Osprey Beat Mustangs to Win North Playoff Berth, 8-5
Published on September 7, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT. - The Missoula Osprey have used a team approach all season to get in position to play their way into the Pioneer League playoffs. On Thursday here at Ogren Park Allegiance Field, in front of 2,668 witnesses, the Osprey showed that off in an 8-5 win over the Billings Mustangs.
With the win, the Osprey (23-15, 41-35) pulled off a franchise first, advancing to the Pioneer League playoffs for the second straight season, opposite the defending Pioneer League champion Great Falls Voyagers. Prior to now, the closest the Osprey had come to successive playoff runs was back in its infancy, advancing to the playoffs in two of their first three seasons (1999, 2001).
Pedro Ruiz had the key hit on offense, fighting off a Sal Romano (5-6) inside pitch for a two-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth inning, pushing the Osprey lead to 4-1. It kick-started a three-run fourth inning for Missoula, who added a pair of runs in the home half of the fifth for a 7-1 lead.
It was enough for Ross Gerdeman (5-5) to settle in and take control. Gerdeman allowed three runs on seven hits and pitched into the seventh inning to pick up the win on the mound. Neither Chase Stevens nor Vince Spilker had their best stuff, each surrendering a run, but Justin Thompson managed to battle through a two-on jam and earn his eighth save.
Alex Glenn had another big night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Glenn drove in five runs in the two-game series for Missoula. Danny Pulfer, Jake Lamb and Rudy Flores each delivered two hits and a RBI for Missoula, who had 13 hits on the night.
The Osprey will host the Voyagers in the opener of the Best-of-3 series, with Game 1 on Friday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field, and Games 2 and 3 (if needed) at Centene Stadium in Great Falls. The Osprey will go with right-hander Chris Pack in the playoff opener, while the Voyagers will counter with right-hander Chris Beck.
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 September 7, 2012
- A Look Back at the 2012 Owlz Season - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Osprey Beat Mustangs to Win North Playoff Berth, 8-5 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Blowout Loss Ends Chukars' Season - Idaho Falls Chukars
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