Osprey rally to win in 10 over Brewers, 9-7
September 11, 2009 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
HELENA, MT - The Missoula Osprey have made a habit of waiting until the last minute to win baseball games. In their final prep before the playoffs again, they reminded themselves just how to win a game late.
The Osprey scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning, then after Helena tied the game in the home half of the ninth, scored three runs in the top of the 10th inning on their way to a 9-7 win over the Brewers in the regular season finale for both teams.
The Osprey (40-36) trailed 5-3 entering the ninth, but Ender Inciarte drove in a pair with a single to right field, and David Nick plated another on a fielder's choice to give the Osprey the lead.
The Brewers (32-44) tied the game in the home half of the ninth, but the Osprey took the lead for good in the 10th inning. Bobby Stone was hit by a pitch to open the 10th, and Paul Goldschmidt doubled to right to put runners on second and third. With one out, and the infield drawn in, David Narodowski - making his first start in left field - hit a grounder to third which was bobbled, allowing Stone to score the go-ahead run. Bobby Borchering added a RBI double, and Errol Hollinger a sacrifice fly to make it 9-6 Osprey.
The Brewers would score again off of Jake Hale (1-1) in the bottom of the inning, but Hale held the Helena rally off - capped by a catch of a fly ball in left-center field by Narodowski - to seal the win.
Goldschmidt had four of Missoula's 11 hits in the win, including his 18th home run of the season. Not only did the 4-for-5 night raise his batting average to a team-best .334, his eight total bases gives him 183 for the season, breaking Lyle Overbay's team record set in 1999. Ramon Castillo added two hits, while Nick added a solo home run.
The Osprey will now head back home and begin the Pioneer League North Division playoffs with the Great Falls Voyagers. Game 1 will take place on Saturday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Left-hander Mike Belfiore (2-2, 2.17 ERA) gets the call for the Osprey, while the Voyagers will start right-hander Terry Doyle (5-1, 2.98).
Tickets for the North Division playoff game 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.
Pioneer League Stories from September 11, 2009
- Osprey rally to win in 10 over Brewers, 9-7 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey take on Voyagers to open 2009 PL Playoffs - Missoula PaddleHeads
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