Rockies Edge Osprey 8-5
July 11, 2014 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
GRAND JUNCTION, CO. - The Missoula Osprey (11-14) came up short on the road to the Grand Junction Rockies (14-11) by a score of 8-5 at Suplizio Field to close a four-game series. The Osprey launched the long ball for the second night in a row as Dane McFarland and Yosbel Gutierrez each knocked two-run bombs over the left field wall. Gutierrez's first home run of the season gave the O's a brief 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the third inning.
The third inning would be problematic for Missoula. Starter Tyler Botlon (2-1) gave up a three-run double to Terry McClure of Grand Junction in a four-run inning for the hosts. Botlon would last 4.1 innings and give up six hits, five earned runs, four walks, and ring up two strikeouts.
Will Landsheft was the first Missoula pitcher called on in relief and gave the Osprey just what was needed with 2.2 scoreless innings. The righty gave up just two hits and had two strikeouts without walking a batter.
McFarland's two-run homer, his second of the year, came in the fourth inning in what would be two of his three RBI on the evening. The Osprey scored again in the sixth inning as McFarland hustled out what would have been an inning-ending double play.
Missoula missed out on a chance to take the lead in the top of the eighth inning when the Osprey opened the frame with three consecutive hits but a base running mistake led to a tag out of Sergio Alcantara off the third base bag, which was occupied by Fernery Ozuna following a Justin Williams double. The Osprey would then ground out twice to end the inning before Grand Junction added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the eighth.
Javier Palacios (1-2) received the win with four earned runs in five innings while racking up six strikeouts for the Rockies.
Missoula continues its road stretch with a three-game series against South Division leading Orem tomorrow night. Tickets for all Osprey games are available at the MSO Hub Box Office, by phone at (406) 543-3300 and online at MissoulaOsprey.com.
Pioneer League Stories from July 11, 2014
- Clarke's Leadoff Homer Enough for Voyagers' Win - Ogden Raptors
- Rockies Edge Osprey 8-5 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Clarke's Leadoff Homer Enough in Voyagers' Win - Ogden Raptors
- Great Falls Blanks Ogden; Claims Series - Great Falls Voyagers
- Miguel Montero Named to MLB All-Star Game - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 11 vs. Ogden - Great Falls Voyagers
- Missoula Rocks Grand Junction 11-5 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Stone's Six Shutout Innings Paces Voyagers - Ogden Raptors
- Mills Money as Win Streak Moves to Four - Idaho Falls Chukars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
