Shunick has another good outing as Mustangs down Idaho Falls 7-1

After giving up three hits and a run in the top of the first inning, Billings Mustangs righthander Clayton Shunick retired the last 16 batters in a row he faced as the Mustangs (15-15) climbed back to the .500 mark defeating the Idaho Falls Chukars 7-1 at Dehler Park Wednesday.

The outing is the second win and third straight quality start for the 23 year old Shunick, a 2008, fifth round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds who is working his way back from Tommy John surgury that caused him to miss all of 2009. "Clay has been impressive in the way he has worked himself back into being able to go out and pitch every fifth day and is now to the point where he is getting back the stuff he had before he got hurt," said Mustangs pitching coach Bob Forsch.

Overall the Mustangs using Shunick along with relivers Josh Smith and Porfirio Martinez retired the last 24 out of 27 batters faced alloing just three base runners after the first inning none reaching second base. Billings flashed the leather as 17 of those outs were recorded in the field. "Our defense has been real solid all season," said manager Delino DeShelids. "It is a great help to our pitchers to know that if a ball is put in play and can be fielded it likely will."

The Mustangs will be looking for their seventh consecutive win at Dehler Park tonight as they take on the Chukars in game two of the four game set. Billings will send Tanner Robles (0-0, 7.71 ERA) to the hill. Opposing Robles will be Gregory Bilo (2-2, 6.16 ERA)

First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Complete Box Score Here

Notes
Baseball to test for HGH: Major League baseball announced Thursday that effective immediatly all minor leaguers will have their blood tested for the presence of Human Growth Hormone. Read more here