The Helena Reps got an opening-round win Friday, beating the Butte Muckers 8-6 at the District Tournament in Dillon.

Helena, which never trailed in the game, laced 16 hits together in the game, led by Robert Doughty and Cole Andriolo who both got three hits. Doughty notched a hit-and-run double and also came on to pitch in the ninth to get the much-needed save.

"Doughty did a nice job hitting in the five hole," said Helena coach Brian Wieck. "Andriolo did a really good job in center with three hits and plugging that hole in center."

Hunter Day pitched effectively for Helena, scattering ten hits and five runs across eight innings. He also gave up two homers for three runs.

"Day pitched a pretty good game," said Wieck.

Doughty's double was the only extra-base hit for the Reps, who gave up three.

"We didn't have a lot of extra-base hits, but we were able to string along a lot of singles," said Wieck. "We were able to hang with it."

Helena is one of four teams left in the winner's bracket. Today, Gallatin Valley will face Bozeman in the first unbeaten game, then the Reps take on Dillon at 5 p.m. Helena is 4-1 against the Cubs this season.

"I think they might throw (Dillon pitcher Conor) Hartz at us," said Wieck. "He throws harder than the guy from (today).

If the Reps win today's game, they will need to win just one more before getting a guaranteed trip to the state tournament in Vauxhall, Alberta.

Helena 202 001 030 n 8 16 2

Butte 000 202 011 n 6 10 0

Pitching

Helena -- Hunter Day, Robert Doughty (9) and Matt Kline

Butte -- Zack Curnow, Justin Dunbar (8) and D.J. Lewis

Hitting

Helena n Brad Rook 0-5, Zach Hanson 1-4, Colter Sternhagen 3-5, Jake Harris 2-4, Bob Doughty 3-4 2B, Morgan 1-3, Jared Clairmont 0-1, McLean 2-5, Matt Kline 1-5, Cole Andriolo 3-5;

Butte -- Todd Cabrera 1-5 2B, Blake Cohlheppe 0-3, Justin Dunbar 1-5 HR solo, Matt Berg 1-5, Cody McDougal 0-4, D.J. Lewis 1-4, Zach Bolton 3-5, Marcus Andreas 2-3 2-run HR , Jake Novak 0-2, Alex Briggs 2-4.