PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Osprey Drop Opener at Orem, 11-3

Published on August 11, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


OREM, UTAH. - The Missoula Osprey (29-19) plated a run in the top of the first inning to nab an early lead, but a balanced offensive attack from the Orem Owlz (31-18) guided the home team to an 11-3 victory from Brent Brown Ballpark in Orem, Utah on Monday. The Owlz scored 11 runs on 14 hits, including scoring at least one run in all but two innings, to snap a six-game road win streak for the O's.

Kal Simmons had his hand in both of Missoula's first two runs in the game, reaching in the first on a one-out single before stealing second and coming in to score on an RBI-single from Tyler Humphreys. After a two-run bottom of the first for Orem, the native of Nashville, Ga. single-handedly brought the O's back even at 2-2, sending his first professional homer over the wall in left field.

Simmons finished the game 2-for-4 with the homer, two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI hitting out of the second spot in the order. Joey Armstrong was the only other Osprey player to record multiple hits, going 2-for-4. Isan Diaz notched one hit and an RBI on Monday, extending his road-hitting streak to 19 games.

Tied at two headed to the bottom of the fourth, Orem scored three times to begin a run that saw the Owlz outscore the Osprey 9-1 the rest of the way.

Michael Pierson, who leads the Pioneer League in batting average at .395, went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, while Jeff Boehm notched a double and four RBI as part of a 2-for-5 night. Six Orem hitters finished with multiple hits as the Owlz collected 14 total hits in the game. The home team also stole seven bases, as Ranyelmy Alberto, Alex Abbott and Jared Foster each stole two.

Orem utilized a form of a staff day on the mound in the victory, sending six players to the hill beginning with Grayson Long. Long lasted just one inning before handing the ball over the bullpen. Aaron Cox ultimately earned the victory and moved to 2-0 after tossing 2.0 innings and allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out two.

Left-hander Anfernee Benitez was charged with the loss and fell to 2-3, surrendering seven runs (four earned) on eight hits and four walks while striking out four. The O's committed three errors in the game, while catcher Francis Christy was charged with one passed ball.

The Osprey will continue a three-game series with Orem tomorrow night. First pitch between RHP Bo Takahashi (5- 0, 4.89 ERA) and RHP Jaime Barria (2-0, 3.60 ERA) is scheduled for 7:15 pm MT.

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Pioneer League Stories from August 11, 2015


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