PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Garcia's Go-Ahead HR Launches O's over Voyagers

August 25, 2019 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


GREAT FALLS, MT - Cesar Garcia knocked his seventh-inning homer off the Great Falls scoreboard, as Missoula (35-28, 15-10) overcame the Great Falls (25-36, 10-14) on Saturday night, 7-5. The Osprey win makes it their third-straight, winners of seven of their last nine.

Osprey centerfielder Cesar Garcia finished 3-5, scoring three runs on his third homer of the season. Missoula's right-handed starter Dustin Lacaze gave up five runs on eight hits in four innings, a start which gave the Voyagers a 5-1 lead after two innings. Lacaze recovered strong, limiting the Voyagers to no runs on two hits, striking out two.

After a quick 1-0 Great Falls first inning, Osprey first baseman Francis Martinez ripped his tenth long- ball of the season on a liner over the right field wall, tying the game 1-1. However, the Voyagers tallied four additional runs in the home half of the second, retaking the lead into the 3rd .

Missoula scored three runs in the 5th , highlighted by a sacrifice bunt from Cam Coursey to score catcher Luvin Valbuena from third base. Axel Andueza would single, allowing David Sanchez to score.

To end the inning, Andueza would get caught stealing in between first and second. However, with Coursey at 3rd base, savvy base-running by Andueza allowed Coursey enough time to score from third, cutting the Voyagers lead to a run.

A 5-4 Great Falls lead carried into the 7th , when the Osprey would take their first lead. After a leadoff walk to Valbuena, Coursey reached on an error for the second time of the night. With two on and one out, Garcia notified the Voyagers of his three-run shot by hitting the logo on the scoreboard in left field, putting the Osprey in front, for good.

Osprey reliever Jared Liebelt earned his first save of the season, striking out two batters in his lone frame.

The O's and Voyagers face for the final time in 2019 with a Sunday double-header, first pitch at 2 pm MDT from Centene Stadium.

The Osprey return to Ogren Park at Allegiance Field for the final time of the 2019 regular season on Tuesday, August 27th , to begin a pivotal, three-game series vs Billings. Bike to the Ballpark Night will also be Back 2 School Night on Tuesday, with the first 500 kids receiving an Osprey backpack, lunch box, or note book to head back to school in style.

Missoula headlines their "We're Back Five Pack" ticket special, giving fans five general admission tickets for $30, with an option to upgrade to reserved seating for $50.

All Osprey game tickets can be purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.

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