Missoula Paddleheads Start Home Schedule With a Bang

Week two of the Pioneer Baseball League season was friendly to the hometown squad. The Paddleheads racked up a 5-1 record (8-4 overall) and find themselves tied for first place in the North Division. Let's take a dive into the first homestand of the 2023 season.

Booming Numbers VS the Rocky Mountain Vibes

Missoula's home opener was a great success all around. Over 2,000 loud and vibrant fans attended the home opener, according to the Paddleheads website. It was the largest home opener crowd since the shortened/canceled COVID seasons. The lively crowd was treated to an offensive explosion. 34 runs were scored in the first two home games, the highest output over a two game stretch since the Pioneer League rebranded itself as an independent league. Paddleheads centerfielder Keaton Greenwalt racked up 9 RBI, and 10 different Paddleheads drove in at least one run over the two game stretch.

Fireworks

Fireworks night isn't until June 9th, but fans caught a glimpse of a few explosions on the field Thursday. The Paddleheads and Vibes were chirping back and forth for most of the Vibes' lone win in the series. Things erupted in the 8th and 9th innings when the teams cleared the benches and met at home plate. No punches were thrown, but we saw plenty of shoving, verbal attacks, and a few Paddleheads ejected.

A Weekend Sweep VS Billings

The Paddleheads carried the red hot bats into the weekend series against the Billings Mustangs. Missoula scored at least 9 runs in each of the 3 games to complete their first sweep of the season. The weekend series was highlighted by Saturday's 15 run outburst. Wisconsin native Jake Guenther recorded a career day at the plate going 5-6 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored.

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What's Next?

Missoula squares off with the Great Falls Voyagers (4-6) this week. Three games in Great Falls June 6th-8th, three games in Missoula June 9th-11th. Friday, June 9th is Star Wars Night at Allegiance Field. The Paddleheads will don special "Return of the Jedi" jerseys to commemorate the movie's 40th anniversary. After the game fans can stick around for a fireworks show as well.