Mustangs even series with 4-3 win
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- The Billings Mustangs (1-1) kept their playoff hopes alive on Monday with a 4-3 win over the Idaho Falls Chukars (1-1) in front of 1,773 at Melaleuca Field in game two of the Pioneer League North Divisional Series. Bullpen work was again the key to the Mustangs' defensive
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- The Billings Mustangs (1-1) kept their playoff hopes alive on Monday with a 4-3 win over the Idaho Falls Chukars (1-1) in front of 1,773 at Melaleuca Field in game two of the Pioneer League North Divisional Series.
Bullpen work was again the key to the Mustangs' defensive success as four relief pitchers combined to allow just one run on two hits in seven combined innings. In two playoff games, the Mustangs' relief staff has given up just one run on two hits in 12 innings.
Idaho Falls held an early lead at 2-0 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second.
The Mustangs evened it up immediately in the top of the third with two runs on three hits, all coming consecutively to start the inning.
The Chukars tallied their final run in the third when an RBI single from Clay Dungan brought in Tyler Tolbert from second on a contested play at the plate. Tolbert managed a slide around the tag of catcher Eric Yang to put Idaho Falls back in the lead at 3-2.
Following the third, the Chukars did not find another hit or run in the game, as
Billings fought out of their one-run deficit in the sixth with three hits off
With the win, the Mustangs have evened the divisional series at one game apiece. Tuesday's game three winner will advance to the Pioneer League Championship Series to take on the Ogden Raptors. First pitch on Sept. 10 in game three is set for 7:15 p.m. MDT at Melaleuca Field.