Mustangs Blast Chukars Late to Win Sixth Straight

A high-scoring affair took place in Billings on Saturday, when both teams combined for 29 runs and 30 hits. The early innings saw a few lead changes, with Billings emerging from the bottom second with a lead that would be cut close by Idaho Falls only in the top fifth. The Mustangs then started crushing the ball in the next couple of innings with 12 unanswered runs, including eight in the bottom of the seventh, when Mitch Moralez hit a three-run homer. The Chukars staged a comeback, scoring eight straight runs in the last two innings, but by this point Billings' lead was too far from reach, giving the home team the win and keeping their chances well alive in the North Division for a playoff spot after a fantastic week. The Mustangs will try for a full-week home sweep of the Chukars at 1:05 PM on Sunday from Billings, where it will be Epilepsy Awareness Night. 

Ogden 6, Rocky Mountain 1: Matthew Hess Tosses Complete Game, Raptors Snap Skid Against Vibes 

After dropping four games at the Vibes during the week, the Raptors were able to get a comfortable win on Saturday at Colorado Springs. Matthew Hess was the name of the game, managing to throw a complete game in his fourth PBL appearance this season. Hess recorded four strikeouts and allowed seven hits and two walks on the day. The Raptors got an early lead by the top of the second after a Cameron Phelts triple brought two runners in and extended their lead late in the game to make it 6-1. Ogden will aim to get a second straight win and some momentum going coming up at 1:05 PM on Sunday from Colorado Springs.  

Grand Junction 9, Northern Colorado 6 & Grand Junction 6, Northern Colorado 3: Jackalopes Sweep Doubleheader in Northern Colorado 

Grand Junction had a strong Saturday, winning both games of a doubleheader against the hosting Owlz that allowed the Jacks to overcome their state rivals in the South Division Second Half standings and position them for a playoff race. The Jacks did quick work of the first game, scoring six runs in the top second thanks to Jacob Cruce, who had three hits in the game, and a home run by Austin Chouinard. The Owlz threatened a late comeback, as Nick Michaels hit his second homer of the day in the bottom fifth, but ultimately fell short. Jackson Coutts also homered for the home team. The second game had a similar plot, with the Jacks managing a comfortable lead early in the second inning via Cruce's second homer of the day and a grand slam by Tyler Sandoval. Grand Junction has taken the series against Northern Colorado this week, and the Jacks will attempt an away sweep on Sunday at 1:05 PM from Windsor, as the Owlz host Augtoberfest. 

Missoula 9, Glacier 5: PaddleHeads beat Range Riders to Keep Distance on Top of North Standings 

Missoula got an important win on Saturday to recover some ground on top of the North Division Standings and distance themselves from second-place Glacier. The visitors scored three runs in three different innings to build their lead over the course of the game, including a three-run homer by Luis Navarro in the top of the third and a three-hit effort by Dondrei Hubbard. Izzy Fuentes got his eighth win of the season for the PaddleHeads after five innings of work with five strikeouts. Missoula now leads the series 3-2 this week, as the finale will be played at 1:05 PM on Sunday in Kalispell. 

Boise 0, Great Falls 6: Voyagers Shut Down Hawks on Solid Pitching Day 

Great Falls had a strong day on the mound to shut down the Hawks on Saturday at home. Greg Blackman recorded his third win of the season after six innings of work with just three hits and tallying four strikeouts, before Breonn Pooler took over to strike three Hawks out through two innings. Andrew Garcia took the mound in the ninth to wrap up the game, conceding just one hit and fanning two. On the offensive side of the ball, Great Falls built their lead in the middle of the game. Xane Washington, with four hits in the evening, was the highlight for the home team. The Voyagers lead the weekly series at 3-2, with the finale scheduled for an early 11:30 AM start from Centene Stadium in Great Falls, where Kids Eat Free Sunday and Free Cake for Orbit's Birthday are taking place.