Mustang Bats Go Cold in 3-1 Loss on Friday

BILLINGS-Boise pitcher Kevin Pindel struck out 10 batters over 7.0 innings and the Billings Mustangs struggled to find their offense as they dropped game three of the series to the Boise Hawks, 3-1 on Friday night at Dehler Park.

Billings (21-16) struck out a season high-tying 14 times as their three-game winning streak was snapped. Boise (14-25) snapped a five-game skid with the victory.

In a stark reversal from the first two games, the early innings featured little offense for either side. Boise had a couple of opportunities, putting two on with two out in the first, then loading the bases with two down in the third. However, both times Elijah Gill retired Jacob Cruce to end the inning and keep the game scoreless.

In the bottom of the third, the Mustangs then struck against Boise starter Buddie Pindel. Crews Taylor singled with one out, then moved to second on a wild pitch. After an error moved him another 90 feet, Jacob Kline grounded a single through the right side to put the Mustangs on top 1-0.

That score stayed the same until the sixth. Gill retired the first two batters, but the inning was extended on a throwing error by Jackson Raper. Gil was then lifted for Pearson McMahan, who made his Mustangs debut. Unfortunately, it was not a debut to remember, as he surrendered a two-run homer to Trevor Minder on a 3-2 pitch, putting Boise on top 2-1.

In the seventh, an error again came back to bite the Mustangs. After a miscue to begin the inning and an infield single, Foster Pace induced a double play. However, Cruce singled to right-center, bringing home another unearned run to put Boise up 3-1.

On the other side, Pindel finished his outing with a flourish. After a leadoff single in the fifth, he retired nine of his final ten hitters. He finished in style, striking out Taylor on three pitches to end the seventh—his tenth punchout of the night.

Out of the bullpen, Noah McBride struck out two batters before allowing a two-out single to Mason Dinesen, but Michael Cabeza came on and retired all four hitters he faced to polish off a 3-1 Boise victory.

The Mustangs will look to bounce back in game four against the Boise Hawks on Saturday night. The Mustangs will send RHP Sean Kiley (3-0, 1.46) while Boise counters with RHP Brayden Spears (1-1, 3.44). Pregame on Saturday on the home of the Mustangs, ESPN 910/105.5 FM with Brennan Mense will begin at 6:15 ahead of a 6:35 p.m. first pitch.