Great Falls, MT - In need of a win to avoid getting swept, the Brewers turned to Scott Sunitsch on Sunday against the Voyagers. The lefty did not disappoint, as he went a career long six innings, allowing just three runs on three hits, needing just 63 pitches to get
Great Falls, MT - In need of a win to avoid getting swept, the Brewers turned to Scott Sunitsch on Sunday against the Voyagers. The lefty did not disappoint, as he went a career long six innings, allowing just three runs on three hits, needing just 63 pitches to get through the outing. Helena's offense scored in four consecutive innings, and Aaron Ashby held off a ninth inning Voyagers rally as the Brewers edged Great Falls 5-4. The Brewers now trail the Voyagers by just a game in the Northern division.
Helena struck first in the second, but it did not come without controversy. Je'Von Ward singled with one out, and with Jose Sibrian up with a 2-1 count, Sibrian appeared to have fouled a pitch in and out of the glove of catcher Jhoandro Alfaro. Ward had stolen second on the swing, and was told to go back to first. However, after a conference between the umpires, it was determined that Sibrian did not make contact, and Ward was awarded second base. Two pitches later, Sibrian singled sharply to right, scoring Ward to give Helena the lead.
Helena added on a second run in the third, as a leadoff double from Jesus Lujano scored thanks to a sacrifice bunt from Yeison Coca and a sacrifice fly from Jean Carmona.
Sunitsch held Great Falls off the board in the first two innings, but the Voyagers put the first four on against him in the third, scoring three to take a 3-2 lead. Ramon Beltre brought home the first run with a double, and Lenyn Sosa then gave the Voyagers the lead with a two run single.
The Brewers tied the game immediately in the fourth, as Je'Von Ward hit a solo homer against starter Chris Comito (L, 0-1) with one out. In the fifth inning, LG Castillo whacked a leadoff triple, and scored on a Lujano single, putting the Brewers back in from. Chad McClanahan then added on an insurance run with a two run single.
After the third, Sunitsch was on cruise control, as he retired the side in order in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. The only hits he allowed all game came in the third inning.
Aaron Ashby entered for the seventh and pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth innings. In the ninth, he struck put Logan Sowers to begin the inning, but a dropped third strike allowed him to reach. A wild pitch moved him to second, and with one out Alex Destino singled him home, making it a one run game and putting the tying run on base. Ashby plunked Ryan Fitzpatrick to move the tying run into scoring position, but then struck out Jimmy Galusky and Jhoandro Alfaro to end the game and leave the winning run at first. He gave up just the one run in three innings, earning the save.
The Brewers return home for a two game series against Great Falls, beginning tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. Max Lazar goes for Helena, while Great Falls counters with Codi Heuer. It is an AARP Montana Boomer Bogo Monday, and if you show up to the box office and ask about the Boomer Bogo, you will get a buy one get one free general admission ticket. On Tuesday, July 3rd, all general admission tickets at the gate will be just $3. For more information visit the homepage of helenabrewers.net.
