They probably felt like they'd been banging their heads since the opening pitch.
By the third it was too late for the Electrics, who could only watch as the Missoula Mavericks quietly rioted to a 23-0 Class AA American Legion baseball win at Lindborg-Cregg Field, in a game shortened to seven innings by the 10-run rule.
“The only thing you can say about a game like this is that it got away from (Great Falls) and it got out of hand,” said Missoula manager Brent Hathaway. “When you get into a game like that, you just want to get it over with and come back tomorrow.”
Great Falls starter Tyler Fayden faced 14 hitters in the opening frame before he was relieved by Curtis Bloomfield, who made it to the third and gave way to Reid Tramelli. The Electrics' pitchers struggled with control all game, issuing eight walks and hitting four batters.
Contributing to a stellar offensive exhibition for the Mavs, Brendan Brown was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Mac Cuffe started slowly - he committed the first two outs of Missoula's big first inning - but ended on a tear. He finished 2-for-6 with a triple, a double and three RBIs.
While the Mavs were hitting, Brian Fowler mixed a good curve ball into his array of pitches from the mound. He allowed just four hits and struck out six in a complete-game performance.
Catcher Chris Bartenhagen reached base in all but one of his five appearances at the plate. He scored four runs and ended 2-for-3.
By the end of the lopsided contest, the Mavs had starting first baseman Conor Dwyer playing in center field as younger brother Sean relieved him on the bag.
“We had the opportunity to get some kids a few innings today ... ,” Hathaway said. “Conor likes to get out there and run around in center field.”
The only bit of bad news for Missoula had pitcher/outfielder Mike Ponton in the dugout on crutches. He injured a toe while the team was getting some R&R at Lake Coeur d'Alene following a game earlier this week.
“We have to wait until the swelling goes down and hopefully it doesn't get infected before we get Mike back,” Hathaway said. “We're just hoping it's sooner than what they're saying.”
Missoula and Great Falls play again on Saturday at noon at Lindborg-Cregg Field.
Missoula 23, Great Falls 0
Great Falls 000 000 0 - 0 4 2
Missoula (13)41 203 x - 23 18 1
Tyler Fayden, Curtis Bloomfield (1), Reid Tramelli (3) and Tyler Brinka. Brian Fowler and Chris Bartenhagen. W - Fowler. L - Fayden.
GREAT FALLS - John Reilly 1-3, Jake Meierhoff 0-3, Zach Semenza 0-3, Fayden 0-1, Tramelli 0-1, Ryan Beercraft 0-3, Brinka 1-3, Casey Johnson 0-3, Bloomfield 2-2, Taylor Shanahan 0-3..
MISSOULA - Dan Belet 2-4, Sean Dwyer 1-1, Mac Cuffe 2-6, Conor Dwyer 1-6, Bartenhagen 2-3, Cody Burgmeier 2-4, Travis Johnsen 1-5, Taylor King 2-2, Taylor Nordby 1-2, Drew Lytle 1-2, Brendan Brown 3-3, Max Smith 0-2.
2B - Cuffe, Burgmeier Johnsen, King, Brown. 3B - Cuffe. RBIs. - Belet, Cuffe 3, C. Dwyer, Burgmeier 2, Johnsen 2, King 3, Nordby 2, Lytle 2, Brown.
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