Osprey Beat Mustangs in 10, 3-2, Take over 1st in North
Published on August 31, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
BILLINGS, MONT. - In a well-pitched, well-played game on Friday here at Dehler Park, the Missoula Osprey found a way to overcome a game-tying hit in the bottom of the ninth by the Billings Mustangs and scored a run in the top of the 10th to take a 3-2 win in front of 2,370 fans.
The win lifts the Osprey (19-13, 37-33) into sole possession of first place in the Pioneer League North Division standings. It's the first time in the second half that the Mustangs (18-14, 39-31) are without at least a share of the division lead.
Rudy Flores picked a good time to get his first hit of the series, doubling down the left-field line off of Billings closer Mo Wiley (3-1) to lead off the top of the 10th inning. After a Danny Pulfer sacrifice bunt moved pinch-runner Anthony Velazquez to third, Tyler Bream hit a bouncer to Mustang second baseman Brandon Dailey. Velazquez, off on contact, beat the throw home and gave the Osprey the lead.
Justin Thompson (1-2) then retired the side in order in the bottom of the 10th to finish off the victory for the Osprey, their fifth win in their last six games.
For much of the game, Jake Lamb and Chris Thomas were the stories of the game for Missoula. Lamb drove in both runs in regulation - a RBI double in the top of the first, and a run-scoring single with two out in the top of the sixth to snap a 1-1 tie.
Thomas, meanwhile, had by far his best outing of the season, pitching seven strong innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits while striking out six batters.
Lamb finished with three of Missoula's eight hits on the night, while Socrates Brito added two hits for the Osprey. Bream and Evan Marzilli added base hits of their own for the Osprey.
The Osprey and Mustangs will play game three of their key four-game series on Saturday at Dehler Park. The Osprey will send Ross Gerdeman to the mound, while the Mustangs will counter with Jon Moscot in a battle of right-handed pitchers.
The Osprey will come home for their final two games of the 2012 regular season against the Billings Mustangs on September 5-6. Tickets are available now at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.
Pioneer League Stories from August 31, 2012
- Voyagers Take Spill against Brewers - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Beat Mustangs in 10, 3-2, Take over 1st in North - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Missoula Voted Among Best Places to Play in Minors - Missoula PaddleHeads
- $.25 Hot Dogs - Helena Brewers
- End of the Season Promotions: Three Home Games Left - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Osprey Rally Past Mustangs Again, 9-6, Tie for 1st - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Orem Falls 4-2 in 11 Innings - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Voyagers Hop over Brewers - Great Falls Voyagers
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.
