solid night from the top of the order finishing 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and Feliciano was 1-for-3. Apodaca put on the finishing touches offensively in the 7th.
The right fielder cleared the bases in the bottom of the 7th as part of a 4-run rally. The double pushed Missoula's advantage to 12 runs in the inning. The Baylor product was a highlight throughout the game finishing 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Jaren Jackson did his part on the mound for Missoula earning his 1st win in a PaddleHead uniform. The southpaw struck out 7 over 6 innings allowing 3 runs in the outing. The New Mexico native finished his outing particularly strong retiring 8 of the final 9 batters he faced leading through the 6th inning. Mark Timmins, Grant Garza, and Matthew Taubensee then cleaned up the mess issuing only 1 hit in the final 3 innings out of the bullpen. Both teams will now look for an edge in this 6-game set in Saturday's game 5.
The PaddleHeads (13-9) and Ballers (9-13) get together once again on Saturday night in what will be Star Wars night at the ballpark. First pitch at Allegiance Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with a fireworks display scheduled after the game. Be a part of all the fun in person or listen live on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.
