Coast right fielder Robert Pitts reaches on an infield single in the second inning against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in game one of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Coast starter Matthew O’Brien delivers a pitch against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in game one of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Cooper Vest, left, and Emilio Corona get ready to bat against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Billings starter Cole Calnon delivers a pitch against the Coast on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast manager Troy Percival, left, and his players line up for the national anthem before taking on Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Billings’ John McHenry V, right, is congratulated by teammate Bodee Wright after hitting a third inning home run against Long Beach Coast on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast’s Emilio Corona is called out at third base trying to advance on a double in the fourth inning against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast relief pitcher Marco DiGirolamo induces a groundout to escape a bases loaded jam in the fifth inning against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast DH Cuba Bess strokes a fourth inning single against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast lefty starter Matthew O’Brien delivers a pitch against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast’s Emilio Corona rounds the baes after belting a second inning home run against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast’s Emilio Corona crosses home plate after belting a second inning home run against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Coast’s Emilio Corona is congratulated by teammate Cooper Vest (28) after the center fielder belted a second inning home run against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in the first game of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Show Caption
1 of 13
Coast right fielder Robert Pitts reaches on an infield single in the second inning against Billings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in game one of the Pioneer League’s best-of-three championship series at Blair Field in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
In its final home game of its first season, the Long Beach Coast suffered a 12-2 loss to the Billings Mustangs on Tuesday night in the first game of the Pioneer League championship series.
The Coast will need to win two games in Billings Friday and Saturday to win the best-of-three series.
Billings’ right fielder Adam Cootway hit a home run in the seventh inning to break at 1-1 tie and open the floodgates. Before the seventh inning was over Cootway had added a grand slam and Billings led 9-1.
Billings’ Cole Calnon threw a 134-pitch complete game to earn the victory.
For Long Beach, Emilio Corona hit a solo home run for an early 1-0 lead.
Long Beach starter Matthew O’Brien threw three innings, faced 10 batters and left with a 1-1 tie.
Billings has won 15 Pioneer League titles in team history.