Hit-By-Pitch Gives Owlz Wacky Walk-Off Win
Published on July 20, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Northern Colorado Owlz News Release
In one of the most bizarre games you will ever see, Kyle Johnson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the 11th inning to give Orem a 9-8 win on Thursday evening.
Orem had chance after chance in the first game of the homestand to pick up an easy victory, but it came down to a hit by pitch in the 11th inning to help the Owlz pick up a very wild win.
Sherman Johnson singled with one out in the 11th inning to put the winning run on base. Erik Miller attempted to pick off Johnson and the ball went off of Carlos Sanchez's glove, rolling all the way to the bullpen. Johnson got all the way to 3rd base on the play. Jarrod Parks, who had come in as a pinch runner for Michael Snyder in the 9th inning, was hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners. Parks got to second on a wild pitch, which forced the Mustangs to walk Wade Hinkle to load the bases. Kyle Johnson stepped to the plate and on a 2-0 count, he was hit by the pitch to give Orem a walk-off win.
The Owlz had a chance to win without extra innings, taking an 8-6 lead to the 9th. However, Michael Morin surrendered two runs to allow Billings tie the game at 8-8.
Orem had a golden opportunity to win the game in the 10th inning, loading the bases with nobody out. However, Michael Bolaski grounded to Brandon Dailey at shortstop who threw home for the first out. Wagner Gomez's throw to first base for a double play went off the glove off Sanchez, trickling a couple feet from him. Wendell Soto tried to score all the way for second base, but was thrown out at the plate. Sam Mulroy then struck out to end the threat.
All of the craziness put the fantastic night of Michael Snyder on the back burner. Snyder homered in his first two at-bats, tying him for the league lead with seven home runs.
Robbie Powell pitched a brilliant 10th and 11th inning, to pick up his first professional victory. Powell needed only 15 pitches to pick up six straight outs.
The Owlz and Mustangs will play game two of the series on Friday night. A gumball machine will be given away to fans in attendance.
Pioneer League Stories from July 20, 2012
- Offense Goes Silent in 2-1 Loss - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Voyagers Can't Solve Raptors Puzzle - Great Falls Voyagers
- Helena Hampers Chukars' Bats in 5-2 Loss - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Osprey Outgnned by Helton-Led Rockies, 10-5 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- "No Soup for You" and More - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Shuttles, Parking available for Steve Martin & Steel Canyon Rangers concert tonight - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Hit-By-Pitch Gives Owlz Wacky Walk-Off Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Seven Is Heaven as Voyagers Win Again - Great Falls Voyagers
- Homers Back Selman in 4-3 Chukars Win - Idaho Falls Chukars
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