Mustangs Fall Flat in 7-1 Loss at Glacier

KALISPELL-The Glacier Range Riders got 7.0 innings of one-run ball from Rob Hamby and the Billings Mustangs couldn't climb out of an early hole as they fell 7-1 to the Range Riders on Monday night at Flathead Field in Kalispell.

Glacier (14-27) snapped a six-game losing streak and beat Billings (22-18) for just the second time in nine tries. The Mustangs were held to one run, tying a season low.

Glacier got starter right away against Mustang starter Yasnier Laureano. Leadoff hitter Ben McConnell battled Laureano for 11 pitches before blasting a solo homer down the right field line. After a flyout, a single preceded another homer, a two-run shot from Brody Wofford that put Glacier up 3-0.

The Mustangs answered as Jackson Raper lined the first pitch of the second from Glacier starter Rob Hamby off the scoreboard in left-center. Billings followed with two more singles, but Hamby retired the next three batters to keep the damage at one run.

However, Laureano's second inning was not any better. A walk and two doubles to begin the inning were the catalysts for the Glacier offense, which scored three more runs to extend the lead to 6-1. Glacier added one more in the third, in the process chasing Laureano, who failed to finish three innings.

After the third, Glacier's offense quieted, but the Mustangs never got anything going again against Hamby. Hamby retired 11 of 12 from the second through fifth and only once after the second did the Mustangs put multiple runners on base.

Hamby went 7.0 innings and struck out nine Mustangs while allowing just six hits. Tanner Solomon finished off Billings with two scoreless frames, polishing off a 7-1 Glacier win to open the series.

The Mustangs will play game two in Kalispell against the Glacier Range Riders on Tuesday. RHP Kenny Serwa (Pro debut) will start for the Mustangs, while Glacier counters with RHP (Kevin Kyle (0-0, 15.75). Pregame on Tuesday on the home of the Mustangs, ESPN 910/105.5 FM with Brennan Mense will begin at 6:45 ahead of a 7:05 p.m. first pitch.