Orem Takes Finale of Series
August 21, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT. - The Missoula Osprey (35-22) had to settle for a 3-1 series victory over the visiting Orem Owlz (35-23) on Thursday night from Ogren Park Allegiance Field, as the Owlz took the finale of the series by a count of 4-2 to avoid the sweep.
Orem got on the board first in the second inning when Jeffrey Boehm walked and moved to third on a single from Sam Koenig. Alex Abbott put the visitors on the board on the ensuing play, grounding a ball to short and beating the double-play turn to make it 1-0 Orem.
Abbott would finish the game 1-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI.
Missoula drew back even at 1-1 in the third when Mike Abreu singled to right centerfield and moved to third on an Isan Diaz single down the right field line. Marcus Wilson wasted no time delivering the run, lifting a sacrifice fly to right centerfield to bring home Abreu.
Unfortunately for the O's, Orem punched right back in the top of the fourth, scoring three times, including twice with two out. Brendon Sanger singled to start the inning before swiping second base and moving to third on a wild pitch. Osprey starter Yefrey Ramirez struck out Jared Foster and Boehm for the first two outs, but a passed ball charged to Luke Lowery allowed Sanger to score the first run of the inning. With nobody on and two down, the Owlz restarted the offense, as Koenig drew a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. An RBI-single from Abbott ran the tally to 3-1 before Angel Genao capped the scoring run with an RBI-single of his own to plate Abbott.
Had it not committed a pair of base running mistakes, Missoula may have tied the game with one swing of the bat in the sixth, but instead of a three-run home run, Austin Byler's round-tripper in the inning went for a solo shot. Marcus Wilson led off the inning with a walk, but was picked off of first base for the first out. Luke Lowery followed with a double and brought Byler to the plate, but Lowery took off on a stolen base attempt and the pitch sailed in the dirt. Instead of stopping at third, Lowery turned the bag, slipped down the third base line, and was ultimately tagged out for the second out. Byler followed with his Pioneer League-best 13th homer of the year.
The Osprey bullpen was strong in relief of Ramirez, as three Missoula hurlers dealt the final four scoreless frames. Scott Schultz tossed 2.0 innings and struck out five, while Cody Clark and Matt Lees each contributed 1.0 inning.
Ramirez allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks over the first 5.0 innings, eventually being tagged with the loss and falling to 4-4.
Aaron Cox, the first reliever used by Orem on Thursday night, was credited with the victory and improved to 4-0 after tossing 3.0 innings and allowing just the homer to Byler. Adam Hofacket earned the save by way of a scoreless ninth inning, converting his seventh of the season.
Missoula will return to action tomorrow when it travels to Billings for the first game of a four-game series at 7:05 pm MT.
Pioneer League Stories from August 21, 2015
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- Voyagers Game Notes: August 21 at Helena - Great Falls Voyagers
- Alex Santana and Ogden Bats Smash Helena - Ogden Raptors
- Chukars Edge Mustangs in 10 - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Owlz Avoid Sweep in Game 4 Victory - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Orem Takes Finale of Series - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Raptors Bats Explode for 13-8 Win - Helena Brewers
- Early Lead Disappers in Great Falls - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Three Homers Lead Voyagers to Series Victory - Great Falls Voyagers
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