Belgrade Bandits Sweep Dillon Cubs in Home Season Opener Doubleheader (Photo Gallery)

DILLON — The Dillon Cubs opened their home schedule Friday night at Ray Lynch Park, hosting the Belgrade Bandits in an American Legion doubleheader. Despite a strong offensive effort in the opener, the Cubs dropped both games to the visiting Bandits.

Bandits Edge Cubs 5-3 in Game One

The Cubs outhit the Bandits 9-4 in the first game but were unable to overcome defensive miscues as Belgrade claimed a 5-3 victory.

Dillon struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Trenton Moreni doubled to drive in a run and give the Cubs an early 1-0 lead.

Belgrade answered in the second on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Hazen before taking a 2-1 lead in the third when Chance Stephens delivered an RBI single.

The Cubs tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Ben Peacock, but Belgrade regained the lead in the fifth with the help of a Dillon error and another RBI from Stephens.

Moreni paced the Cubs offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a double and three singles. Andrew Bartlome added two hits for Dillon.

Sawyer Tackett took the loss despite a solid outing on the mound. Tackett pitched six innings, allowing five runs, none of them earned, on four hits while striking out five and walking two.

Memphis Wagner earned the win for Belgrade, pitching 6 2/3 innings while striking out nine Cubs hitters. Stephens recorded the save.

Bandits Explode Early in 15-0 Nightcap Victory

Belgrade carried its momentum into the second game, using a 10-run third inning to secure a 15-0 victory and complete the doubleheader sweep.

The Bandits jumped out quickly in the first inning, scoring three runs highlighted by a two-run double from Max Zimmer. Belgrade added two more runs in the second before breaking the game open in the third.

The Bandits' big third inning featured RBI hits from Bradley Welch III, Cade Thomas, Andrew Hazen, Hudson Trullinger, and Memphis Wagner. Trullinger's three-run double highlighted the inning as Belgrade sent 15 batters to the plate.

Dillon collected six hits in the contest, with Trenton Moreni, Kanin Engelhardt, Andrew Bartlome, Landon Lovaas, Parker Mills, and Sawyer Tackett each recording a hit.

Moreni started on the mound for the Cubs and was charged with the loss after pitching two innings. Brayton VanDyken earned the win for Belgrade, throwing five scoreless innings while striking out seven and allowing six hits.

Chance Stephens led Belgrade with two hits, while Trullinger and Zimmer each drove in three runs. The Bandits also showed patience at the plate, drawing 12 walks during the game.

The doubleheader marked the home season opener for the Cubs, who will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Butte Miners on Monday.