PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Two-Out Runs Cost Osprey

Published on August 27, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MONT. - The Missoula Osprey (38-25) allowed seven two-out runs before eventually falling to the Helena Brewers (25-37) by a count of 7-2 on Wednesday night from Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

The Brewers went 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position and posted six two-out RBI in the contest. The scoring started in the second inning as two singles and a hit batter loaded the bases with one out. Osprey starter Anfernee Benitez got Franly Mallen to pop up for the second out, but promptly walked Troy Stokes to force in the run and make it 1-0.

After Missoula evened the tally at 1-1 in the third on a double from Jason Morozowski and a pair of wild pitches, Helena came alive for three runs in the fourth to take a lead it would not relinquish. Benitez struck out Jonathan Oquendo and Milan Post for the first two outs of the inning, but surrendered a triple to Carlos Belonis to begin the two-out rally. Mallen followed with an RBI-single before Troy Stokes singled to put two men aboard. Malik Collymore contributed the final blow, punching a single into centerfield to bring home Mallen and Stokes as the throw from Marcus Wilson in centerfield skipped past catcher Matt Jones to the back stop.

The two teams traded a run in the seventh, leaving the score at 5-2, before Helena once again came alive for two two-out runs in the ninth off of Missoula closer, Dan Savas. The right-hander struck out the first two hitters in the inning, but issued a walk to Steven Karkenny to keep the inning alive. A single to Yerison Pena followed before Jose Cuas shot a two-RBI double off the wall in right field to bring home the final two runs and push the lead to 7-2.

Missoula had a tough time figuring out the Helena bullpen, as lefties Jake Drossner and Brad Kuntz combined to toss the final 5.0 innings, allowing just one unearned run on five hits with nine strikeouts. Kuntz, who threw 3.1 innings with five strikeouts, was credited with the victory and moved to 4-2. Kuntz, who retired the final two in the eighth before striking out the side in the ninth, earned his first save of the year.

Benitez was charged with the loss and fell to 3-4 after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 5.0 innings.

Cuas and Belonis each finished the game with three hits, with Cuas going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.

Missoula will return to action tomorrow when it travels to Helena for a game at 7:05 pm MT.

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