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PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Osprey fall to Brewers in 11 innings, 5-4

July 29, 2009 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MT - The Missoula Osprey and Helena Brewers battled like two teams fighting for a playoff berth when they met for the final time in the first half on Tuesday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field, and 2,058 witnesses to the struggle had to wait until the final out to see who would come out on top.

The Brewers scored twice in the ninth, and added a run in the top of the 11th, to beat the Osprey, 5-4, and snap Missoula's five-game win streak.

The Osprey (19-14) took a 4-2 lead into the top of the ninth, but lost a ninth-inning lead for the first time this season, then could not solve Brewers closer Michael Fiers (1-0), who pitched the final three innings, allowing just one hit while collecting five strikeouts to get the win.

The Osprey snapped a 2-2 tie in the eighth with a leadoff home run by Keon Broxton, his fifth roundtripper of the season, and a RBI single by David Nick.

Helena (17-16) scored in the first, but the Osprey would score on a RBI single by Ramon Castillo in the third inning, and a RBI single by Paul Goldschmidt in the fifth, to take a 2-1 lead.

Miguel Pena gave the Osprey a chance to win the game, thanks to his best start of the season. In five innings of work, Pena allowed three hits and two walks, but surrendered just the first-inning tally and struck out four batters. Pena combined with Osprey relievers Chase Anderson, Adam Worthington (3-2) and Bradin Hagens to strike out 13 Brewers. Missoula pitching fanned 24 Brewers in the two-game series.

The Osprey had 12 hits, but also stranded 12 baserunners in the setback. Castillo finished with three of the Missoula hits, while Bobby Stone and Errol Hollinger each had two safeties.

The Osprey will now head out on a five-game road trip to close out the first half of play, beginning with a two-game series at Billings against the Mustangs. Left-hander Keny Sosa will get the start for the Osprey on Wednesday, while the Mustangs will counter with right-hander Tom Crabbe.

The Osprey will open the second half of the 2009 season at home on Monday against the Helena Brewers. Tickets for any remaining game this season can be obtained for all Osprey home games 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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