Voyagers Game Notes: August 7 at Orem
August 7, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
After they were handed their worst loss of 2015 last night in the opener of their series in Orem, the Voyagers continue their set with the Owlz tonight at Brent Brown Ballpark.
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Great Falls Voyagers (4-3, 21-22) at Orem Owlz (5-2, 29-16)
RHP Brannon Easterling (3-1, 3.53) vs. RHP Jared Ruxer (0-1, 5.14)
7:15 p.m. - Brent Brown Ballpark (Orem, Utah)
VOYAGERS ROUTED BY OWLZ
The Voyagers returned from the All-Star break last night, but tied season-highs in runs allowed (12) and hits allowed (15) in a 12-4 loss to Orem, their largest margin of defeat this year. The Owlz jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, scoring five in the first and four more in the third to chase Great Falls starter Matt Ball early. The closest the Voyagers got after the early onslaught was six, scoring two in the sixth as Grant Massey picked up his second RBI of the night with a single, and Landon Lassiter drew a bases-loaded walk.Â
MASSEY HEATING UP
Great Falls shortstop Grant Massey has been swinging the bat well as of late, having collected at least one hit in nine of his last ten games. The former Lipscomb Bison was one of the very few bright spots for the Voyager offense last night, going 1-for-3 plus a walk, and driving in two of the team's four runs. Over this 10-game run, the Slocomb, Ala., native is 12-for-35 (.343), and has raised his season batting average 32 points, from .250 to .282. This run also includes three multi-hit efforts.
RIGA SHINING IN THE 'PEN
Left-hander Ryan Riga continued his strong run of performances out of the Great Falls bullpen Thursday, tossing a pair of scoreless innings while collecting three strikeouts. A 13th round pick in this year's draft out of Ohio State, the southpaw arrived in Great Falls on July 11, after beginning his pro career with the AZL White Sox. Since his move to the Pioneer League, Riga has posted a 1.50 ERA in 12.0 innings across seven appearances. The Fairfield, Ohio native has also struck out 15 batters in those 12.0 innings, for a strikeout rate of 11.3K/9.
TURNING TO EASTERLING
Great Falls will turn to right-hander Brannon Easterling tonight in Orem as they look to bounce back from last night's loss. The 25-year old righty enters tonight's contest with a 3-1 record and a 3.53 ERA, which is the fifth-lowest among qualified pitchers in the Pioneer League. The College Station, Tex., native also owns the fifth-lowest WHIP among PL qualifiers at 1.20, and his 43.1 innings pitched are the fifth-most frames tossed by a Pioneer League hurler this season.
Pioneer League Stories from August 7, 2015
- Idaho Falls wins over Helena - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Idaho Falls Wins in 10 - Helena Brewers
- Osprey Score Early in 10-4 Victory at Grand Junction - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Even the Series with 5-3 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Easterling Shines As Voyagers Even Set With Owlz - Great Falls Voyagers
- Bad Start Leads to Fifth Straight Loss - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Voyagers Game Notes: August 7 at Orem - Great Falls Voyagers
- Sell Powers Raptors Past Mustangs - Ogden Raptors
- Six Run Ninth Sends Rockies to Fourth Straight Loss - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Owlz Thump Voyagers 12-4 - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Chukars Win Their 6th Straight - Helena Brewers
- Six-Run Ninth Hands Missoula Victory - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Chukars Grab First-Inning Lead, Cruise to Win - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Voyagers Routed by Owlz in Trip Opener - Great Falls Voyagers
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