Great Falls Hangs on to Earn Split
September 4, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
MISSOULA, Mont. - The Great Falls Voyagers hung on for a 3-2 win over the Missoula Osprey at Ogren Park Allegiance Field Friday night, and with the Billings loss to Helena, moved back ahead of the Mustangs by a half game in the race for the Pioneer League North's second playoff spot.
Entering the game having not scored in their last 16 innings, the Voyagers (16-18, 33-37) quickly ended that streak with a first inning run. After the first two were retired by Junior Garcia (2-2), Johan Cruz, Antonio Rodriguez, and Corey Zangari put together three straight singles, with the Zangari single giving him his first RBI with Great Falls.
The lead did not last long however, as Missoula (18-15, 41-29) evened the score with a two-out run of their own in the home half when Jason Morozowski blasted a solo home run.
Great Falls then regained the lead in the third, again doing their damage with two outs. After a single, double, and walk loaded the bases for Jackson Glines, the Voyager center fielder reached on a strikeout wild pitch, that also saw Cruz dart home to score for the second time on the night.
The Voyagers then took advantage of a Missoula error in the sixth to add an insurance marker. With Glines on first with two down, Jake Jarvis hit a fly ball to the warning track that was dropped by Matt Railey, allowing Glines to come all the way home to make it 3-1.
In the home half, the Osprey got the run right back as Luke Lowery grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to score Raymel Flores. Tanner Mendonca then stranded the tying run at third in the sixth, before striking out the side in the seventh, again leaving the tying run in scoring position.
Missoula threatened again in each of the final two innings against Alex Katz, but the lefty struck out three in his two innings to keep the Osprey from leveling the score and earn his third save.
The Morozowski homer was the lone tally yielded by Lucas Shearrow (3-3), who beat the Osprey for the second straight start. The righty lasted five innings on the night, allowing five hits and striking out a pair.
With Great Falls winning and Billings falling to Helena, the Voyagers move back into a second place tie in the second half standings, two and a half games behind Missoula. The Voyagers are also now back in front of the Mustangs by a half game in the wild card race, with Helena two and a half behind.
The Voyagers and Osprey now shift their series to Centene Stadium for their final two meetings of the 2015 regular season. Saturday, Great Falls will send All-Star left-hander Tanner Banks (4-5, 2.73) to the mound, while Missoula will counter with righty Yefrey Ramirez (5-4, 4.83). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and coverage will begin at 6:45 on 1400 AM KXGF and gfvoyagers.com.
Pioneer League Stories from September 4, 2015
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