Miller makes memorable debut
June 22, 2013 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT. -- There aren't many better ways to start a professional baseball career than Jake Miller did Friday night.
The Missoula Osprey third baseman crushed a booming three-run home run in his first pro at-bat. His next time up, the 22-year old from Houston, TX launched a two-run triple.
But Miller's five RBIs weren't enough, as the O's dropped an 8-6 decision to the Helena Brewers at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. The two teams split their brief season-opening series.
The Osprey trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the 2nd. Daniel Palka led off with his first professional hit - a single to right - and Joe Munoz followed him with a single to left. That set the table for Miller, who deposited an offering from Brewers' starter Anthony Banda over the fence in left field.
Helena responded with a six-run rally in the top of the 3rd to take a 7-3 lead. But Miller energized the big fireworks night crowd of 3,108 in the bottom of the inning. The former Baylor University standout tripled off the wall in right center to score Jake Mayers and Munoz and bring the Birds within 7-5.
The Brewers tacked on another run in the 6th. The Osprey closed the scoring with Colin Bray's solo homer in the 8th - the first long ball in his pro tenure.
Another O's player making his professional debut Friday night was Robbie Buller. A star designated hitter in college, the Arizona Diamondbacks are converting him to a pitcher, and Buller threw two effective innings. The right-hander allowed one run on one hit while striking out two.
The Osprey now travel to Great Falls for their first road series of the Pioneer League season. The O's and Voyagers will play a two-game series, starting Saturday night at Centene Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm. Saturday's game -- like every O's contest of 2013 - can be heard on ESPN Montana 97.5 FM, and online at MissoulaOsprey.com. The broadcast begins with pre-game programming 30 minutes before first pitch.
The Osprey return home Monday, June 24, for the start of a two-game series against the Billings Mustangs. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins Avenue, by phone at (406) 543-3300, or online at www.missoulaosprey.com.
Pioneer League Stories from June 22, 2013
- Jose Goes from Osprey to Hawks - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Owlz' Fast Start Propels 14-10 Win Over Chukars - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Owlz Score Early, Often in First Win of Season - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Miller makes memorable debut - Missoula PaddleHeads
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