PLAYOFF RECAP: SEMIFINALS, GAME 2

The 2024 Pioneer League Playoffs continued last night with the second game of the Semifinals, with the Oakland Ballers evening their series against the Yolo High Wheelers one game apiece. Game Two of the Glacier Range Riders vs. Missoula PaddleHeads series was postponed due to inclement weather in Missoula.

Oakland Ties the Series

After falling 14-4 in Yolo in Game one, the Oakland Ballers returned to Raimondi Park last night with their season on the line.

Pitching proved to be the deciding factor in this low-scoring affair that saw the Oakland Ballers win Game Two 1-0.

Right-handed starting pitcher Chandler David went six shutout innings for the Ballers, giving up one hit and no walks, tallying nine strikeouts in the process. Reliever Connor Sullivan took over in the seventh, pitching two scoreless innings, giving up only two hits.

Closer Braydon Nelson earned the save in a rocky ninth, leaving the tying run third base.

Yolo's starting pitcher Brandon Mitchell did his part as well. He went 5.1 innings allowing one run on five hits and one walk. A solo home run by Oakland's centerfielder Brett Carson in the bottom of the fifth inning was the decisive blow in this well-played pitcher's duel.

Three different relievers came on for Yolo's Manager Billy Horton, none of them allowed a hit in the 2.2 innings they pitched.

The series deciding Game Three will be played at 6:35 in Oakland tonight.

Missoula and Glacier will play game two of their series tonight in Missoula at 7:05pm MDT. Both games can be watched at https://share.flosports.tv/SHbH