Missoula Walk-Off, Earns Split with Voyagers
Published on July 9, 2018 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
Missoula, MT - The Voyagers failed to hold a three-run lead late and fell to Missoula 7-6 in 10 innings Sunday night at Ogren Park-Allegiance Field.
Great Falls (13-11) dropped into a first place tie in the Pioneer League North with both Missoula and Helena. The Voyagers are 5-5 against the Osprey (13-11) in the overall season series after the weekend split. Great Falls is 1-3 in extra-inning games.
The Voyagers took an early lead with a three-run 2nd. Logan Sowers led off the inning with a base hit lined into right-center that pushed his consecutive game on-base streak to 22. Adam McGinnis followed with a single. Ryan Fitzpatrick was hit by a pitch. The first run scored on a throwing error by the third baseman coming home for a force attempt. The second run scored on a double play. And, Jay Estes made it 3-0 with an RBI single to center.
The Osprey matched it with a three-run bottom of the 2nd. David Sanchez drove in two with a triple to right-center. Sanchez later scored on a wild pitch for a 3-3 tie.
After four straight scoreless frames, Great Falls plated two in the 7th for a 5-3 lead. Logan Sowers and Adam McGinnis both walked to start the inning. Ryan Fitzpatrick was hit by a pitch. With the bases loaded, Jhoandro Alfaro broke the tie with a sacrifice fly high and deep to right. A grounder off the bat of Travis Moniot was misplayed at first and allowed Fitzpatrick to score the second run. The Voyagers made it 6-3 with a run in the 8th. Ramon Beltre led off with a double into the left field corner. Beltre scored on a two-out RBI single in the hole to short from Sowers.
Missoula scored two in the 8th for a 6-5 game. Zac Almond had an RBI double and Zack Shannon produced a run with a groundout. The Osprey broke even and forced extras with a single run in the 9th. Cesar Garcia reached with a two-out walk and scored on a Brandon Leyton RBI single to right.
A bunt attempt by the Osprey in the bottom of the 10th finished the game. With a runner at second, Zac Almond laid down a bunt that resulted in a throwing error to first allowing Buddy Kennedy to score the game-winning run.
Ramon Beltre went 3-for-5 with a run scored in the loss. Logan Sowers finished with two hits, two walks, and two runs. Brandon Leyton posted three hits for Missoula. David Sanchez drove in two.
On the mound, Justin Garcia picked up the win in relief. Garcia (2-0) worked the final two innings and struck out three. Vince Arobio took the loss. Arobio pitched in the 10th and gave up a hit and a run. Drew Weston came out of the bullpen for the Voyagers and retired all 10 batters he faced with four strikeouts.
After an off-day Monday, Great Falls starts a new seven-game home stand against Orem Tuesday night at Centene Stadium. First pitch is set for 7 o'clock. The Voyagers will play a four-game series with Orem and a three-game set with Grand Junction. For 2018 ticketing and promotional information, call 406-452-5311 or visit www.gfvoyagers.com.
Pioneer League Stories from July 9, 2018
- Eighth Inning Rally Pushes Brewers to Series Split - Helena Brewers
- Missoula Walk-Off, Earns Split with Voyagers - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Walk-Off against the Voyagers in the Tenth Sunday - Missoula PaddleHeads
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