PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Three Runs Enough for Osprey

August 19, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MONT. - Three runs and four hits proved enough on Tuesday night for the Missoula Osprey, as the O's (34-21) received the three runs on two homers in the second inning and held on to defeat the Orem Owlz (34-22) by a count of 3-2 from Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

Matt Railey contributed the first home run of the inning on the first pitch of the frame, belting his first of the year over the wall in right field to make it 1-0 Osprey. Orem starter Jose Rodriguez followed with a walk to Matt Jones, setting the table for a two-run homer for Francis Christy. The round-tripper was Christy's first professional homer and ran the tally to 3-0 in favor of Missoula.

Rodriguez, who allowed three runs on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts over 4.0 innings, fell to 2-2 with the loss.

Missoula starter Bryant Holtmann dealt the first 4.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two, but did not factor in the decision. After Orem scored its only two runs in the fifth inning on RBI-singles from Jordan Serena and Michael Pierson, Missoula called to the bullpen and brought in Dallas Newton. The right-hander induced an inning-ending double play to third base, preserving the one-run advantage that proved to be the winning margin.

Newton, who was credited with the victory and moved to 2-3, tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief before handing the ball over to Aaron Sookee in the seventh. Sookee retired the side in order, ultimately passing the baton to Gabriel Moya for a scoreless eighth inning of relief. Leading 3-2 headed to the ninth, the Osprey called on Keegan Long to close the door on the Owlz. Long, who has not allowed a run over his last 17 appearances (19.2 IP), surrendered a one-out single, but eventually retired the side and earned his second save of the year.

Missoula will continue the seven-game home stand tomorrow when it continues the four-game series with Orem at 7:05 pm MT.

Check out the Missoula PaddleHeads Statistics



Pioneer League Stories from August 19, 2015


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.

OurSports Central