Five-Run Second Sinks O's at Ogden
Published on July 22, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
OGDEN, UTAH - Although the Missoula Osprey (18-13) got on the board first with two runs in the first inning, a five- run second inning led to an 8-4 victory for the Ogden Raptors (16-17) on Tuesday night from Lindquist Field. With the loss and a Great Falls victory over Idaho Falls, Missoula is now one game ahead of the Voyagers for first place in the Pioneer League North standings.
Osprey catcher Luke Lowery reached base safely in his first two plate appearances on Tuesday night, stretching his streak of reaching base safely to 12 straight, but a ground out in his third at bat ended the streak. The 12-gamer was the longest in the Pioneer League since at least 2005, passing the 11 compiled by Julian Leon (Ogden) from September 1-4, 2014. The Pioneer League record is 14, held by Ledowick Johnson of Helena (July 26-29, 1996).
Lowery's double in the first inning was followed one pitch later by a two-bagger from Austin Byler, driving home the first run of the game. The double was Byler's 12th of the year and extended his streak to five straight games with a
double. The native of Peoria, Ariz. came home one play later when Jason Morozowski singled into centerfield to run the tally to 2-0 headed to the bottom of the first.
Delvis Morales highlighted the five-run second inning for Ogden, belting his first homer of the year, a three-run shot, over the wall in left field to hand the Raptors a lead they would not relinquish. Morales finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored out of the second spot in the order.
Matt McPhearson used his speed to set up Missoula's third run of the game, reaching with a walk before stealing second and third and coming in on an RBI-groundout from Marcus Wilson to cut the deficit to 5-3.
After Ogden plated two more runs in the fourth inning to stretch the lead to 7-3, the O's managed their final tally of the night in the fifth. Kal Simmons led off the inning with his second triple of the year before ultimately coming in to score on an RBI-single from Wilson.
After failing to hit a home run in each of the first three games of the series, Ogden laced its second homer of the night in the seventh as Scott DeJong connected on his sixth of the year to run the score to the eventual final of 8-4.
Jairo Pacheco got the start and earned the victory for Ogden, tossing the first 6.0 innings and allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four to improve to 3-2 on the season. Lenix Osuna and Wes Helsabeck were lights out in relief down the stretch, allowing just one runner to reach on an error over the final three frames.
Osprey starter Yefrey Ramirez was tagged with the loss after allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts over the first 5.0 innings. The loss moved Ramirez to 2-1 on the year.
Pioneer League Stories from July 22, 2015
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 22 vs. Billings - Great Falls Voyagers
- LHP Alex Katz Joins Voyagers - Great Falls Voyagers
- First-Half Pennant Race Heats up with Key Homestand Tonight - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Owlz Lose Series in 5-1 Setback at Helena - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Raptors Rebound with 8-4 Win - Ogden Raptors
- Chukars Leave Home with a Loss - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Hilliard, Keck Lift Rockies in Series Finale - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Five-Run Second Sinks O's at Ogden - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Easterling, Voyagers Earn Split with Chukars - Great Falls Voyagers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
