Byler Helps Power Osprey Past Grand Junction
August 9, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - First baseman Austin Byler belted three home runs as part of a 4-for-5 day that included four runs scored and a four RBI, helping guide the Missoula Osprey (29-18) to a four-game sweep over Grand Junction (22-26) on Sunday afternoon from Suplizio Field.
Byler's three-homer effort is just the second in franchise history, and the first since Eric Groff collected three against Orem on July 16, 2010. It is also the second in the Pioneer League this year, as Reydel Medina hit three against Helena on July 3. It is the second time that the native of Peoria, Ariz. has managed a multi-homer game after homering twice against Billings on June 29.
Byler's three home runs were all solo-shots, as he hit in the cleanup spot behind Luke Lowery. Lowery finished the game 2-for-5 with a two-RBI double in the first and a three-run homer in the second to set a new career-best of five RBI. Byler homered in the second, fourth and sixth, as the homer in the second was the back end of back-to-back shots with Lowery. The consecutive homers were the second set for Missoula this year (Zach Hoffpauir/Joey Armstrong on June 24 vs. Helena).
Missoula scored at least one run in each of the first four innings, claiming an 11-2 lead after four innings.
Every Osprey starter registered a hit in the victory, as Missoula finished with a season-high 16 hits to record the season-high 12 runs. Eight of the 16 hits went for extra bases, as in addition to Byler and Lowery's days, Isan Diaz, Jason Morozowski and Kal Simmons each posted a double.
The Osprey run support proved plenty enough for starter Yefrey Ramirez who tossed the first 5.0 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three to improve to 4-2 on the year. Missoula used five relievers the rest of the way, holding the Rockies scoreless into the ninth inning.
Carrying a 10-run lead at 12-2 headed into the final frame, Grand Junction scored four runs (three earned) off of right-hander Andrew Potter before Austin Mason entered and recorded the final two outs to close the game.
The Osprey will carry a six-game road win streak into a three-game series at Orem tomorrow. First pitch between LHP Anfernee Benitez (2-2, 4.42 ERA) and RHP Grayson Long (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is scheduled for 7:15 pm MT.
Pioneer League Stories from August 9, 2015
- Byler Helps Power Osprey Past Grand Junction - Missoula PaddleHeads
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- Voyagers Game Notes: August 9 at Orem - Great Falls Voyagers
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- Idaho Falls defeats Brewers - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Great Falls Takes Down Orem 9-3 - Northern Colorado Owlz
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