Great Falls Drops Game 5 to Missoula

The Voyagers lost last night against Missoula in game 5 of their second-to-last series of the season, final score of the game was 4-3 in what was a pitchers' duel between the two teams.

Jordan Hamberg got the starting nod in his second pro appearance for Great Falls, and he had another solid outing last night. His pitch count was up, so he was only able to go 4 innings. He started off scoreless in the first three innings, including getting out of a couple jams. In both the first and second innings, Hamberg allowed the first two baserunners to reach but didn't give up a run in either inning. He struck out 7 of the first 9 batters that he retired. 

Alfredo Villa was the starter for the Paddleheads last night, and he continued his season of dominance last night. He went 7 innings, giving up just three hits and one earned run on 12 strikeouts. The Voyagers struck first on Villa in the bottom of the second with an RBI single from Devin Hurdle. They weren't able to put up any more runs on the board while Villa was pitching.

Missoula put up two runs in the 4th on RBI doubles from Pena and Willman. The Paddleheads held a 2-1 lead after the 4th. The next 4 innings were very defensive, Austin Stubber came in for relief and threw 4 consecutive scoreless innings. Ciuffetelli also threw a scoreless inning for the Paddleheads in the 8th.

Michael Schlact's offense got going at the right time for Missoula, though. They put up three runs in the top of the 9th to give their team some insurance heading into the 9th. This insurance came in clutch just a frame later. The Voyagers started to mount a comeback, two-RBI knock for Freddy Rojas to make it a one-run game. Sadly, that would be the last run the Voyagers put up, former Great Falls player Ethan Swanson shuts the door for Missoula, and ends the Voyagers hopes at a playoff run this season.

It is very unfortunate for a team has been playing so well as of late. By the numbers, they have been a top-three offense and a top-three pitching staff for the past month or so, but it comes just a little too late. Game 6 today at 11:30 AM, CJ Czerwinski will be the starting pitcher for Great Falls.