Kiley's Swan Song, Wurtz's Big Night Spoiled in 12-8 Loss

BILLINGS-The Billings Mustangs jumped out to a five run lead thanks to big hits from Gabe Wurtz and Jordan Barth, but the Glacier Range Riders scored seven runs in the sixth to snag a 12-8 victory over the Mustangs on Thursday night at Dehler Park.

The loss spoiled the last ride for Billings (7-8, 32-29) starter Sean Kiley, who was making his final career start before hanging up his spikes. Glacier (5-10, 22-40) snapped a three-game skid, thanks to two homers and seven RBI from Brody Wofford.

After Kiley set down the Range Riders in order in the first, Billings got to work against Glacier starter Kevin Kyle. Following a leadoff walk, a hit batter put two on with one out for Wurtz. On a 1-0 pitch, Wurtzx annihilated a hanging curve and blasted it far over the wall in left-center for a three-run homer. The blast put the Mustangs up 3-0.

After another scoreless inning in the second, Kiley recorded the first two outs in the third, but then allowed two singles. Brody Wofford followed by jumping on a first pitch fastball and crushed it well beyond the right field wall, tying the game at three apiece.

However, the Mustangs had their own clutch, two-out answer. Two singles opened the inning, but Kyle retired the next two batters. A walk to Brian Parreira, though, loaded the bases for Jordan Barth. On a 1-0 offering, Barth ripped a line drive over the head of Sam Linscott in right field, clearing the bases for a three-run triple that put the Mustangs back in front, 6-3.

In the fourth, the Mustangs grabbed two more amidst unusual circumstances. With one on and one out, Kyle and Glacier manager Nick Hogan were both ejected. Against reliever Bret Barnett, the Mustangs then scored on an RBI single from Wurtz and a fielder's choice, taking an 8-3.

Kiley then fired a scoreless fifth, striking out Wofford on a 3-2 changeup to end the inning and with it his career. However, he would not wind up with a win.

In the sixth, Yasnier Laureano came on and had two outs with a man on first, but things fell apart from there. He walked the next two batters to load the bases, which prompted a change to Darrien Ragins on the mound. However, Ragins allowed a two-run single, then a walk to re-load the bases. A slow roller to third went for an infield single to bring in a third run. Up stepped Wofford, who deposited the first pitch from Ragins high off the right-field scoreboard for a grand slam. All of a sudden, Glacier led 10-8 after a seven-run frame.

In the seventh, Glacier added to their lead against Al Pesto. Ryan Cole led off with a single and stole second and third. Brandt Broussard brought him across with a sacrifice fly to right, putting Glacier ahead 11-8.

In the seventh, the Mustangs had an opportunity to rally against Nathan Thomas. The inning started with a walk and a single. After two outs, Jacob Kline was hit to load the bases. However, Crews Taylor chased a 3-2 pitch for strike three with the bases loaded, ending the inning with no runs.

Glacier added one more run in the eighth, shortly before the game entered a 44-minute lightning delay. The Mustangs failed to make any inroads after the resumption, falling 12-8.

The Mustangs will finish the four-game home stand against the Glacier Range Riders on Friday night at Dehler Park. Billings will start LHP Elijah Gill (2-0, 2.28) while Glacier counters with RHP Andrew Stout (0-4, 6.82). Pregame on the home of the Mustangs, ESPN 910/105.5 FM with Brennan Mense will begin at 6:15 Friday ahead of a 6:35 p.m. first pitch.