Helena Senators 8, Butte Miners 0 (Final/5)
Cohen Sassano fired the 13th no-hitter in Senators program history, tossing 36 of his 57 pitches for strikes Thursday afternoon. The right-hander walked two – one in the second, another in the third – and punched out four utilizing a fastball, changeup and curveball trio.
“It was pretty cool,” Sassano said. “A fun game. Tizer [Lindgren] did a really good job behind the plate. [Coach Al] Goebel did a good job calling the pitches. It was just a good experience.”
Sassano retired the final eight Miners he faced and Helena achieved the eight runs after five innings run-rule courtesy of James DeMers’ two-out, two-RBI single.
Helena Senators 11, Calgary Cardinals 3 (Final/5)
Carter Perlinski, like many in attendance, was likely up past his bedtime as the clock approached 10:30 p.m. in the Day 1 nightcap of Keith Sell Tournament pool play.
His bases-loaded three-run missile into the right-center gap achieved Helena’s second-straight tournament run-rule (8 runs after 5 innings), seventh consecutive victory overall, and some much-needed shuteye for hardball players staring down a quick turnaround.
“I was really just looking for a good barrel, you know?” Perlinski said. “I’ve been hitting the ball hard lately, just right at people…
“I just wanted to stick to my approach and put a good swing on the ball and hope it lands somewhere.”
Helena Senators catcher/pitcher Tizer Lindgren. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
#15 Carter Perlinski. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
#9 Aaron Fuzesy. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
Helena Senators catcher Tizer Lindgren and pitcher Cohen Sassano share a laugh in the dugout during Thursday's 8-0 five-inning run-ruling of Butte. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
Helena Senators right fielder James DeMers finished 3-for-3 with three RBI and walk Thursday during Helena's 8-0 run-ruling of Butte. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
Helena Senators shortstop Walker DesRosier stole three bases Thursday, collecting his 35th bag of the season and moving into sole possession of fifth place on Helena's all-time single-season swipes leaderboard. Gary Marshall, bmgphotos.com
