PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Osprey Smash 14 Hits on Their Way to Victory Thursday vs. Helena

Published on August 3, 2018 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MONT - The Missoula Osprey (22-24, 3-5) offense broke out for 13 runs in the first three innings on the way to a 14-2 victory over the Helena Brewers (22-24, 5-3) Thursday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Six Missoula batters finished with two or more hits on the evening.

To get the game underway, Osprey starter Deyni Olivero (2-3) allowed two base runners in the top of the first, but struck out Chad McClanahan to end the threat. Alek Thomas started the bottom of the inning for Missoula with a single to spark a three-run frame.

Thomas stole second while Buddy Kennedy singled to put runners at the corners. Zach Almond then recorded a sacrifice fly to put the first run on the board. Zack Shannon reached on an error to pave the way for a Brandon Leyton two-RBI triple to give Missoula a 3-0 lead after one.

The offense poured on four more runs in the second when Cesar Garcia drew a leadoff walk. Garcia stole second while Blaze Alexander doubled home Garcia for his first RBI with the Osprey. Kennedy singled home Alexander before Almond drilled a two-run homer to push the Osprey in front 7-0. It was Almond's ninth home run on the season, the most by any active player in the Pioneer League.

Leyton led off the bottom of the third for Missoula with a hit by pitch as Jesus Marriaga and Garcia walked to load the bases. Jesus Munoz doubled to right to score two runs, and a third run scored on an error from Helena to pad the Missoula lead 10-0. Thomas singled home Munoz while Alexander tripled home Thomas. Kennedy brought home his second run of the day with a groundout to finalize a six-run third inning to help Missoula take a 13-0 lead.

Missoula tagged on one run in the fifth when Marriaga grounded into a double play to score Nick Dalesandro. Helena's two runs came in the top of the sixth on an LG Castillo two-RBI single.

Olivero earned his second win of the season after tossing 5.2 innings of two-run baseball. He did not allow a run until the last batter he faced as Castillo recorded the two-RBI single.

The loss is tagged on Victor Castaneda (1-6) who lasted just two innings and gave up five earned runs.

Thomas, Alexander, Kennedy, Almond, Leyton, and Munoz each recorded multi-hit games as Almond led the way with three hits.

Missoula hosts Great Falls Friday for a 7:05 pm first pitch at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. The Selway Armory Pregame Show begins at 6:45 pm on 102.9 ESPN Missoula and the MiLB First Pitch App.

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Pioneer League Stories from August 3, 2018


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