Bucks Outlast Cubs in Game One, Roll to Sweep in Nightcap

BOZEMAN — The Dillon Cubs traveled to Bozeman on Tuesday for an American Legion doubleheader against the Bozeman Bucks at Heroes Park at Legion Field. Despite a strong offensive showing in the opener, the Cubs were unable to come away with a victory as the Bucks swept the twin bill by scores of 11-9 and 12-2.

Bucks Rally Late to Take Opener

The first game was a back-and-forth battle that remained tied heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before Bozeman pulled away for an 11-9 victory.

Dillon struck first in the opening inning when Andrew Bartlome drove in a run with a ground out. Bozeman answered quickly, scoring four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Dawsen Lewis highlighted the rally with a two-run triple while Jack Rainey added an RBI single.

The Cubs responded in a big way in the second inning, scoring five runs on four hits to take a 6-4 lead. Tristan Alvarez delivered the biggest hit of the inning, blasting a double that drove in three runs.

Bozeman regained the advantage in the fourth inning behind RBI hits from Lewis and Rainey before Brock Fors drove in another run on a fielder's choice.

Dillon battled back once again in the fifth. Bartlome singled to center field to tie the game at 9-9, but the deadlock was short-lived. In the bottom of the inning, Quinn Haarer ripped a two-run triple to give the Bucks the lead for good.

Kanin Engelhardt started on the mound for Dillon, striking out six batters over four innings. The Cubs collected 10 hits in the contest, led by Engelhardt, Bartlome, and Cohen Hartman with two hits each.

Alvarez and Bartlome drove in three runs apiece, while Hartman reached base multiple times, drew two walks, and stole two bases.

Bozeman finished with 11 hits. Lewis and Rainey each drove in three runs, while Haarer's late triple proved to be the difference.

Bozeman Uses Big Innings in Game Two

The Bucks carried their momentum into game two, using a pair of explosive innings to earn a 12-2 victory.

Dillon grabbed an early lead when Trenton Moreni drove in a run with a ground out in the top of the first inning.

Bozeman quickly answered with five runs in the bottom half of the inning. Isaac Ashcraft delivered the key blow, lacing a two-run triple to help the Bucks take control.

The game broke open in the third inning when Bozeman erupted for seven more runs. Ryan Graham, Treak Tasker, Isaac Ashcraft, and Quinn Haarer all contributed RBI hits during the inning as the Bucks stretched their lead to 12-1.

Brock Fors earned the win for Bozeman, allowing just two runs on five hits over five innings while striking out three.

Breyden Vrooman took the loss for Dillon after Bozeman's strong offensive start.

Cohen Hartman continued his productive day at the plate, collecting two hits and stealing two bases. Hartman and Moreni each drove in a run for the Cubs.

Bozeman pounded out 12 hits in the nightcap. Ashcraft and Tasker each drove in two runs, while Jack Rainey added two hits.

The Cubs will look to bounce back Friday when they return home to host the Post 56 Knights AA.