Osprey and Mustangs Split Saturday Double-Header
Published on July 29, 2018 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT - The Missoula Osprey (20-21,1-2) and Billings Mustangs (17-24, 2-1) split Saturday's double-header as the Osprey plated four runs in the last inning of game two in a 4-2 victory from Dehler Park. Billings notched a 7-3 victory in game one of the night.
In game one, Missoula started the by putting runners on second and third after a hit by pitch and a single, but left both runners on base against Billings starter James Marinan.
Zeek White led off the first inning for Billings with a single off Osprey starter Deyni Olivero (1-3), and came around to score on a Mariel Bautista RBI double to put the Mustangs ahead 1-0. Billings added two runs in the second on a two-run home run from Jay Schuyler to take a 3-0 lead.
The offense for Billings continued to pour it on in the third when Bren Spillane drilled an RBI double and Juan Martinez roped a three-RBI double to push the lead up 7-0 after three.
Missoula put a run on the board in the top of the fifth when Brandon Leyton drove home Eddie Hernandez and pull the game within 7-1.
The Osprey offense made it interesting in the seventh as Eddie Hernandez drilled a solo home run and Leyton drove in his second run of the day with a sacrifice fly, but Missoula fell 7-3 in game one.
Edward Escoboza (1-2) earned the win while Olivero was tagged for the loss after throwing 2.1 innings.
To start the second game, Missoula notched one hit in the first three innings on a bunt single from Eddie Hernandez, and received five strikeouts and shutout baseball from Jacob Stevens in his second starter of the season.
Missoula threated in the top of the fourth as Buddy Kennedy ripped a one out single and was followed by Nick Dalesandro, who dropped a single to center with two outs. However, Luis Alecis induced a ground ball to end the frame.
The first and only runs of the game for Billings came in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs and a man on, Drew Mount launched a two-run homer to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead.
However, a late surge of offense for Missoula gave them a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh. Nick Dalesandro and Leyton singled while Jesus Munoz walked to load the bases for the Osprey. David Sanchez drove home two with a single to tie the game, while Hernandez drilled a single to left, scoring two and giving the Osprey a 4-2 lead.
The ball was then handed to closer Bryan Menendez, who worked a clean inning to earn his fourth save of the season and preserve the Osprey win. Jake Polancic (1-0) earned the win after tossing a scoreless sixth for Missoula. Eddy Demurias (0-2) is tagged with a blown save and the loss.
Missoula and Billings return to action Sunday for a 1:05 pm first pitch to complete the four-game series from Dehler Park. The Selway Armory Pregame Show is slated to begin at 12:45 pm on 102.9 ESPN Missoula and the MiLB First Pitch App.
Pioneer League Stories from July 29, 2018
- Brewers Blow out Voyagers to Win Third Straight - Helena Brewers
- Matt Holliday Signs with Colorado Rockies - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- GJ Sweeps Orem in Two-Game Series - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Voyagers Break Helena Stranglehold - Great Falls Voyagers
- Booming Offense Gives Mustangs 16-8 Win Sunday - Billings Mustangs
- Osprey Drop Series Finale to the Mustangs Sunday - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey and Mustangs Complete Four-Game Series Sunday - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey and Mustangs Split Saturday Double-Header - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Cogen Crushes Chukars - Ogden Raptors
- Helena Scores Early, Often to Beat Voyagers - Great Falls Voyagers
- Rox Improve to 3-1 in Second Half - Grand Junction Jackalopes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
