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Osprey celebrate post-season berth with 12-2 romp of Billings

September 6, 2009 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MT - The Missoula Osprey clearly did not want to back into the post-season. So on Sunday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field, in front of 1,786 fans, they made sure they would take care of business early and often against the Billings Mustangs.

The Osprey scored six times in the bottom of the first inning and cruised to a 12-2 win over the Mustangs, and in the process, kept the Great Falls Voyagers in sight with the Pioneer League North Division second-half title still up for grabs.

Keon Broxton hit a three-run home run in that six-run first, while Paul Goldschmidt and Ramon Castillo also homered to highlight a 13-hit attack. Goldschmidt finished with three hits, while Broxton, Castillo and Bobby Borchering added two hits each for the Osprey, who scored three runs in the third and fourth innings to take a 12-0 lead.

The Osprey (16-17, 37-34) trail the Voyagers by 1 ½ games in the North; this after the Helena Brewers beat Great Falls, 8-7.

Goldschmidt singled and doubled to go along with his 16th home run, giving him two historic hits on the day. The home run tied the first baseman with Jesus Cota (2001) for the most home runs in a single season in Osprey history, while his 25th double tied Lyle Overbay's mark which has stood since 1999.

Enrique Burgos (5-3) pitched five shutout innings to get the win on the mound. Burgos allowed three hits and two walks, but struck out four in picking up his third straight win.

The Osprey and Mustangs will play game two of their four-game series on Monday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Mike Belfiore (2-2, 1.86 ERA) will make his final regular-season start for the Osprey, while Blair Carson (1-5, 4.24) gets the call for the Mustangs.

Tickets for any remaining Osprey home game this season, including the North Division playoff game on September 12, can be obtained by calling the Osprey at (406) 543-3300, stopping by the Osprey Team Store at 412 W. Alder, or ordering online at www.missoulaosprey.com.

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