One-run losses send skid to five gamesA June that appeared to be rolling right along for the Powell Pioneers has suddenly hit a rocky patch as the team dropped a pair of one-run decisions on Tuesday night in Billings. The losses drop Powell's record to 21-10-2 for the summer. The team has lost five in a row.

“We're not making the adjustments we need to at the plate,” Pioneers' coach Mike Jameson said of the biggest difference between the team's current rough patch and earlier in the month when the Pioneers reeled off 13 consecutive victories. “We're seeing better pitching these last couple of weeks and we're not adjusting at the plate, so they're attacking our weaknesses more effectively.”

On Tuesday, the Pioneers fell by 9-8 and 3-2 counts to the Billings Big League club. Troubles at the plate were evident in both contests.

“Auston (Carter) threw the first game for us and was in a position to get the win,” said Jameson.

The start on the hill was Carter's first appearance for the Pioneers in two weeks since participating in a wrestling tour of Eastern Europe.

Jacob Beuster was unable to hold the lead, giving up four hits in just over one inning of work to take the loss. Grant Geiser had four hits at the plate while Tyler England added three more base hits as the pair monopolized much of the Pioneers' offense for the evening.

Things went even worse at the plate for Powell in the nightcap. The team struck out 13 times while managing to record just two base hits in a 3-2 loss.

Josh Cragoe had one of the Pioneers' two hits and also threw a strong game on the mound, allowing four hits and four walks while fanning four. On most nights, those numbers would be worthy of a victory, but not Tuesday.

“He deserved to get a win,” said Jameson. “He threw the ball well and we didn't support him at the plate at all. With all the guys we have on this team that can hit, we should be able to put up more than two runs.”

The Pioneers will look to right the ship this weekend as the team hosts the Heavy Metal Classic. Play begins at 10 a.m. on Friday with Powell facing the Billings Selects. The team will also face the Billings Blue Jays on Friday before playing Jackson and Douglas on Saturday.

Consolation and championship games for the tournament will take place on Sunday.