Voyagers Defeat Brewers, 7-2
Published on August 4, 2011 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
GREAT FALLS Mont.--Early offense carried the Voyagers past the Helena Brewers, 7-2.
After Qualon Millender struck out on the nine pitches against Mike Strong (2-2) to begin the game, the next three Voyagers collected hits, a string capped off by Mark Haddow's RBI double scoring Kyle Eveland to give the Voyagers a 1-0 lead. Then, Martin Medina put the Voyagers up 2-0 on his second sacrifice fly in as many games, scoring Joe De Pinto.
The Voyagers added more support in the second. David Herbek began the inning with a walk and then Randall Thorpe collected a single, the first of three hits for the left fielder on the evening. After stealing second, Thorpe put men at second and third for Andrew Douglas. Despite striking out, Douglas reached first as the wild pitch brought home a run in the process. After Millender hit a sacrifice fly to score another, De Pinto's two-out double brought home a third run in the inning, giving the Voyagers a 5-0 lead.
De Pinto's RBI double gave him his 34th RBI of the season, a mark that leads the team and is third in the league. The double for the second baseman, his 13th of the season, moves him into a second place tie in that category.
The five-run cushion was more than enough for Peter Gehle (3-5). Picking up his first win since June 30, Gehle went a season-high six innings, giving up two runs on just three hits. The lefty struck out four and walked one, throwing 82 pitches in his effort, retiring 13 of the final 14 batters he faced.
Jamaal Hollis relieved Gehle and provided two scoreless innings. After giving up at least two runs in each of his last three outings, Hollis did not give up a hit in his 12th appearance of the season, striking out three.
Stew Brase added a scoreless ninth inning, securing the win.
Strong struggled, lasting just 1.2 innings against the Voyagers, giving up five runs on five hits. The lefty from Oklahoma State was holding opposing batters to a league-best .192 average, but surrendered those 5 hits in just nine official at-bats, also issuing a walk and giving up two sacrifice flies.
Kevan Smith was the only Voyager not to reach in the ballgame. The catcher led the Appalachian League in batting average before joining the Voyagers, but is now just 2-for-22 to begin his tenure in Great Falls.
The Voyagers were ed offensively by Mark Haddow and Randall Thorpe who each collected three hits.
Qualon Millender's sixth inning single extended his on-base streak to 18 consecutive games.
With the win, the Voyagers remain in first place of the North Division with a 4-1 record.
The series continues tomorrow night. Jarrett (LHP) goes for the Voyagers against Andy Moye (LHP). First pitch between the Voyagers and the Brewers is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Kindrick Legion Field with the pregame show set to begin at 6:35 p.m. on 560 KMON.
Pioneer League Stories from August 4, 2011
- Voyagers Defeat Brewers, 7-2 - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Playoff Tickets On Sale To General Public August 16 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Middendorf Sent to Burlington - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Osprey Get Win Over Billings as Groff Ties Hit Streak - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Owlz Torment Chukars Again in 9-5 Loss - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Cowart and Hairgrove's 3 RBIs lead Owlz in 9-5 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
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