Denning Notches First Homer, Walk-Off in Wild Opening Day Win

Before every season, fans wonder who will hit the first home run of the season for their favorite team. For the Billings Mustangs, they only had to wait two batters before Connor Denning, in the first at-bat of his PBL career, smacked a two-run homer off Missoula's Austin Seidel for the first homer of the PBL season. After the Paddleheads rallied to tie the game 6-6 in the ninth inning, Denning stepped in with Luke Fennelly on first base and two outs and drove a fly ball to the warning track that fell for a double, scoring Fennelly for the first walk-off of the season.

Phelts' Big Night Helps Raptors Down Reigning Champs

The Ogden Raptors had the tough task of hosting the reigning champion Grand Junction Jackalopes. Newly minted Raptor Cameron Phelts was up to the challenge though, proving to be the sparkplug the Raptors needed to fend off the defending champs. The 26-year-old collected four hits, including an RBI single that capped off a three-run fourth inning. The defending stolen base leader also swiped two bases, showing no signs of slowing down after stealing 51 bags last season.

Game 1 of Highway Series Goes to Chukars Behind Herron's Big Night

In the first game of the Highway Series, Mark Herron got his PBL career off to a fast start, helping the Chukars fend off the Hawks, 8-6. After Boise got off to a 2-0 lead, Herron capped off a five-run third inning for Idaho Falls by driving in two runs with a two-out single to left field. In the seventh inning, Herron drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 7-5. After Boise drew closer, Herron drove in his fourth run of the day with another single in the ninth inning, which was enough insurance to give the Chukars a win.

Harris' Strong Relief Outing Helps Voyagers Snatch Victory

When Payton Harris trotted in to make his professional debut, the Voyagers trailed the Range Riders 5-3. The 24-year-old right-hander did exactly what the doctor ordered though, keeping Great Falls in the game over three scoreless innings, retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced. Harris struck out the first batter he faced, Kingston Liniak, and worked around a one-out single by Jackson Raper to get through the sixth inning. In the seventh, Harris racked up strikeouts of Ben McConnell and Ryan Cash in a 1-2-3 frame. Harris remained dialed in for top of the eighth, setting down the side in order again, punching out Dean Miller for his fourth strikeout of the night. After the Voyagers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth, Harris was credited with the victory of his career.

Scafidi Dices Up Owlz in PBL Debut

Christian Scafidi was handed the ball for the Rocky Mountain Vibes' season, and he carved up the Northern Colorado lineup before play was suspended. The former UPenn standout allowed just one base runner – a solo home run to Payton Robertson – in three strong innings of work. Scafidi struck out five batters, including two each in the second and third innings. He also pounded the strike zone, throwing 32 strikes compared to just 16 balls.