Dillon Cubs Drop Doubleheader to Butte Miners at Ray Lynch Park in Dillon

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Cubs came up short in both games of an American Legion Baseball doubleheader against the Butte Miners on Friday at Ray Lynch Park in Dillon, falling 8-4 in the opener before dropping the nightcap 4-0.

Despite the sweep, Dillon produced several bright spots throughout the day, including a standout performance from Kanin Engelhardt, who collected five hits, including a home run, over the two games.

Engelhardt Homers in Game One

The Cubs outhit Butte 7-6 in the opening game but couldn't overcome an early deficit.

Butte broke the scoreless tie in the top of the second inning, scoring three runs after Gunnar O'Brien grounded out to bring home one run before a Dillon error allowed two more to score.

The Miners extended their lead in the third inning when Karsen McEwen singled down the right-field line, Colt Hassler was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Gunnar O'Brien added another RBI on a fielder's choice.

Dillon battled back in the fifth inning.

Engelhardt continued his hot day at the plate by launching a solo home run to left field, while Andrew Bartlome followed with an RBI double to cut into the deficit.

Engelhardt finished a perfect 3-for-3, doubling in both the first and third innings before hitting his solo homer in the fifth.

Bartlome drove in two runs for the Cubs, while Breyden Vrooman added two stolen bases.

Engelhardt also started on the mound for Dillon, pitching five and two-thirds innings while allowing eight runs, five of them earned.

For Butte, Tegan Duffy collected two hits, while Gunnar O'Brien drove in two runs. Kodye Kjersten added three stolen bases as the Miners secured the 8-4 victory.

Cubs Shut Out in Nightcap

Game two featured a pitchers' duel early before Butte gradually pulled away for a 4-0 win.

The Miners scored the game's first run in the opening inning on a sacrifice fly by Calvin Cunningham and added insurance runs later to complete the doubleheader sweep.

Parker Mills turned in a solid outing for Dillon, pitching five and two-thirds innings while allowing four runs, only two of which were earned, and striking out three.

Noah Powers earned the victory for Butte after throwing five scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out five.

Engelhardt again led the Dillon offense, finishing 2-for-2 and stealing two bases.

Karsen McEwen paced the Butte lineup with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, while Cunningham drove in two runs and Gunnar O'Brien stole two bases.

Both teams turned a double play defensively in the contest.

Looking Ahead

The Dillon Cubs will look to bounce back on Sunday when they return to Ray Lynch Park to host the Helena Reps 2026 in another American Legion Baseball matchup.

Despite Friday's losses, Engelhardt's five-hit day highlighted a Cubs offense that continued to battle throughout the doubleheader against one of the stronger clubs on its schedule.