Czerwinski Fires Historic Shutout in Billings

Voyagers starter CJ Czerwinski turned back the clock, and made history last Friday in Billings. In an outing that looked like something straight out of the 1980s, Czerwinski fired 132 pitches en route to the first 9-inning complete game shutout tossed by a Voyager since becoming an independent franchise in 2021.

After allowing 11 hits in his previous two starts, Czerwinski put the clamps down on Billings, allowing just 3 hits in his 9 inning effort.

“It felt great to finally go out there and get a win for the team after a couple bad starts,” Czerwinski said.

Voyagers manager Sean Repay pointed to Czerwinski’s ability to command all four of his pitches as the key in the right-hander’s dominant outing.

“CJ did great. He had every pitch working, and he was able to establish the strike zone early,” Repay said. “It was one of the more impressive pitching performances I’ve seen in this league.”

“It was one of the more impressive pitching performances I’ve seen in this league.”- Sean Repay

Czerwinski was sure to praise his defense, which turned 4 double plays behind him, shutting the door on the Mustangs’ offense whenever they threatened.

“It wasn’t just me. There were plenty of double plays that went into that and got me out of some trouble,” Czerwinski said.

There was plenty of trouble in the bottom of the 9th. The first two hitters of the frame reached base, threatening to end Czerwinski's shutout bid and knock the right-hander out of the game. But a well-timed mound visit from Repay got Czerwinski back on track.

“Sean came out there and he was like, ‘We still believe in you.’ So that gave me some confidence,” Czerwinski said.

Czerwinski capitalized on that confidence and got the next hitter, Billings DH Charlie Muniz to bounce into a 6-4-3 double play. It was the third double play hit into by Muniz that night. The next hitter flew out to left field to seal the deal.

Czerwinski’s gem is officially the second complete game shutout tossed by a Voyager in the independent ball era. Jason Pineda was credited with a complete game shutout on August 6, 2024, but that game only went 7 innings before being called due to rain.

Those extra two frames took their toll on Czerwinski, whose pitch count sat at 120 after 8 innings. But he convinced Repay to stick with him for the final frame, and battled through the fatigue to reach the finish line.

“I honestly felt great. [My] Arm wasn’t hanging. Obviously after 120 pitches you’ll be a little sore, but I told them [Repay and Voyagers pitching coach Chuck Shirley] I felt fine,” he said.

After his career day in Billings, Czerwinski’s attention now turns to the Idaho Falls Chukars. The team with the league’s top offense, who he’s scheduled to face later today. The righty says that he’s keeping the process the same and looking to capitalize on the momentum he built last week in Billings.

“[I’m] kind of working on the same things I did last week. In my bullpen [I worked on], keeping the ball down because that’s what worked for me in Billings,” Czerwinski said.

There are only a few more chances to watch Czerwinski and the Voyagers this season. Visit gfvoyagers.com, or head to the stadium to pick up your tickets and support the Voyagers as they head down the home stretch in 2025.