Easterling Shines As Voyagers Even Set With Owlz
August 7, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
OREM, Utah - Brannon Easterling allowed just one run and tied his career-high with seven innings pitched, as the Great Falls Voyagers evened their series with the Orem Owlz by virtue of a 5-3 victory Friday night at Brent Brown Ballpark.
Easterling (4-1) allowed four hits in his seven innings, turning in his fifth quality start of the season, which leads the Voyagers (5-3, 22-22). The lone run surrendered by the righty came in the second, as Brendon Sanger hit his first pro homer to give the Owlz (5-3, 29-17) the early edge.
The other three hits allowed by Easterling were all singles, and all three were caught stealing by Zach Fish, who threw out three for the first time in his minor league career. In his seven innings, Easterling faced just one more than the minimum, and retired 10 Owlz in a run at one point.
The Voyagers evened the score in the fourth. Landon Lassiter started the frame with a double, moved to second on a ground out, then came around to score on an Antonio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Great Falls then grabbed their first lead of the series in the sixth. Johan Cruz broke the deadlock with a single off Jose Rodriguez (2-1), then Fish followed with his team-leading 10th homer of the season to push the lead to three.
The score stayed the same until the ninth when Orem made an error on the third double of the night by Dante Flores, which allowed Rodriguez to trot home and make it 5-1.
The Owlz scored two in the bottom of the ninth against Danny Dopico, but the righty slammed the door with his fourth strikeout of the night to earn his team-high fourth save of the year.
The Voyagers and Owlz continue their four-game set Saturday night at Brent Brown Ballpark. Great Falls will turn to right-hander Brandon Magallones (2-2, 5.19), while Orem will counter with fellow righty Jared Ruxer (0-1, 5.14). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., and coverage will begin at 7:00 on 1400 AM KXGF and gfvoyagers.com.
Pioneer League Stories from August 7, 2015
- Idaho Falls wins over Helena - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Idaho Falls Wins in 10 - Helena Brewers
- Osprey Score Early in 10-4 Victory at Grand Junction - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Even the Series with 5-3 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Easterling Shines As Voyagers Even Set With Owlz - Great Falls Voyagers
- Bad Start Leads to Fifth Straight Loss - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Voyagers Game Notes: August 7 at Orem - Great Falls Voyagers
- Sell Powers Raptors Past Mustangs - Ogden Raptors
- Six Run Ninth Sends Rockies to Fourth Straight Loss - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Owlz Thump Voyagers 12-4 - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Chukars Win Their 6th Straight - Helena Brewers
- Six-Run Ninth Hands Missoula Victory - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Chukars Grab First-Inning Lead, Cruise to Win - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Voyagers Routed by Owlz in Trip Opener - Great Falls Voyagers
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