Six-Run First Inning Powers Range Riders Past Defending Champion Ballers

FLATHEAD VALLEY, Mont. - The Glacier Range Riders (10-3) wasted no time taking control Tuesday night, erupting for six runs in the first inning on their way to an 8-2 victory over the defending Pioneer League champion Oakland Ballers (6-7) at Glacier Bank Park.

Oakland struck first in the top of the opening frame when Jeter Ybarra drove in a run with a groundout, but the Range Riders responded immediately with their biggest inning of the night.

Glacier sent 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on patient at-bats and relentless pressure. Donovan Ratfield, Jacob Steele, and Tommy Rover each drew RBI walks, Edrick Felix was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force home another run, and Kyle Ashworth capped the rally with a two-run double to give the Range Riders a commanding 6-1 lead.

The offense added insurance in the sixth inning when Jake Millan launched a two-run homer to right field, extending the advantage to 8-2.

Evan Langston earned the win for Glacier, allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out two and walking one. Davis Pratt and Will Maynard combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen to secure the victory.

Ashworth and Millan each drove in two runs, while Logan Beard, Felix, Ashworth, and Millan all recorded hits. The Range Riders showed tremendous plate discipline throughout the night, drawing 15 walks, the third most in a single game in franchise history. Ratfield, Carson Garner, JD McLaughlin, Millan, Ashworth, Steele, and Rover each reached base twice via walk.

Glacier also played a clean game defensively, turning a double play and committing no errors.

With the win, the Range Riders improved to 10-3 on the season and opened their three-game series against the defending champion Ballers with a statement victory. The two squads will match back up tomorrow night, once again at 6:35 PM.