Billings Sports Blog

Mustangs series in Helena washed out after four innings

2010-08-10T22:02:00.004-06:00

Late summer rains in Montana's capital city meant that the Billings Mustangs and Helena Brewers managed to play only four innings of their scheduled two game series at Kindrick Legion Field Monday and Tuesday.

The Mustangs were leading 2-0 in the top of fourth when play was suspended in Monday night. An attempt to pick up that game on Tuesday was cut short with the two teams managing to only finish the fourth inning. When play was again halted the Mustangs were about to come to bat in the top of the fifth ahead 3-0.

Through those four inning Billings second baseman Billy Hamilton managed two hits, an RBI and scored a run. Shortstop Devin Lohman and third baseman Oliver Santos scored the other two runs. Lohman and catcher Trey Manz tallied RBI's.

On the mound Daniel Tuttle (innings 1-3 on Monday) and Daniel Wolford (inning four on Tuesday) had yet to allow a Brewer run or hit. Each pitcher walked a batter and Tuttle hit three with pitches accounting for the only Helena base runners of the game so far.

Tuesday's scheduled game was also postponed. No makeup date for either game has been announced.

The Mustangs will now hope for better weather as they travel to Great Falls for a two game series with the first place Voyagers.

Game time at Centene Stadium is set for 7 p.m. both Wednesday and Thursday.
Radio 970 AM or online here

Box score through four innings of game one at Helena here

Opportunity squandered as Osprey down Mustangs 2-1

2010-08-08T22:00:00.004-06:00

After falling behind 2-0 to the Missoula Osprey in the top half of fifth inning of their Pioneer League game at Dehler Park Sunday, the Billings Mustangs appeared in the bottom half of the frame to be ready to get those two runs back and score a whole lot more. The bases were loaded with no one out and already one run in as Devin Lohman stepped to the plate. Missoula starter Patrick Schuster got Lohman to strike out swinging for the inning's first out. That brought Danny Hernandez to the plate. Hernandez proceeded to send a comebacker to Schuster who then threw home setting in motion an inning ending 1-2-3 double play. The threat suddenly ended, Missoula's pitching staff would allow only two more Mustangs to reach base over the final four innings as the Osprey held on for a 2-1 win.

"The fifth inning was an opportunity lost," said Billings manager Delino DeShields. "We have had trouble in bases loaded situations all season and tonight was unfortunately no different." After factoring in Sunday's game the Mustangs, on the year, are batting just .125 with the bases loaded

Jonathan Correa (0-1, 3.60 ERA) took the loss for The Mustangs. In his first start since being called up from the Arizona Rookie League, Correa pitched five innings giving up two earned runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batsman. both runs, both walks and the hit batter came in the fifth inning. Correa struck out four.

After managing his way out of the trouble spot in the fifth, Schuster took the win for Missoula going five innings giving up one earned run on five hits and two walks. Schuster struck out three. Justin Albert picked up his third save of the year for the Osprey pitching the eighth and ninth giving up no hits, one walk and striking out three.

The loss drops the Mustangs second half record to 4-5 and into a three way tie for second place in the Pioneer League North Division with Helena and Missoula. All three teams trail Great Falls by two games.

Sunday's game was also the last game of the first home stand of the second half. Though they managed to break even going 3-3 The Mustangs experienced a bit of an offensive drought scoring only 16 runs, (eight of those coming in Friday night's win over Missoula and five more in Tuesday's win over Helena,) on 36 hits. (Billings only got one hit each in the final two games of the Helena series.)

Billings now heads on the road for four games starting with a two game series in Helena against the Brewers. Though scheduled to start for the Mustangs on Monday, Daniel Tuttle (5-2, 4.80 ERA) is doubtful as he is nursing a sore knee. If Tuttle does not go left hander Luca Panerati will get the start in game one. Panerati who was 3-7 for Billings in 14 starts last season will be making his first start of 2010 season after appearing in relief three times for the ARL Reds. In those three appearance Panerati is 1-0 having pitched five innings and giving up no earned runs.

Helena will counter with another south paw, Evan Fredrickson. Fredrickson is 2-2 in nine appearances (five starts) for the Brewers this year. Fredrickson has faced The Mustangs twice this season, He picked up a win in relief against Billings on June 26 giving up two hits in four innings work and earned a no-decision in a start on August 4 going six no hit innings walking two batters and striking out 12.

Game time at Helena's Kindrick Legion Field is 7:05 p.m.
Radio: AM 970 or online here

Sunday's Attendance: 2967
Sunday's Time of Game: 2:13

Sunday's Complete Box Score Here

Errors prove costly as Mustangs fall 5-1

2010-08-07T22:44:00.009-06:00

Five errors by the Billings Mustangs led to four unearned runs by the Missoula Osprey as the Osprey defeated the Mustangs 5-1 in Pioneer League action at Dehler Park Saturday. The loss moves Billings to 4-4 for the second half of the season, one game back of the Great Falls Voyagers for first place in the PL North Divsion.

All was calm until the top of the third. errors by Mustangs shortstop Devin Lohman and starting pitcher Tanner Robles led to Missoula first baseman Bobby Stone coming up with two outs and the bases loaded. Stone, spending part of a third consecutive season with the Osprey, responded with a single to right field. Jae Young Kim and Raul Navarro scored on the hit, while an error on the relay throw by first baseman Dominic D'Anna allowed Chris Jarrett to score giving The Osprey the early 3-0 lead.

The Mustangs cut the lead to 3-1 in fifth. one out singles by Domnic D'Anna, Juan Duran and Jefry Sierra loaded the bases for Theo Bowe who lined a sacrifice fly to center scoring D'Anna. The Osprey were able to limit the damage to just the one run by doubling off Duran on a heads up cutoff play by shortstop Raul Navarro who instead of throwing home got the ball to third baseman Matt Helm as Duran attempted to advance on the Bowe fly out.

Missoula then added two insurance runs in seventh. Kim led off the inning by doubling to left, he would later advance to third on a ground out by Roberto Rodriguez before scoring on a double by Jarrett. Jarrett then scored on a throwing error by Billings second baseman Billy Hamilton.

Osprey starter Robby Rowland (1-4, 6.84 ERA) picked up his first professional victory. Rowland went five innings, giving up one earned runs on four hits and striking out four. Tanner Robles (2-2, 3.82) took the loss for the Mustangs. Robles worked five innings allowing three unearned runs on just one hit and striking out six with no walks and hitting two batters.

Billings and Missoula will conclude their three game series on Sunday. Jonathan Correa gets his first start for the Mustangs. Correa has gone 4-2 with a 2.01 ERA pitching 39.1 innings over eight starts with the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona Rookie League. Correa starts in place of Daniel Tuttle. Tuttle has had his next start pushed back to Monday at Helena in order to rest a sore knee. Lefty Patrick Schuster (2-3, 3.80 ERA) gets the ball for The Osprey. Schuster picked up a win in his only start against Billings this year, giving up no runs and two hits in five innings work on June 26.

Game time at Dehler Park is 4:05 p.m.
Tickets here
Radio: AM 970 or online here

Complete Box Score Here

Notes

Mud-luscious: The start of Saturday's Game was delayed 42 minutes to allow the infield to allow more time for the infield dirt to dry out following a late afternoon thundershower.

Two is not always better: The Mustangs hit into four double plays on Saturday. The Missoula defense got two outs on one play in the fourth, fifth sixth and eighth innings. According to the Pioneer League website, the league record for double plays turned in a game is six. The record was set by Medicine Hat in a game against Helena on September 3, 1998.

Band of Brothers: Saturday's Missoula starter Robby Rowland will not have to look far to find a familiar face to celebrate his first pro win with. Rowland's older Brother Richie is also an Osprey. Richie Rowland was the DH in Saturday Night's game going 0-3 in four plate appearances reaching base on an error in the sixth inning.

The Road from Omaha: It has already been quite the summer for Missoula reliever Blake Cooper. In addition to being selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB draft and pitching for the Osprey (including a 1-2-3 ninth on Saturday), Cooper capped off his college career at the University of South Carolina by helping the Gamecocks to their first ever College World Series Championship. Pitching on three days rest the righthander dominated UCLA in the first game of the championship series going eight innings and striking out 10 Bruins in the 7-1 South Carolina victory.

Attendance: 3179

Time of Game: 1:57

Mustangs going for fourth win in last five

2010-08-07T16:05:00.005-06:00

The Billings Mustangs will be going for their fourth win in the last five games as they take on the Missoula Osprey at Dehler Park tonight.

Tonight's game is the second of a three game series between the two clubs. In last night's opener the Mustangs broke out of an offensive slump (just two hits in their previous two games) pounding out 10 hits in an 8-2 victory.

Tanner Robles (2-1, 4.45 ERA) will get the start for Billings while Robby Rowland (0-4, 8.10 ERA) gets the call for Missoula.

First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Tickets here
Radio: AM 970 or online here

Notes:

Roster Moves: The Cincinnati Reds organization has announced several roster moves with regards to the Billings Mustangs.

Daniel Corcino has been promoted from Billings to the Class A Dayton Dragon of the Midwest League. Corcino a right handed starting pitcher started nine games for the Mustangs pitching 39.2 innings giving up 38 hits, 15 earned runs walking 17 and striking out 31 while posting a 1-3 record with a 3.40 ERA.

Pitcher Jonathan Correa has been promoted to Billings from the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona Rookie League. the 19-year old right hander has gone 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts in the ARL this year. Correa has pitched 39.1 innings giving up 36 hits and nine earned runs.

Jonathan Kaskow has been demoted to Billings from the Class A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League. This is the second stint in Billings for the 22 year old first baseman out of Stanford University. Earlier this season Kaskow played in 20 games for the Mustangs hitting .309 with three home runs and 13 RBIs. Kaskow struggled in 10 games at Dayton however getting just three hits (including one home run) in 38 at bats and striking out 14 times.

Luca Panerati has been promoted to Billings from the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona Rookie League. This is the second stop in Billings for the Italian born left handed pitcher. In 2009 Panerati went 3-7 with a 5.96 ERA in 14 starts for the Mustangs. So far in 2010 Panerati is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA over five innings pitched in three relief appearances for Goodyear.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	2^nd Half Wins	2^nd Half Losses	GB	Overall Wins	Overall Losses
Billings Mustangs	4	3	-	25	20
Great Falls Voyagers*	4	3	-	27	18
Helena Brewers	4	3	-	23	22
Missoula Osprey	2	5	2	16	29
South Division	2^nd Half Wins	2^nd Half Losses	GB	Overall Wins	Overall Losses
Ogden Raptors*	6	1	-	29	16
Casper Ghosts	3	3	2.5	20	24
Orem Owlz	2	4	3.5	21	23
Idaho Falls Chukars	2	5	4	18	27

*= 1st half division winner

TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES

First-half ties
If two teams tie for the first half title with exactly the same winning percentage, the following tie breaking rules are used to determine the first half champion:

1. Head to head records between the two teams tied;
2. Overall won/loss percentage in Division games during the first half;
3. Overall record; and
4. Coin flip by League President.

Second-half ties
If two teams tie for the second half title with exactly the same winning percentage, the following tie breaking rules are used to determine the second half champion:

1. Head to head records between the two teams tied during entire season;
2. Won/loss percentage in Division games during entire season;
3. Won/loss percentage in overall play during the entire season; and
4. Coin flip by League President.

Should one team win the first half outright and tie for the second half championship, the team that tied for the lead in the second half will gain a wild card birth. In the case of one team winning both halves, a wild card team will be the team with the best overall record during the entire season.

Mustangs overcome blown HR call down Helena 5-3

2010-08-03T22:27:00.014-06:00

A four hit, three run top of the first inning by the Helena Brewers complete with a controversial home run call was not enough to deny the Billings Mustangs and starting pitcher Daniel Tuttle (5-2, 4.80 ERA). Billings would score three of their own in the first and one each in third and fourth innings to come away with a 5-3 win at Dehler Park Tuesday night

The "home run" came with one out in the top of the first when with Shea Vucinich on second, Brewer DH Cody Hawn launched a ball deep into the left field corner. Though The distance from home plate to where the ball went out was certainly home run caliber, (at least 350 ft), it appeared to most of the nearly 2900 present that the ball had curved a good five feet left of the foul pole before leaving the field, meaning that the blast was simply a long foul ball. However, the only two people in the park who mattered, Umpires Ramon Hernandez and Gavin Hanson saw thing differently and Hawn was soon rounding the bases to give Helena a 2-0 lead. The Brewers added the third run of inning with two outs on a double by Brent Dean which scored Mike Walker.

The Mustangs answered back in the bottom of the first. Billy Hamilton led off the inning with a single, later stealing second base before scoring on an RBI double by Devin Lohman. Lohman would then advance to third on a single by Donald Lutz and score on a single by Oliver Santos cutting the lead to 3-2. Billings wasn't done however as the tying run would come across the plate as Dominic D'Anna singled bringing Lutz home.

The game now tied at three heading into the second inning, Tuttle took control allowing just two base runners over the next four innings of work, one on a single by Greg Hopkins and another on a walk to John Dishon. The Mustangs bats would back up Tuttle, taking the lead in third as a Sacrifice bunt by D'Anna saw the first baseman again drive home Lutz making it 4-3. Insurance would come in fourth in the form of a sacrifice fly by Lutz that scored Hamilton.

In picking up the win Tuttle worked five innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits, one walk and striking out seven. The bullpen picked up where Tuttle left off as Drew Hays pitched the sixth and seventh allowing just one base runner on a walk and Porfirio Martinez picked up his fifth save of the season pitching a perfect eighth and ninth.

"Tuttle showed us a lot tonight," said Mustangs Manager Delino DeShields. "He kept his composure after a rough inning which allowed us to stay in the ballgame. That composure in the face of adversity hasn't always been there this year. I thought it was one of his better starts."

The win improves the Mustangs to 2-2 in the second half of the pioneer league season and 23-19 overall. With a win over the Brewers tomorrow night Billings will move into a tie with either Great Falls or Missoula for first place in the Pioneer League North. Daniel Corcino (1-3 4.01 ERA) will take the hill for the Mustangs against Helena's Evan Frederickson (2-2, 5.93 ERA).

First pitch at Dehler Park is set for 7:05 p.m.
Tickets here
Radio: AM 970 or online here

Complete Box Score Here

Notes

Roster not stone yet: With just one month left in the minor league season the movement of players within an organization's minor league system is often slowed or even at the lower levels such as Rookie League and Class A curtailed. That said, Billings manager Delino DeShields does not think his roster is set in stone quite yet. "The movement of players in the Reds system is an organizational decision our coaching staff here talk daily with the minor league operations people and the other coaching staffs and together we make personnel decisions that our best for our players and the Reds organization as whole. Guys could still get called up or sent down even at this late date."

DeShields cautiously optimistic about Yorman: The fate of Yorman Rodriguez is still uncertain. The young outfielder, (he turns 18 on August 15), who currently leads the Mustangs in RBI's with 26 has missed the last few games with an injured left wrist (hamate bone). According to Billings manager Delino DeShields an MRI on Monday confirmed X-Rays from Friday that said the bone was not broken but results of a CAT scan on Tuesday have not come back and it will be a few days until it is known if Rodriguez's season is over or not. "I am cautiously optimistic that Yorman will be back on the field this year," said DeShields.

Attendance: 2891

Time of Game: 2:21

D'Anna double caps off Mustangs win

2010-07-24T00:00:00.003-06:00

A three RBI double off the centerfield wall with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning by Dominic D'Anna capped off a four run final inning rally and gave the Billings Mustangs a 7-6 win over the Idaho Falls Chukars at Dehler Park Friday.

The win by Billings coupled with the Casper Ghosts 3-1 victory over the Great Falls Voyagers puts the Mustangs just one game back of the Voyagers for first place in the Pioneer League North division with just six games remaining in the first half of the season for both teams.

"The Baseball Gods tend to have a way of evening things out," said Billings manager Delino DeShields about his teams one-run victory, making oblique reference to the nine such one run games his ball club has lost this year. " We really battled back when we were down, It was a big win for us tonight."

Idaho Falls was up 6-3 as the Mustangs came up to bat in the ninth and the Chukars had brought a top reliever, Alexander Rivers who coming into Friday had converted four of four save opportunities and had allowed just 10 hits and one earned run in 12 innings over eight appearances.

Dayne Read led off the inning for the Mustangs with a single, he was followed up by a second single by Theo Bowe putting runners on first and second for Billy Hamilton. Hamilton responded with a lined shot to right field for the third consecutive single of the inning, Read would score on an off target throw back into the infield to cut the lead to 6-4. That brought the winning run to the plate in the personage of Devin Lohman. Lohman who up to that point had been 0-4 on the night managed to draw a walk from Rivers in a battle of an eight pitch at-bat to lode the bases. Rivers recovered enough momentarily to strike out Yorman Rodreiguz for the innings first out, setting up D'Anna to play the role of hero.

And hero he was, As soon as Lohman crossed home plate, D'Anna who is in just his fourth game in Billings since being called up from the Arizona Rookie League was mobbed at second base by his new teammates and later as he was signing autographs for what seemed like 200 little leaguers and answering questions from the media D'Anna was "presented" with the ubiquitous shaving cream pie "tribute."

"This is all a first for me," said the 21 year old Southern California native and Cal State-Northridge product taken by Cincinnati in the 31st round (pick #931) of 2010 baseball entry draft. "This is my first walk off hit as a pro, my first shaving cream pie and the first time I have had to sign so many autographs."

As to the hit itself, it may have been his first walk off in the pros but D'Anna spoke about it like a veteran major leaguer saying "I was just trying to stay relaxed in there, I thought the hits and walk had rattled the pitcher and I knew if I hung in there I would get a pitch to hit and I did."

Rivers took the loss for Idaho Falls his second of the year (first blown save). Ryan Smith pitched a solid eighth and ninth innings for Billings, giving up a run on two hits and three walks striking out two, to pick up his second win.

The Mustangs will go for the four game sweep of the Chukars on Saturday. Daniel Corcino (1-2, 3.65 ERA) is scheduled to start for Billings while Idaho Falls is slated to go with Mike Mariot (2-0, 2.48 ERA)

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

Complete Box Score Here

Mustangs looking to make it three in a row

2010-07-23T16:40:00.007-06:00

The Billings Mustangs will be looking for their third win in a row over the Idaho Falls Chukars tonight as the two teams square off at Dehler Park
Entering play today the Mustangs (16-15) are just two games back of Great Falls for first place in the Pioneer League North division standings.
Daniel Tuttle (3-2 4.50 ERA) will get the ball for Billings. As of 4:45 p.m. Idaho Falls had not announced a starting pitcher on their website.

Game Time is 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Scoreboard
Thursday July 22
Billings Mustangs 3 Idaho Falls Chukars 0
Great Falls Voyagers 8 Casper Ghosts 0
Ogden Raptors 18 Helena Brewers 2
Orem Owlz 14 Missoula Osprey 7

Friday July 23 (All times MDT)
Idaho Falls Chukars @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.
Casper Ghosts @ Great Falls Voyagers 7 p.m.
Helena Brewers @ Ogden Raptors 7 p.m.
Missoula Osprey @ Orem Owlz 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Great Falls Voyagers	18	13	–
Billings Mustangs	16	15	2
Helena Brewers	15	16	3
Missoula Osprey	12	19	6
South Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Ogden Raptors	19	12	–
Orem Owlz	16	15	3
Casper Ghoss	15	16	4
aho Falls Chukars	13	18	6

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

2010-07-22T17:30:00.001-06:00

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

Mustangs return home after 3-4 road trip

2010-07-21T09:10:00.003-06:00

The Billings Mustangs (14-15, 3rd PL North) return to Dehler Park tonight after going 3-4 over a seven game road trip to Idaho Falls and Casper.

The Mustangs open a four game series against the Idaho Falls Chukars tonight. Clayton Schniuk(1-1, 4.01 ERA) will start for Billings against Santiago Garrido (1-1, 7.00) for the Chukars. These same two pitchers met in their last starts on July 16 in Idaho Falls, Schunik pitched six innings giving up no runs on four hits, striking out six and walking one. Garrido went 4.2 innings giving up three runs on six hits striking out four and walking two. Neither pitcher figured in the decision in the 7-6 Mustangs win.

Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Notes

Roster Moves: The Cincinnati Reds announced the following changes to the Mustangs Roster: First baseman Jonathan Kaskow and pitcher Tzu-Kai Chiu have been promoted from Billings to the Class A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League and first baseman Dominic D'Anna and pitcher Matt Leonard have been assigned to Billings from the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona Rookie League.

Vote for Porfirio: Mustangs pitcher Porfirio Martinez is one of several candidates for the title of best name in Minor League Baseball in MiLB.com's 4th Annual Minors Moniker Madness bracket tournament... You can vote for Porfirio here

Mustangs head south riding five game win streak

2010-07-14T18:40:00.004-06:00

The Billings Mustangs (11-11, 3rd place PL North) are riding a five game winning streak as they begin a stretch of seven straight road games and 14 consecutive games against South Division opponents tonight by traveling to Idaho Falls to take on the Chukars (11-11, 2nd place PL South).

Righthander Daniel Corcino (0-2, 4.60 ERA) will start for the Mustangs, The Chukars will counter with righthander Michael Mariot (2-0, 1.99 ERA). Corcino, In his last outing against Missoula on July 7 lasted just three innings allowing three earned runs on four hits, walking three and striking out four. Mariot has allowed just five earned runs in 22.2 innings pitched over four starts and his 1.99 ERA is second lowest in the league behind the 1.80 ERA of Casper's Tyler Gagnon.

Game time at Melaleuca Field is set for 7:15 p.m. Listen to the game on AM 970 in Billings or on the internet here

Notes

Wild Win: The Mustangs latest win came in unusual fashion as Billings rallied to beat the Helena Brewers 8-4 at Dehler Park on Monday. Helena starter Hiram Burgos stymied the Mustangs offense through seven innings allowing no runs on just three hits and striking out 10. Meanwhile Helena had built up a 4-0 lead. "Burgos really had our number," said Mustangs manager Delino DeShields. "I thought we might have a chance to get back in the game when he came out and I told the guys to hang in there."

Chances are however that DeShields would have been hard pressed to predict the sequence of events that followed when Burgos gave way to the Brewers bullpen in the bottom of eighth inning. Reliever Alex Jones proceeded to hit Cristobal Rodriguez, that was followed up by Theo Bowe reaching base on an error by left fielder Brandon Sizemore, Billy Hamilton then walked to load the bases. Jones recovered momentarily striking out Trey Manz for the first out before hitting Jonathan Kaskow to score Rodriguez to make it 4-1.

Helena Manager Joe Aryault then went to his pen for a second time, bringing in Eric Marzec to replace Jones. Marzec started off well enough striking out Donald Lutz for the second out. Then the wheels fell off, An error by second baseman Conner Lind allowed Devin Lohman to reach base and Bowe and Hamilton to score pulling Billings within one, 4-3. Marzec then walked Sean Conner to again load the bases before issuing a free pass to Oliver Santos bringing the tying run home in the form of Kaskow.

By now Billings batted once around the lineup, sending nine men to plate and scoring four runs, on no hits, three walks, two hit batsmen and two errors. With Rodriguez up again, Aryult again made a pitching change going to Robert Currie. Currie fared no better than his two predecessors, Rodriguez knocked a bases clearing double off the left field wall to put the Mustangs ahead 7-4. Rodriguez would then score on a single by Bowe before Hamilton struck out to end the inning.

Pat Doyle would retire the Brewers 1-2-3 in the ninth to seal the 8-4 victory.

"It was something I had never seen before, nine guy coming up and scoring four runs without getting a hit," said DeSheilds. A team batting around with out a hit is something pitching coach Bob Forsch and hitting coach Alex Pelaez claimed to also never witnessed before Monday night. For the record, between playing and coaching, the Mustangs dugout triumvirate has 50 years combined experience in professional baseball.

Old Faithful: Franchises and cities have come and gone in the 71 year history of the Pioneer League. Billings for example is currently in its second stint in the league the first running from 1948-1963 and the current one beginning in 1969. The only constant is Idaho Falls. The city located along the Snake River in southeastern Idaho has been part of the Pioneer League every season since its second season in 1940. During that time the team has been known by nine nicknames and had affiliations with 11 major league teams.

Idaho Falls Pioneer League franchise nicknames (from baseball-reference.com):
Russets 1940-42, 1946-1961 (There was no Pioneer League season in 1943, 1944 and 1945 due to U.S. involvement in the Second World War.)
Yankees 1962-63
Angels 1964-81
A's 1982-1984
Nuggets 1985
Braves 1986-91, 1993-99
Gems 1992
Padres 2000-03
Chukars 2004-present

Idaho Falls Pioneer League franchise MLB affiliations (from baseball-reference.com)

New York Yankees 1940-41, 1962-63

None 1942, 1946-47, 1952-53, 1985
Brooklyn Dodgers 1948
New York Giants 1949-51
Detroit Tigers 1954-58
Pittsburgh Pirates 1959
Chicago White Sox 1960-61
Los Angeles/California Angels 1964-81
Oakland A's 1982-84
Atlanta Braves 1986-94
San Diego Padres 1995-2003
Kansas City Royals 2004-present

Pioneer League Scoreboard
Wednesday July 14 (All Times MDT)
Billings Mustangs @ Idaho Falls Chukars 7:15 p.m.
Great Falls Voyagers @ Casper Ghosts 7:05 p.m.
Orem Owlz @ Missoula Osprey 7:05 p.m.
Ogden Raptors @ Helena Brewers 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Great Falls Voyagers	13	9	–
Helena Brewers	12	10	1
Billings Mustangs	11	11	2
Missoula Osprey	8	14	5
South Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Ogden Raptors	12	10	–
Orem Owlz	12	10	–
Idaho Falls Chukars	11	11	1
Casper Ghosts	9	13	3

Mustangs win fourth in a row

2010-07-11T00:15:00.015-06:00

The Billings Mustangs picked up their fourth win in a row 9-4 over the Helena Brewers, Sunday, in a game that could best described as "classic rookie league." The two pitching staffs combined to allow 13 runs, 13 hits, , 14 walks 2 wild pitches and two hit batters. In the field the teams combined to commit four errors.

Dan Wolford picked up his first win of the season for Billings in relief of starter Tanner Robles. Wolford pitched three innings allowing no runs on 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out two.

Starting pitcher Tyler Cravy took the loss for Helena going just two and one-third innings giving up eight runs, six earned on five hits and three walks. Cravy struck out two.

The victory moves the Mustangs record within one game of .500 at 10-11 just two games behind Great Falls and Helena who are tied atop the Pioneer League North Divsion standings.

The Mustangs will be looking for their first series sweep of the season on Monday as they conclude the three game set with Brewers. Billings will start Daniel Tuttle (3-1, 3.43 ERA ) while Helena will go with Hiram Burgos (2-0, 3.50 ERA). Tuttle is the only pitcher in the Pioneer League to record three wins so far this season. Burgos meanwhile, is second in the league in strikeouts with 31.

First pitch at Dehler Park is set for 7:05 p.m.

Complete Box Score Here

Notes
Sean Conner returns to Billings: The Cincinnati Reds have assigned Sean Conner to the Mustangs. In 61 games with Billings Last year Conner hit .218 and led the Mustangs with 6 HR. He also led the PL with 15 outfield assists. He has played just a handful of games so far this year 5 in AZ and 2 in Dayton. Conner made his 2010 Mustangs debut on Saturday going 0-5

Yorman Day to Day: Yorman Rodriguez, who has not played since he bruised his ribs in an outfield collision with Jefry Sierra during a game at Helena on June 29, is still listed as day to day. According to Mustangs manager Delino DeSheilds Rodrieguz's latest X-Ray was negative and he could be back in the lineup soon.

Former Mustang an NL All-Star: Cincinnati Reds and Former Billings Mustangs outfielder Joey Votto will be on the National League Roster Tuesday night in Anaheim. Votto, who is currently hitting .344 with 22 HR and 60 RBIs, played 70 games for Billings in 2003.

E.D. Holds Court Former Major Leaguer Eric Davis has been in Billings throughout the current homestand. Davis, a two time all-star and member of the Cincinnati Reds 1990 World Series championship team, is now a special assistant to Reds GM Walt Jockety. Davis has been helping to instruct the Mustangs hitting and fielding as well as offering the players a perspective on life in professional baseball.

Attendance: 2842

Time of Game: 2:47

Pioneer League Scoreboard

Sunday July 11

Billings Mustangs 9 Helena Brewers 5

Missoula Osprey 9 Great Falls Voyagers 5

Casper Ghosts 10 Orem Owlz 9

Ogden Raptors 7 Idaho Falls Chukars 6

Monday July 12 (All Times MDT)

Helena Brewers @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.

Idaho Falls Chukars @ Ogden Raptors 7 p.m.

Missoula Osprey @ Great Falls Voyagers 7 p.m.

Casper Ghosts @ Orem Owlz 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Helena Brewers	12	9	–
Great Falls Voyagers	12	9	–
Billings Mustangs	10	11	2
Missoula Osprey	8	13	4
South Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Idaho Falls Chukars	11	10	–
Orem Owlz	11	10	–
Ogden Raptors	11	10	–
Casper Ghosts	9	12	2

Manz carries Mustangs to Extra Innings Victory

2010-07-08T23:39:00.004-06:00

A base hit to right by Trey Manz in the bottom of the 10th inning scored Billy Hamilton to give the Billings Mustangs a 4-3 victory over the Missoula Osprey at Dehler Park Thursday.

Complete Box Score Here

Mustangs Again Fall Short

2010-07-08T14:12:00.008-06:00

The summer of rocky starting pitching (Daniel Tuttle excluded) for the Billings Mustangs continued Wednesday as Daniel Corcinco dropped to 0-2 giving up three runs and three walks in just two innings work as the Mustangs (6-11) fell into sole possession of last place in the Pioneer League North Division with a 5-3 loss to Missoula at Dehler Park.

"Our starting pitching is going to have to get better, We can't keep having to play from behind" said Mustangs Manager Delino DeSheilds. "It also puts a strain on the bullpen, they have had to carry us so far and I don't know where we'd be without the outstanding job they have done but they can't keep it up forever."

The Mustangs look to try to pull back into a tie for third place tonight when they again take on Missoula at Dehler Park. Billings will send Stalin Gerson ( 3 Starts, 1-0, 4.20 ERA) to the hill against the Osprey's Kevin Eichhorn (3 Starts, 1-1, 4.82 ERA)

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

Notes
Youth Movement: the Billings-Missoula series features the three youngest players in the Pioneer League this season: Mustangs outfielder Yorman Rodrieguz is 17 and will turn 18 August 15, Osprey Pitcher J.R. Bradley turned 18 June 9 ( 1 day being selected by the Diamondbacks organization in the second round of 2010 MLB entry draft.) and Missoula Infielder Raul Navarro turned 18 February 5.

Vidal Out, Cristobal Rodriguez in: The Cincinnati Reds have announced a couple of roster moves for the Mustangs. Infielder David Vidal has been sent from Billings to the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona Rookie League and Infielder Cristobal Rodriguez comes to Billings from the Single A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League. This is Rodriguez's second stop in Billings, with the Mustangs in 2009 he hit .190 with 22 hits, 2 home runs and 15 RBIs in 116 at-bats over 33 games.

Pioneer League Scoreboard
Wednesday July, 7
Missoula Osprey 5, Billings Mustangs 3
Great Falls Voyagers 4, Helena Brewers 3
Ogden Raptors 9, Orem Owlz 2
Idaho Falls Chukars 6, Casper Ghosts 5

Thursday July, 8 (All Times MDT)
Missoula Osprey @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.
Casper Ghosts @ Ogden Raptors 7:00 p.m.
Great Falls Voyagers @ Helena Brewers 7:05

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Helena Brewers	11	6	–
Great Falls Voyagers	10	7	1
Missoula Osprey	7	10	4
Billings Mustangs	6	11	5
South Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Idaho Falls Chukars	10	7	–
Orem Owlz	9	8	1
Ogden Raptors	8	9	2
Casper Ghosts	7	10	3

Pictures from Saturday's Outlaws win over San Angelo

2010-07-07T17:32:00.002-06:00

Photos by Jed Barton

Mustangs Set to Begin Series with Osprey

2010-07-07T13:33:00.006-06:00

After splitting four games with the Great Falls Voyagers over the Independence Day weekend, The Billings Mustangs (6-10) will continue their quest towards the .500 mark as the return to Dehler Park to begin a three game series with the Missoula Osprey (6-10.
Billings will send Daniel Corcino (3 starts, 0-1, 3.55 ERA) to the mound against Missoula's Derek Etel (3 starts, 0-0, 4.05 ERA)

Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Notes
Walzack Promototed: Relif pitcher James Walzack was promoted by the Cinninatti Reds from Billings to the Class A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League over the weekend. Walzack was 0-0, with no saves. He gave up two earned runs, four hits, striking out four and walking four in 5.2 innings pitched across four appereances.

Smith up from AZL: To replace Walzack in the bullpen, The Cininnatti Reds called up Ryan Smith from the Goodyear Reds of the Arizona League. Smith, an undrafted free agent signed in 2009, made his Mustangs debut on July 4 pitching a hitless, scoreless inning in the loss to Great Falls.

Tuttle is Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week: The Pioneer League has announced that Mustangs starter Daniel Tuttle has been named pitcher of the week for the week of June 30-July 6. During that week Tuttle went 2-0 with wins over Helena and Great Falls.

Pioneer League Scoreboard
Wednesday July, 7 (All times MDT)
Missoula Osprey @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.
Orem Owlz @ Ogden Raptors 7:00 p.m.
Great Falls Voyagers @ Helena Brewers 7:05 p.m
Casper Ghosts @ Idaho Falls Chukars 7:15 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Helena Brewers	11	5	–
Great Falls Voyagers	9	7	2
Billings Mustangs	6	10	5
Missoula Osprey	6	10	5

South Division	Wins	Losses	GB
Idaho Falls Chukars	9	7	–
Orem Owlz	9	7	–
Casper Ghosts	7	9	2
Ogden Raptors	7	9	2

Brewers Earn Split With Win Over Mustangs

2010-07-02T17:41:00.010-06:00

A night after being shut out the Helena Brewers wasted no time making sure they got on the board scoring once in the first inning and twice in the second inning en route to a 4-1 victory over the Billings Mustangs at Dehler Park Friday night.

Brewers starting pitcher Hiram Burgos was dominant in the winning effort. Burgos held the Mustangs bats to just one run on four hits, striking out nine and not allowing a walk in seven innings. "Some nights you just have to tip your hat to the other team's pitcher, and this was one of those nights" said Billings manager Delino DeShields. "Burgos was changing speeds and throwing quality pitches. He didn't let us get anything started."

Starter Daniel Corcino took his first loss of the season for the Mustangs giving up three earned runs on four hits, with no strike outs, a walk and a hit batsmen in four innings. Helena reliever Robert Currie pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth innings to pick up his second save of the year.

The highlight of the game from the Mustangs point of view was the defense of second baseman Billy Hamilton. A night after turning an unassisted double play, The 19-year old Hamilton a 2nd round pick of the Reds in 2009, made yet another play worthy of a Baseball Tonight web gem designation.

In the top of the fifth with nobody out and and the Brewers CF Franklin Romero on third, Hamilton caught a lined shot off the bat of Helena SS Shea Vucinich and from his back about 10 feet onto the outfield grass in right-center field fired a perfect throw to Mustangs third baseman Oliver Santos to double off Romero.

"It was a play I had to make, to help out my pitcher and try and keep us in the game," said Hamilton. "I got a good jump on the ball and managed to be in the right position to come up with a great throw. I take a lot of pride in my defense and work very hard not to let my team down when we are out in the field."

The Mustangs now head to Great Falls for a four game series against the Voyagers. The two teams opened the season with a four game series in Billings with Great Falls winning three out of four. Stalin Gerson ( 2 starts, 0-0, 2.70 ERA) will go for the Mustangs while Thomas Royse (2 starts, 0-1, 3.68 ERA) gets the call for the Voyagers. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

Complete Box Score Here

Notes

Sierra hit streak stopped at eight: Mustangs Outfielder Jefry Sierra went 0-4 Friday stopping his consecutive game hit streak at eight games.

Attendance: 3783 (largest crowd at Dehler Park so far in 2010)

Time of Game: 2:17

Pioneer League Sc0reb0ard

Friday July 2
Helena Brewers 4, Billings Mustangs 1
Great Falls Voyagers 10, Missoula Osprey 6
Idaho Falls Chukars 10, Casper Ghosts 6
Orem Owlz 4, Ogden Raptors 1

Saturday July 3 (all times MDT)
Billings Mustangs @ Great Falls Voyagers 7 p.m.
Ogden Raptors @ Idaho Falls Chukars 6 p.m.
Helena Brewers @ Missoula Osprey 7:05 p.m.
Orem Owlz @ Casper Ghosts 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings
North Division
Helena Brewers, 9-3
Great Falls Voyagers, 7-5, 2 GB
Billings Mustangs, 4-8, 5 GB
Missoula Osprey, 4-8 5 GB

South Division
Orem Owlz, 7-5
Casper Ghosts, 6-6, 1 GB
Idaho Falls Chukars, 6-6, 1 GB
Ogden Raptors, 5-7, 2 GB

Mustangs Shut Out Brewers to Win 2nd Straight

2010-07-01T22:05:00.021-06:00

Good pitching, solid defense and timely hitting are generally agreed upon as three factors that are necessary for winning a baseball game. The Billings Mustangs got all three Thursday night as they shut out the Helena Brewers 4-0 at Dehler Park. The win, coming one night after they defeated the Brewers 4-3 in Helena, marks the first time this season that Billings has put together back to back wins.

"Winning these two games in a row after losing so many close games will absolutely help to build our confidence as a ball club," said manager Delino DeSheilds. Prior to Wednesday the Mustangs had just one win in their last five games, the four losses coming by a total of just five runs.

Leading the way for Billings was the pitching staff as starter Daniel Tuttle along with relievers Blaine Howell and James Walzack combined to throw a five hit shut out, striking out 12 batters and allowing only three walks. "Our pitching was outstanding," said DeSheilds. "We (pitching coach Bob Forsch and Deshields) have been stressing to the staff the importance of going out there with a game plan and sticking to it and tonight they did just that."

Tuttle (2-1, 3.00) was particularly effective as he picked up the win going six innings, allowing two hits, striking out nine and issuing two base-on-balls Only one Helena runner even reached second base against Tuttle. As could be expected the 19 year old righthander, in just his second season of professional baseball since being drafted by the Reds right out of Randleman High School in North Carolina in the fifth round of the 2009 entry draft, was not as concerned as his manager about adherence to a specific plan when assessing his performance "I just went out there and tried get ahead of guys," he said. "As it turned out all three of my pitches (fastball, slider and change-up) were working tonight and I got great help from my defense particularly the two double plays."

The double plays Tuttle referred to occurred in third inning when with John Blevins at first Brewer catcher Tony Pechek grounded out 6-4-3 and in the sixth inning with Pechek again at the plate this time having a line drive caught by Mustangs first baseman Jonathan Kaskow who then tagged Blevins as he attempted to return to the first base. In all the Billings defense recorded three double plays for the game, the third coming in the eighth inning on a 5-4-3 ground ball of the bat of Helena's John Dishon.

At the plate for the Mustangs, Jefry Sierra recorded two RBI singles. one in the first inning when he drove home Josh Hamilton follwing Hamilton's one out double and again in the fifth inning when he brought in Theo Bowe who had led off the inning with a triple. Sierra also scored a run himself reaching home in the first on a ground ball out by Oliver Santos. The fourth and final run of the game for Billings came on solo home run off the bat of Kaskow in the sixth inning. The homer, Kaskow's second of the year was a opposite field shot that just cleared the fence in the left field corner.

Starting pitcher Tyler Cravy (1-1, 4.58) took the loss for Helena. Cravy worked six innings gave up four runs three of them earned, walked two and struck out three.

The Mustangs will be looking for their third consecutive win, Friday, as they conclude the brief two game home stand against Helena. Billings will send Daniel Corcino (0-0, 2.08) to the hill against Hiram Burgos (1-0, 6.10) for the Brewers. Game time at Dehler Park is 7:05 p.m.

Complete Boxscore Here

Notes

Duran breaks slump: An infield single with two outs in 8th inning broke an 0-23 slump for Mustangs outfielder Juan Duran. Prior to Thursday night Duran's most recent hit had been on June 25 in a game at Missoula.

Sierra hit streak up to 8 games: With two hits Thursday, Mustangs outfielder Jefry Sierra has gotten at least one hit in eight consecutive games. Sierra is currently batting .394 with 13 H, 1 2B, 1 3B and 8 RBI.

Rodriguez due back: Manager Delino DeShields expects to be able to put Yorman Rodreiguz back into the line up Friday. Rodriguez has not played since being shaken up after an outfield collision with Jefry Sierra during Wednesday's 5-3 loss at Helena.

Former Mustang has good MLB Debut: Former Mustang pitcher Travis Wood was impressive in his major league debut Thursday. Starting for the Cincinnati Reds against the Chicago Cubs, Wood went 7 innings giving up two earned runs on two hits, striking out four and walking two in a no decision. Wood pitched in six games starting four for Billings during the 2005 season posting a 2-0 record with a 1.82 ERA in 24.2 IP.

Attendance: 3013

Time of Game: 1 hr 59 min

Pioneer League Scoreboard
Thursday July, 1
Billings Mustangs 4, Helena Brewers 0
Missoula Osprey 2, Great Falls Voyagers 1
Idaho Falls Chukars 6, Casper Ghosts 2
Ogden Raptors 5, Orem Owlz 4 (15 innings)

Friday July 2nd (all times MDT)
Missoula Osprey @ Great Falls Voyagers 7 p.m.
Helena Brewers @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.
Idaho Falls Chukars @ Casper Ghosts 7:05 p.m.
Ogden Raptors @ Orem Owlz 7:05 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings
North Division
Helena Brewers, 8-3
Great Falls Voyagers, 6-5, 2.0 GB
Billings Mustangs, 4-7, 4.0 GB
Missoula Osprey, 4-7, 4.0 GB

South Division
Orem Owlz, 6-4
Casper Ghosts, 6-5, 0.5 GB
Idaho Falls Chukars, 5-6, 1.5 GB
Ogden Raptors, 4-6, 2 GB

Mustangs Return Home for 2 Games

2010-07-01T16:26:00.003-06:00

After finishing an otherwise disappointing 2-4 road trip with a 4-3 over the Helena Brewers at Kindrick Field Wednesday, the Billings Mustangs (3-7) return to Billings for 2 games against those same Brewers (8-2) tonight and Friday.

In the series opener the Mustangs will start righthander Daniel Tuttle (2 starts, 9 IP, 1-1, 5.00 ERA, 5 K, 6 BB, 9 H ) while Helena counters with righthander Tyler Cravy (2 starts, 1-0, 4.63 ERA, 3 K, 3 BB, 11 H)

Game Time at Dehler Park is set for 7:05 p.m.

Outlaws Defeat Fever

2010-06-27T20:43:00.003-06:00

The Billings Outlaws Defeated the Tri-Cities Fever 54-45 in a first round Indoor Football League playoff game at the Billings SportsPlex Sunday. The Outlaws now advance to the Intense Conference semifinals on Saturday when they will host either the Fairbanks Grizzlies or the San Angelo Stampede Express.

Mustangs Held to Only Four Hits in Loss

2010-06-24T12:38:00.002-06:00

Three Great Falls Voyager pitchers combined to hold the Billings Mustangs to just four hits while striking out eight batters in a 7-0 victory at Dehler Park Wednesday night. The loss drops the Mustangs to 1-2 on the season.

The game was scoreless until the top of he sixth when Voyagers sent 10 batters to the plate, lighting up Mustangs reliever Jesus Adames for five runs on four hits, two walks, an error and and a sacrifice fly. The Voyagers would then add one more run in both the seventh and eighth innings.

"It was an ugly day," said Billings manager Delino DeShields. "We didn't get many chances and coudn't take advanage of the few we did," he said refering to fact that the Mustangs went 0-11 with runners in scoring position.

Adames (2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 K, 2 BB) took the loss in relief of Mustangs starter Stalin Gerson (5 IP, 6H, 0R, 3 K, 1 BB). While Great Falls reliever Douglas Murray earned the win (3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 K, 1 BB)

Billings will be looking for the split as they conclude their four game series with Great Falls tonight. The Mustangs will send right hander Clayton Shunick to the hill against Voyagers righty Steven Upchurch. This will be Shunick's first game since 2008 when he went 1-4 for Billings with a 8.45 ERA in 38.1 innings across 10 starts. Game time at Dehler Park is 7:05 p.m. The Mustangs then hit the road for six straight games, three in Missoula followed by three in Helena.

Complete Box Score Here

Pioneer League Scoreboard

Wednesday June 23
Great Falls 4, Billings 3 (14 innings, completion of Tuesday's Game)
Great Falls 7, Billings 0
Helena 10, Missoula 6
Casper 9, Ogden 7
Idaho Falls 8, Orem 5

Thursday June 24 (All Times MDT)
Orem Owlz @ Ogden Raptors 7:00 p.m.
Great Falls Voyagers @ Billings Mustangs 7:05 p.m.
Missoula Osprey @ Helena Brewers 7:05 p.m.
Casper Ghosts @ Idaho Falls Chukars 7:15 p.m.

Pioneer League Standings

North Division
Helena Brewers 3-0
Great Falls Voyagers 2-1 1.0 GB
Billings Mustangs 1-2 2.0 GB
Missoula Osprey 0-3 3.0 GB

South Division
Casper Ghosts 2-1
Idaho Falls Chukars 2-1
Ogden Raptors 1-2 1.0 GB
Orem Owlz 1-2 1.0 GB

Outlaws to play at SportsPlex

2010-06-22T12:15:00.003-06:00

After two days of uncertainty regarding their postseason plans in the wake of the tornado which tore the roof off Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park on Sunday, the Billings Outlaws have announced that they will be playing their first round Indoor Football League playoff game against the Tri-Cities Fever Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the team's practice facility, The Billings SportsPlex.

According to GM Adam Steadman the practice arena will undergo a "transformation" in the few days that will include the instillation of seating for a crowd of between 1000 and 1500 fans. "This place will look very different come Sunday 3'0 clock." Steadman said a press conference announcing the venue change held Tuesday morning at the SportsPlex.

In the nearly 48 hours since the tornado several possible sites for the playoff game had been speculated upon including playing outdoors at either Rocky Mountain College or Daylis Stadium, Moving the game to a netural site or even playing the game in Tri-Cities,despite Billings having clinched home field advantage through at least the third round by virture of at 12-2 having the best record in the IFL's Intense Conference.

For Information about tickets to Sunday's game contact the Billings Outlaws at 406-839-9080 or stop by the Outlaws office at the SportsPlex located at 5000 Southgate Drive during regular business hours.

Klindt Field in mix as possible Outlaws Venue

2010-06-21T16:51:00.005-06:00

According to a report at KTVQ.com Rocky Mountain College President Michael Mace has offered the Billings Outlaws the use of the school's football stadium: Klindt Field as a site for Sunday's playoff game against Tri-Cities.

Using Klindt Field would mean not only would the game be played outdoors, it would be the first IFL game played on natural grass. The previous outdoor IFL game played in Rochester NY on June 5, was played on an artificial turf surface.

A final announcement as to when and where the Outlaws will face the Storm will be made at a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Outlaws schedule press conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday

2010-06-21T11:23:00.004-06:00

From the Billings Outlaws Facebook page: "Thank you for all the support from our great fans through this crazy time!! There will be a press conference at 10am Tuesday morning at the Sportsplex to address the playoffs and what happens next. We hope/plan to keep the playoffs in Billings. We appreciate the support Billings as we work to keep these games here for you!"

More Updates as they become available

Tornado leaves Outlaws Scrambling

2010-06-21T00:28:00.002-06:00

Less than 24 hours after the Billings Outlaws wrapped up home field advantage throughout the Indoor Football League Playoffs by defeating Tri-Cities 68-40 in the regular season finale, a tornado has left the Outlaws scrambling to find a home field.

The tornado which struck around 4:30 p.m. completely destroyed the roof of Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park collapsing large amounts of debris as well as allowing rains and hail to fall onto the seating and playing areas of the arena. KTVQ reported during their 10:00 p.m. newscast that there will not be another game at Rimrock Auto Arena this season and quoted Outlaws GM Adam Steadman on the fact that the franchise was working on several possible scenarios to prevent the Outlaws from having to play their playoff games on the road.

Such scenarios include playing games at the Outlaws practice facility, The Billings SportsPlex, possibly playing the games outdoors or moving the games to neutral site somewhere in the region.

The SportsPlex located on South Billings Boulevard contains a field identical to the one laid down at Metra Park as well as the necessary locker room facilities for the Outlaws and and their opponents but does not have anywhere near the seating capacity for a crowd which averages in the neighborhood of around 5000 fans per game.

One IFL game has already been play outdoors this season as on June 5, The Rochester (NY) Raiders hosted the Chicago Slaughter in a game at Marina Auto Stadium which is normally the home of Rochester's United Soccer League franchise.

According to the Rochester Democrat Chronicle "The 50-yard football field took up half of the artificial turfed soccer pitch and was set up from midfield to the end-line at the Jumbotron side of the stadium. The sideline boards were placed 28 yards apart with fresh chalk lines indicating every 5-yard interval. The field of play was about 30 yards away from the stands on both sides of the stadium."

It appears that at first glance if desired by the Outlaws and allowed by IFL and the necessary local authorities, primarily School District #2, a similar setup could be constructed on the artificial turf at Daylis Stadium and would allow the Outlaws to accommodate large crowds and stay in the Magic City as they continued their pursuit of a second straight IFL title.

Of course the Rochester game was a regular season game a regular season game agreed upon by all parties involved months in advance. It remains to be seen if the IFL would sanction on short notice an outdoor playoff game.

A third alternative would be to move the games to a neutral site although questions concerning arena availability and the ability of fans to access such sites would seem to make the neutral site scenario almost as unappealing as playing a straight up road game.

The Outlaws have not yet released a time table as to when a final decision will be reached with regards to the game.