Dillon Cubs Sweep Helena Reps in Fourth of July Weekend Doubleheader

HELENA, Mont. — The Dillon Cubs opened their Fourth of July weekend with an impressive doubleheader sweep over the Helena Reps on Thursday, July 2, earning a pair of exciting victories, 5-4 and 11-10, in Helena.

The Cubs showed resilience in both contests, rallying late in the opener before holding off a furious comeback in a high-scoring nightcap.

Tackett Delivers Late Heroics in Opener

Game one was a back-and-forth battle that wasn't decided until the final inning.

Dillon struck first in the top of the third when Ben Peacock laid down a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt to score the game's first run. Helena answered in the bottom half of the inning, taking a 2-1 lead on an RBI triple by Rex Snezek.

The Cubs reclaimed the advantage in the sixth inning. RBI singles from Andrew Bartlome and Parker Mills helped Dillon score three runs and move in front 4-2.

Helena refused to go away, tying the game 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth after Sam Spurzem delivered an RBI single.

With the game on the line in the top of the seventh, Sawyer Tackett came through in the clutch, lining a single that drove home the go-ahead run to give Dillon a 5-4 lead.

Tackett then closed the door on the mound, earning the victory after pitching 1⅓ scoreless innings in relief. Starter Trenton Moreni kept the Cubs in the game, striking out six while allowing four runs (three earned) over 5⅔ innings.

Bartlome led the offense by going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and three walks. Tackett and Sawyer Crowe also collected two hits apiece as Dillon finished with six walks and turned a double play defensively.

Cubs Outslug Helena in 11-10 Thriller

If the opener wasn't exciting enough, game two featured an offensive explosion from both teams.

The Cubs wasted little time taking control, erupting for eight runs in the first inning. A wild pitch scored the opening run before Peacock singled home two more. Gordon Broeder followed with an RBI single, another run scored on an error, and Bartlome capped the inning with a three-run double to put Dillon firmly in front.

Helena battled back throughout the game, eventually tying the contest in the third inning.

Dillon answered in the fourth when Trenton Moreni drove in the eventual game-winning run with a groundout, putting the Cubs back on top 9-8.

The Reps continued to pressure the Cubs, collecting 14 hits, but Dillon's bullpen held strong.

Kanin Engelhardt earned the win with four innings of relief, allowing just two unearned runs while scattering six hits. Sawyer Tackett recorded the save to secure the sweep.

Bartlome once again led the Cubs offensively, finishing 2-for-4 with four RBIs, including the bases-clearing double in the first inning. Peacock added two hits and two RBIs, while Tackett drew two walks as Dillon again showed patience at the plate with six free passes.

Despite Helena outhitting Dillon 14-8, timely hitting and strong relief pitching proved to be the difference. Sam Spurzem led the Reps with four hits, while Judah Evans, Grady Hatten, and Joey Cetraro each added multiple-hit performances.

The doubleheader sweep gives the Cubs momentum heading into their next contest as Dillon travels to face the Gallatin Valley Outlaws on Tuesday.