While Labor Day marked the end of the season for nearly all of the White Sox affiliates, the Great Falls Voyagers played on as they prepared for the playoffs (more on that later).
Tuesday, September 2nd:
Billings 6, Great Falls 5
The eventual winning run was scored by the Mustangs in the second innings off starter and Arlington Heights, Illinois native Grant Monroe. Monroe struggled mightily, only lasting two innings, giving up six runs on seven hits and one walk. The Voyagers bullpen was magnificent in relief, with Jon Bengard, Alex Powers, and Devon Davis combining to throw six shutout innings, only allowing three hits, no walks, and striking out seven. Offensively, Hunter Jones went 3-5, Zach Fisher homered and walked twice, and Ethan Gross went 3-4 in the losing effort.
Wednesday, September 3rd:
Great Falls 11, Missoula 3
The Great Falls offense was dominant, scoring 11 runs on 17 hits in game started by Arizona’s 2014 first round pick, Touki Toussaint. Hunter Jones and Zach Fisher followed up strong games on Tuesday with three hits respectively. Right fielder Mason Robbins went 2-5 with a triple, and Patrick Palmeiro went 3-5 with two doubles as the Voyagers won in a rout.
Thursday, September 4th:
Missoula 4, Great Fall 0
As impressive as the Voyagers offense was Wednesday, it was equally inept on Thursday as they were held to one single by second basemen John Ziznewski. Starter Dane Stone pitched well, allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out six batters. The Great Falls bullpen was solid again, with relievers Matt Cooper and Charlie Sharrer threw two scoreless innings each.