Heisler the Hero: Game 3 Sunday Night
Published on September 9, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
GREAT FALLS - The Great Falls Voyagers (40-36, 1-1) were two outs from elimination when Adam Heisler stepped to the plate trying to tie the game. With the Missoula Osprey (41-35, 1-1) leading 4-3 and a runner on third, Heisler drove a 1-2 slider to right field for a walkoff home run and a decisive game 3 date with the Osprey Sunday night. The decisive third game will start at 5 PM, and tickets are available for immediate purchase online or starting at 9 AM at Centene Stadium.
Brandon Brennan got the big start for the Voyagers and stepped up in the crucial, elimination game. Allowing only one hit, the righty dealt five shutout innings while racking up six strikeouts. The offense chipped away for enough support as Heisler hit a leadoff triple in the first inning and was plated by Micah Johnson's single for a 1-0 lead. Another triple, this time by Micahel Johnson, the middle of his three hits, set up a run on a passed ball in the fifth for a 2-0 Voyager lead.
The Voyagers were able to hand the lead to their league-best bullpen in the sixth, but the formula didn't work as the Voyagers expected. A bizarre collision at the plate with the bases loaded caused Angel Rosario's throw to first base to sail into right field to give Missoula a run and set up a game-tying sacrifice fly. Missoula wasn't done in the seventh as they plated two more to take the lead 4-2 going to the seventh inning stretch. After Chase Stevens got two quick outs in the inning, Michael Johnson lined a single to center to set up a rally. Stevens then walked Heisler and Voight to bring Micah Johnson to the plate. John saw the infield playing back and put an ingenious bunt down the third base line to score one run and keep the bases loaded for Kyle Robinson. After a good battle, Chris Capper (0-1) struck out Robinson and the game remained in Missoula's favor 4-3.
Both teams went down quickly in the eighth and Joseph Dvorsky (1-0) got a quick ninth to send the Voyagers to the plate with one last chance. An error allowed Rosario to reach and another error allowed his pinch runner Daurys Mercedes to move to second before Michael Johnson's sacrifice bunt set up Heisler's heroics. Both Heisler and Michael Johnson finished with 3 hits and two runs scored, and both played key roles in the winning 9th inning rally.
The decisive game 3 of the series matches up Osprey Karl Triana and Voyager JC Casey Sunday night at Centene Stadium. The game starts at 5 PM with tickets available immediately at gfvoyagers.com or starting at 9 PM at the Centene Stadium box office. The winner of the game will host game 1 of the Pioneer League Championship Series on Tuesday, September 11.
Pioneer League Stories from September 9, 2012
- Voyagers Eliminated in Game 3 - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Win Series, Beat Voyagers, 4-2 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Heisler the Hero: Game 3 Sunday Night - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Fall to Voyagers on Walk-Off HR, 5-4 - Missoula PaddleHeads
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