Voyagers stay hot, defeat Brewers

The Grea tfalls Voyagers made it four wins in their last five games against Helena with a series-opening 4-1 victory over the Brewers Tuesday night at Centene Stadium.

Great Falls (13-9 in second half, 34-26 overall) has now won three straight at home.

The Voyagers are 8-5 this season against Helena (8-13, 23-36), and remain in sole possession of first-place in the Pioneer League North Division second half.

The Voyagers of manager Tommy Thompson were staked to an early lead with a single mark in the first. Joel Booker led off the inning with an infield single in the hole at short. Mitch Roman followed with a single on the ground into right. The next batter, Aaron Schnurbusch, parked a double high off the wall in right-center that scored Booker.

Great Falls used two out runs in the second and third innings to push the lead to 3-0. In the second, Frank Califano lined a base hit to center with two outs. Joel Booker reached on another infield single in the hole at short. Mitch Roman made it 2-0 with a line drive single to right. In the third, Jackson Glines blooped a single to right-center that fell between three defenders. Glines stole second and then scored on a base hit to right by Max Dutto.

The Voyagers closed out their scoring with one more tally in the fourth. Joel Booker led off the frame and was hit by a pitch. After Booker stole second, Mitch Roman collected an infield single to third. Brady Conlan brought in Booker with a sacrifice line drive to left and it was 4-0 Great Falls. Helena’s only run of the night came on a solo home run high and deep to right with Ronnie Gideon leading off the seventh. It was Gideon’s league-high tying 13th homer of the season.

After three straight starts allowing a combined 17 earned runs, Chris Comito racked up his fifth quality start for the Voyagers.

Comito (5-1) worked seven strong innings and gave up just one earned run on three hits (HR) with eight strikeouts and only one walk. Emerson Gibbs took the loss for Helena.

Great Falls closes out its two-game homestand against Helena Wednesday night at 7 at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers then play two at Helena Thursday and Friday before returning to start a five-game homestand Saturday night against Missoula.