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PL Northern Colorado Owlz

Owlz give up early lead to Rockies

July 25, 2006 - Pioneer League (PL)
Northern Colorado Owlz News Release


The Orem Owlz took one step back in their push for a play-off spot as they struggled offensively and gave up an early lead in a 3-2 loss to the Casper Rockies on their home field Tuesday.

A playoff spot is given to the teams with the best record in each division for the first half of season play and another spot to the teams with the best record in the second half of season play.

With the half-way mark approaching Friday, the loss brought the Owlz even with the Idaho Falls Chukars for first place in the Pioneer League. "We can't keep depending on our pitching night in and night out to win games," Owlz Manager Tom Kotchman said.

The Owlz took an early lead in the first inning. After a lead off ground out, Tad Brewer reached base on a well placed bunt down the left field line.

He advanced to second on a wild pitch and later was driven in on Chris Pettit's grounder to short that Rockies short stop Hector Gomes threw past first base.

The Owlz tacked on their last run in the fourth inning. Abel Nieves led off the inning with a single to right and was advanced on a hit and run ground out by Scott Knazek. Peter Bourjos then crushed a triple to the gap in left center field that drove Nieves in.

The Rockies didn't waste anytime making up lost ground. In the top of the fifth, right fielder Jorge Sandes knocked a home run over the right field wall to get the Rockies back into the game.

The Rockies added the tying run in the top of the seventh inning with a solo shot by Hector Gomez down the left field line.

Jay Cox reached on an error to short and was then advanced to second on a sacrifice grounder to first. Austin Rauch blasted a shot to the warning track in dead center which advanced Cox to third. Sandes earned the RBI which ended up being the winning run with a blooper to shallow center field.

The Owlz will finish the three-game home stand with the Rockies Wednesday night.

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