HELENA — The Butte Miners saw their 20-game winning streak come to an end Monday night in the championship game of the 27^th Keith Sell Tournament.

The host Helena Senators topped the Miners 9-1 in the championship game at Kindrick Legion Field.

A little more Miner magic, though, extended the streak and sent the Butte boys to the championship game. Zach Tierney belted a three-run home run to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 6-4 win over Bozeman.

Then the defending Class AA state champion Senators ended the streak.

Butte coach Jim LeProwse said that he has mixed emotions about the Miners taking their first loss since May 20.

“I’m glad that we’re winning,” LeProwse said. “It’s kind of nice to have it over with because it’s not a topic of conversation anymore. I don’t want that pressure on the kids.”

The Miners (24-6) look to continue their winning ways next weekend at the Johnsrud Tournament in Whitefish.

Butte’s next South A Conference action is July 12 at Gallatin Valley.

Championship game
Helena Senators 9, Butte Miners 1 (Boxscore)
H Wallis homered, and L Dowdy held the Miners to just two hits in the game that was called by the tournament eight-run rule after five innings.

Hunter Bratcher, Carter Perlinski and Trysten Mooney doubled for Helena, and Eric Cockhill drove in two runs. Luke Dowdy pitched the distance, striking out five, for the win.

Tierney and Anthony Knott singled for the Miners. Quinn Cox drove in Butte’s lone run. Trey Hansen pitched the distance in the loss.

LeProwse, who calls the pitches during the game, said Hansen pitched well. The Senator lineup was just too good.

“They hit the crap out of the ball,” LeProwse said.

Butte Miners 6, Bozeman Bucks 4 (Boxscore)
Tierney, who lost last season to a shoulder injury, picked a great time for his first home run of 2022.

The monstrous shot capped a five-run sixth inning for the Miners, who trailed 4-1 after five innings.

Kenley Leary doubled in the win, while Egan Lester hit two singles and drove in two runs. Sean Ossello and Aidan Lee singled for Butte.

Rye Doherty pitched the distance for the victory. He struck out five, walked three and scattered eight hits.