Dillon Cubs Fall Short In High-Scoring Battle Against Butte Miners

Dillon, MT — The Dillon Cubs showcased strong offensive firepower but ultimately fell to the Butte Miners in a thrilling 14-11 at Ray Lynch Park on Thursday.

Despite out-hitting the Miners 16 to 7, the Cubs couldn’t contain the offensive surge from Butte, which collected seven hits but capitalized on key moments to secure the win. Dillon’s hitters kept pace with seven players recording multiple hits, led by Trenton Moreni, Marcus Lagunas, and Jase Alvarez, each with three.

The game opened with an early spark from Dillon. Tristan Alvarez singled in the second inning to bring home the first run, and Jase Alvarez added another with a sacrifice fly in the third, giving the Cubs a 2-1 lead.

Butte responded swiftly in the bottom of the third, taking the lead with a walk by Colt Hassler and an error that scored three runs, putting the Miners in front 3-2. The tide turned dramatically in the fourth inning when Butte exploded for 10 runs on five hits, including a four-RBI single by Gunnar O’Brien to extend their lead to 13-3.

Cohen Hartman pitched for Dillon, surrendering eight runs over three and two-thirds innings while striking out seven. Matthew Donaldson took the mound for Butte, allowing six runs over five innings and striking out five.

The Cubs rallied in the later innings, with Moreni driving in three RBIs and Alvarez and teammate Andrew Bartlome adding multiple hits to keep the game competitive. Hartman and others kept fighting, but the Miners displayed patience at the plate, drawing 13 walks and turning the game’s momentum their way.

Defensively, Butte turned a key double play, helping to stifle Dillon’s late-inning rally. Overall, it was an exciting clash of offensive firepower, but the Miners' timely hits and disciplined approach edged out the Cubs for the win.