First Inning Too Much for Owlz
Published on June 16, 2018 under Pioneer League (PL)
Northern Colorado Owlz News Release
(Grand Junction, CO) - Grand Junction scored nine runs in just two innings, on Friday night, to beat the Orem Owlz, 9-4, in the 2018 Pioneer League opener at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, Colorado.
The Owlz got off to a good start, grabbing the lead in the top of the first inning. Livan Soto started the game by reaching on an error and moved to second on a wild pitch. After Soto moved to third on a groundout, Nonie Williams put the Owlz on top with a groundout scoring Soto, giving the Owlz a 1-0 lead.
It didn't take long for the Rockies to respond, batting 10 times in the bottom of the first inning. After an error allowed the leadoff runner to reach, Grand Junction tied the game thanks to a Cristopher Navarro double. After an RBI single by Drew Weeks gave the Rockies a 2-1 lead, Reese Berberet smashed a two-run homer to center, extending the Rockies lead to 4-1. Grand Junction wasn't done, scoring two more times in the first, opening up a 6-1 advantage.
The Owlz would try to chip away, starting the fourth inning with three straight singles, including an RBI single from Mitch Spires, his first professional hit. Grand Junction got that run back and more, adding three to their total in the fourth inning on a three-run home run from Javier Guevera, upping the Grand Junction lead to 9-2.
Zack Kelly came on from the bullpen and gave the Owlz four strong innings, striking out six batters in the process, keeping the Rockies off the board for the remainder of the game. Orem scored a run in the fifth on an Orlando Martinez sacrifice fly and added another in the ninth when Livan Soto scored on a wild pitch, but that was it as the Owlz dropped the opener, 9-4.
Rockies' reliever Moises Ceja (1-0) earned the win, throwing 2.2 innings while Owlz' starter John Swanda (0-1) was charged with the loss. The Owlz and Rockies go at it again on Saturday night, at 6:40 PM, at Suplizio Field in game two of the series.
NOTES: Livan Soto scored three of the Owlz four runs. Orlando Martinez and Mitch Spires picked up their first professional hits in the loss. Orlando Martinez, Kevin Maitan, and Mitch Spires all had two-hit games. Zack Kelly tossed four scoreless innings. The Owlz committed five errors, all coming before the fifth inning.
Pioneer League Stories from June 16, 2018
- Rockies Soar to 11-1 Win over Owlz - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Owlz Drop Second Straight - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Osprey Smack 13 Hits to Pick up Their First Win of the Season - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey Offense Too Much for Mustangs, Falling 12-4 - Billings Mustangs
- Home Opener Rained Out - Helena Brewers
- Helena Brewers Postpone Saturday's Opening Night - Helena Brewers
- Promotions Highlight Opening Home Stand - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey Seek First Win of the Season Saturday in Billings - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Walk-off Completes Comeback - Great Falls Voyagers
- Opening Night Starts Season off with a Bang - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- First Inning Too Much for Owlz - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Brewers Can't Hold Lead in Loss to Great Falls - Helena Brewers
- Osprey Fall on Opening Day to the Mustangs - Missoula PaddleHeads
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