Loggers split with A Mavs Saturday

Jun. 7—MISSOULA — Pitcher Aidan Rose was sharp through six innings, Bransen Holzer had a big two-run single in the seventh and the Libby Loggers beat the Missoula Mavs 5-3 to start a Class A Legion doubleheader Saturday.

Missoula prevailed in the second game, 9-6, though the Loggers twice brought the tying run to the plate in the final inning.

Holzer's hit put the Loggers (6-15) up 5-1 in the first game. That proved important because the Mavericks (3-3) got a walk and a single with one out in the seventh off Rose.

The Loggers pulled Rose for Holzer, who walked three batters. Soon it was 5-3 and the bases were loaded for Missoula's Isaac Thorne with two out. Facing new pitcher Boe Miles, Thorne lined out to center to end it.

Ian Thom added a two-run single for Libby, capping a three-run sixth inning. Rose allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six.

The Mavs' eight-run fourth inning in the second game — helped along by four walks, but also Trevor Johnson's two-run single and Thorne's RBI double — proved too much for the Loggers, though they gave it a shot.

Kale Riddle's two-run single was the big blow in a four-run fifth inning by Libby; in the seventh doubles by Riddle and Miles closed the gap to 9-5, and a walk and hit by pitch loaded the bases with one out.

Brody Gilmore got one run home with a sacrifice fly, before Thom lined out to end it.

Missoula pitcher Seamus Kane went six innings, allowing six hits, two walks and one earned run. He fanned five.