Osprey Lose Lead Late in Loss to Grand Junction Wednesday
August 15, 2018 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT - The Missoula Osprey (29-27, 10-8) lost a late lead in the eighth inning as the Grand Junction Rockies (32-25, 11-7) won 7-4 Wednesday at Suplizio Field in a comeback effort.
It didn't take Missoula long to get on the scoreboard as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Blaze Alexander doubled and advanced to third on an error, and Zachery Almond drove him in with an RBI groundout.
The Rockies quickly retaliated with a run in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly from Niko Deckolati to tie the game 1-1 after one.
Grand Junction threated in the bottom of the fourth after a leadoff double from Coco Montes off Osprey starter Wilfry Cruz, but Cruz induced three quick outs to preserve the 1-1 lead into the fifth.
Missoula's offense opened up in the top of the sixth off Rockies starter Eris Filpo when Almond led off with a single. Eddie Hernandez singled as well to put men at the corners for Brandon Leyton. He recorded an RBI on a fielder's choice to give Missoula a 2-1 lead.
Cruz walked Will Golsan of the Rockies to lead off the bottom of the inning but worked a lineout and two groundouts to preserve a 2-1 lead. It marks the longest outing of the season for Cruz as he gave up just four hits.
Jesus Marriaga led off the seventh for Missoula with a single while Cesar Garcia followed him with a base hit. David Sanchez reached on an error to load the bases as Alek Thomas drilled a two-RBI double to left to pad the Osprey lead 4-1.
With the Rockies trailing by three in the bottom of the inning, Deckolati drew a leadoff walked while Javier Guevara reached on an error. Deckolati scored on a groundout to pull the game within two, but Missoula reliever Pedro Zorrilla finished the inning off with a groundout of Will Golsan.
The Rockies rallied in the bottom of the eighth to take their first lead of the game as they scored a run off reliever Tyler Jandron (1-3) when Daniel Montano singled up the middle. With the bases loaded, Reese Berberet hit the Rockies first grand slam of the season to push them in front for the first time 7-4.
Alexander Martinez entered in the ninth for the Rockies and threw a scoreless inning for his league-high 14th save to hold on to the 7-4 win.
Colton Harlow (1-0) earned the win after tossing a scoreless eighth inning for the Rockies.
Missoula is back in action Friday vs. the Orem Owlz at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm with the gates opening at 6:30 pm. The Selway Armory Pregame Show begins at 6:45 pm on ESPN 102.9 FM and the MiLB First Pitch App.
Pioneer League Stories from August 15, 2018
- Brewers Edge Owlz to Win Fourth Straight - Helena Brewers
- Osprey Lose Lead Late in Loss to Grand Junction Wednesday - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Rox Top Osprey - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Peterson, Malisheski Provide Winning Boost - Ogden Raptors
- Voyagers Lose Error Filled Game to Ogden - Great Falls Voyagers
- Chukars Lose in Billings 6-4 - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Jonathan Heasley Named Pitcher of the Week - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Brewers Edge Orem, Win 4-3 - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Short on Hits, Power Is Enough for 6-4 Win over Chukars - Billings Mustangs
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