Game 13 Recap: Big Sky Struggles
Tornero Exits in 1st as B’s Drop Montana Opener
by Nick Clementi
The Oakland Ballers hit the road on Monday for the first time in 2026, starting a three game set with the Glacier Range Riders. After opening the season 6-6 at home, they headed to Kalispell, MT to begin a two-week road trip. In their lone road trip to Big Sky Country the Ballers looked to find their away groove in the new year.
Unfortunately for Oakland, the Yogi Berra quote rang true; “It’s like deja vu all over again.”
Early inning struggles plagued the B’s again. Left-hander Joel Tornero took the hill at Glacier Bank Park, making his second appearance as a Baller. Six walks and four runs later in the first inning, Tornero exited the ballgame for the newly acquired Michael Riley. Riley entered the game with the bases loaded and allowed a two-run double to Glacier’s Kyle Ashworth, breaking the game open 6-1. Despite walking five batters throughout the night, Riley navigated well through traffic, not allowing a single run of his own in four gutsy innings of relief.
Before the walkathon began, Oakland did take the first lead of the game, as Tremayne Cobb singled, stole second and third, and scored on a Jeter Ybarra groundout. The Ballers finished with eight hits, two of which came from catcher Jaden Collura along with a double from Jeter Ybarra. It was a struggle to string baserunners together, resulting in just two total runs. Some credit must go to Glacier starting pitcher Evan Langston and relievers Davis Pratt and Will Maynard, who combined for only one walk and eight strikeouts at an elevation of more than 2,900 feet.
Another bright spot for the Ballers was the performance by righthander Matt Lozovoy, coming on in relief for just the second time since signing with Oakland. Lozovoy entered in the 7th, and would proceed to strike out three batters in a row after allowing a walk to start the inning. He allowed one more walk in the 8th before retiring the next three batters. The Novato native now has three innings under his belt with the B’s and is yet to allow a run.
Dispatches caught up with Lozovoy after the game and asked how his first two games have been with the team.
“So far it’s been great! Nice to interact with the fans after the game [at Raimondi] on Sunday. Being from the Bay, I know how invested the fans are in their sports so it’s fun to have them behind us!”
As to being immediately thrust into action in his first two games, Lozovoy said he was ready. “I was happy to get signed and to join the team. Then immediately focused on my preparation and being ready to perform at my best.”
Another recent addition well-known to the team made his first start. Though OF Davis Drewek went 0-4, his productivity on both sides of the ball last season should provide plenty of optimism in his second stint in Oakland. Drewek had the third best OBP and fourth most home runs on the championship roster.
The Ballers will look to even the series tonight in Kalispell, with first pitch scheduled for 5:35 PST. Dispatches will be on location with live coverage at Glacier Bank Park.
Photos from Mike Chouinard
Nick Clementi is an Oakland native and lifelong Oakland baseball fan. He enjoys long walks on the beach and summer nights at Raimondi Park. He’s a Scrappy enthusiast who doesn't believe in sacrifice bunts. Sports content moderator by day, Ballers beat writer by night. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.
