Meyer deals to lead Scarlets past AA Lakers

BILLINGS — Jaxon Meyer pitched a complete game, allowing six hits, two earned runs and striking out six as the Billings Scarlets took game one of the doubleheader 9-2 over the Kalispell AA Lakers in American Legion baseball Monday.

Meyer held the Lakers offense scoreless over the first five innings, giving up a run each in the sixth and seventh inning. Luke Nikunen took the bump for the Lakers (17-6), allowing nine hits, seven runs; five earned, and striking out six over 4 1-3 innings.  

Zach McDonald hit a 2-run home run over the left field wall in the fifth inning for the Scarlets (3-4). Kade Vatnsdal added a double and two RBIs. 

Hunter Fann led the Lakers offense with two hits. Oscar Kallis recorded a double and Nikunen walked twice, scoring a run. Ostyn Brennan and Kaeden Kahler drove in the lone runs.  

The Lakers tried to stage a rally in the seventh as the pinch-hitter Andre Cephers laced a single and Kyler Croft walked but a double play killed the rally. Brennan hit a two-out single before Nikunen grounded out to end game one. 

Game two of this game started late. 

Kalispell    000    001    1    -    2    6    3 

Billings      202    032    x    -    9    11    0 

Luke Nikunen (5), Carter Schlegel (7), and Brady Buckmaster. Jaxon Meyer (7) and Michael Brew. 

KALISPELL AA LAKERS — Carter Schlegel 0-3, Ostyn Brennan 1-4, Nikunen 0-2, Kallis 1-3, Kahler 0-2, Reggie Sapa 1-3, Fann 2-3, Brady Buckmaster 0-2, Cephers 1-1, Teegan Dixon 0-2. 

BILLINGS SCARLETS — Cody Collins 1-4, Brady Randall 2-4, Mason Brosseau 1-3, Bridger Leland 2-3, Kyren Ballard 1-4, Kade Vatnsdal 2-4, Zach McDonald 2-3, Howie Martin 0-3, Michael Brew 0-3. 

2B — Kallis. Brosseau, Vatnsdal. HR — McDonald. RBIs — Brennan, Kahler. Ballard 2, McDonald 2, Leland, Vatnsdal.