Dillon Cubs Storm Back From Six Runs Down to Defeat Bozeman Bucks in Walk-Off Thriller at State District Tournament

BUTTE, Mont. — The Dillon Cubs opened the Montana American Legion Baseball State DistrictTournament in unforgettable fashion Thursday, erasing a six-run deficit before scoring seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to stun the Bozeman Bucks A, 9-8, on a walk-off hit in Butte, Montana.

Trailing 8-2 entering their final at-bat, the Cubs delivered one of their most dramatic comebacks of the season to remain unbeaten in tournament play.

Bozeman Builds Early Lead

The Bucks controlled the game early, breaking it open with a six-run fourth inning.

Isaac Ashcraft highlighted the rally with a home run to right field, while Jack Rainey added a sacrifice bunt, Treak Tasker delivered an RBI single, and Wyatt Biggerstaff, Jonah Santos, and Quinn Haarer each drove in runs as Bozeman built a commanding 6-0 lead.

Despite the early deficit, Dillon chipped away and entered the bottom of the seventh trailing 8-2.

Cubs Complete Incredible Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dillon offense erupted when it mattered most.

The Cubs exploded for seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the seventh to complete the comeback.

Sawyer Tackett ignited the rally with a clutch two-run home run to left field, bringing the Cubs back within striking distance.

After Dillon continued to put runners on base, Kanin Engelhardt stepped to the plate with the game on the line and delivered the biggest hit of the afternoon, lining a walk-off single that scored two runs and sent the Cubs pouring out of the dugout to celebrate the 9-8 victory.

Engelhardt Leads the Offense

Engelhardt paced the Dillon offense by going 3-for-4, continuing his strong postseason at the plate.

Tackett's two-run homer proved to be one of the game's biggest momentum swings, helping fuel the remarkable comeback.

Bartlome Shuts the Door in Relief

Andrew Bartlome earned the victory after providing four innings of relief.

Despite navigating heavy traffic on the bases, Bartlome struck out seven batters, allowing two hits and four runs, only two of which were earned.

Starter Ben Peacock pitched the first three innings, surrendering four runs on three hits while striking out two.

Bozeman starter Isaac Ashcraft kept the Cubs in check for much of the afternoon, allowing five runs over six and one-third innings while striking out six.

Kyle Dierolf was charged with the loss after Dillon's game-winning rally in the seventh.

Bozeman Offense Produces Early

Treak Tasker led the Bucks with two hits, while Ashcraft, Tasker, Biggerstaff, Haarer, Santos, and Rainey each drove in a run.

Bozeman also showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks during the contest.

Dillon Opens State Tournament With Momentum

The dramatic comeback gives the Dillon Cubs a 1-0 start in the Montana American Legion Baseball State Divisional Tournament and provides valuable momentum as they continue their quest for a divisional championship.

After trailing by six runs midway through the game, the Cubs showed the resilience that has defined their season, delivering one of the most memorable walk-off victories of the year in Butte.