Narrow Victory Leads Range Riders to Best Start in Franchise History

FLATHEAD VALLEY, Mont. - The Glacier Range Riders outslugged the Great Falls Voyagers 9-8 on Tuesday night at Glacier Bank Park in a back-and-forth offensive battle. This win marks the first ever time the Range Riders have started 6-1, so this is the best start in franchise history.

Great Falls struck first in the second inning when Trey Cruz delivered an RBI single before Antonio Barranca launched a two-run homer to left, giving the Voyagers a 3-0 lead.

The Range Riders answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning with a massive six-run frame. Kyle Ashworth ripped a bases-clearing double to left center before Logan Beard capped the rally with a three-run homer to left, swinging the advantage to Glacier at 6-3.

The Voyagers battled back to tie the game in the fourth behind a solo home run from Kyle Schmack and an RBI single from Aidan Redahan. Glacier regained control in the bottom of the inning when Jacob Steele drew a bases-loaded walk to force home a run, followed by a two-RBI single from Donovan Ratfield that extended the lead to 9-6.

Great Falls threatened late, but Glacier held on to secure the one-run victory.

Zach Longshore earned the win for Glacier, allowing six runs on eight hits over five innings while striking out six. Jordan Hamberg took the loss for Great Falls after allowing nine runs over 3.2 innings. Jack Maruskin picked up the save, while Jacob Hasty and Alex Bustamente combined for key relief innings.

Despite recording just six hits, Glacier went back to the well they used in week one, drawing 10 walks in the win. Ashworth led the offense with two hits and three RBIs, while Beard also drove in three runs with his second-inning blast. Carson Garner, JD McLaughlin, and Tommy Rover each drew two walks.

The Range Riders and Voyagers battle again on Wednesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM from Glacier Bank Park.