Mustangs split with Missoula

Posted: Sep 2, 2010 10:45 PM by Scott Breen
Updated: Sep 2, 2010 10:45 PM

BILLINGS - The Billings Mustangs are still breathing in a playoff race after splitting with Missoula Thursday night.

The Mustangs lost 7-6 in game one of a double-header after stranding 10 runners in the completion of a game suspended by rain Wednesday. At the point of suspension, Billings led 2-0 in the 4th inning. They would build a 4-0 lead before giving it all back by the sixth.

Missoula forced it to extra innings scoring twice in the bottom of the eighth, then won it on a walk-off single with two out in the 10th.

Billings won a pitcher's dual in the nightcap, 2-1. The Mustangs scored in the bottom of the 7th allowing Porfirio Martinez to hold the lead and earn a win in the bottom half. Game two was only scheduled to go seven innings after the completion of game one.

The split draws Billings to within three and a half games of Helena in the division race with only eight left in the regular season. Helena lost 2-1 at home to Great Falls for the second straight night.

Billings and Missoula complete their series Friday night before the Mustangs head to Great Falls for a pair of games Saturday and Sunday.