MISSOULA, MT – The Missoula PaddleHeads were one win away from the Pioneer League Playoffs in the series finale with the Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday night. No other factors were at play. A win at Allegiance Field would claim their spot in the PBL Postseason for the 6th consecutive season. An early inning rally set the tone for Missoula jumping to the lead. Nich Klemp then put on the finishing touches late with a clutch swing to pave the road to the playoffs.
Missoula’s success offensively with 2-outs was a huge factor in the ballgame. The PaddleHeads pushed 5-runs across the plate in the 1st with 2-outs recorded to jump to an early lead. Missoula then loaded the bases with 2-outs in the 7th. Klemp cashed in hitting his third grand slam of the season to put his team in front by 7.
Matthew Taubensee came on late to nail down the final 5 outs out of the pen as the PaddleHeads laid claim to an 11-7 win. This allowed the team to celebrate a playoff berth for the 6th straight year.
The PaddleHeads will conclude the regular season over the weekend in a 3-game set with the Great Falls Voyagers.