Voyagers Walk off with Another Win
Published on August 1, 2011 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
GREAT FALLS Mont.--Joe De Pinto's single over the bag at third provided the Voyagers their second consecutive walk-off victory, as they defeated the Helena Brewers 2-1.
On a full-count pitch, the team's RBI leader drove home his 31st run of the season on his second hit of the night, scoring Qualon Millender. Millender reached on a catcher's interference to start the inning--the second such call against Brewers' backstop, Parker Berberet, in an as many innings. Afterwards, Kyle Eveland bunted Millender over to second setting up the walk-off hit.
After getting two quick outs to start the top of the ninth inning, Stew Brase (1-0) gave up back-to-back singles to Robbie Garvey and Yadiel River, which gave the Brewers runners at second and third after Rivera stole second. On the seventh pitch of the at-bat to Helena's third hitter, Brase struck him out on a breaking ball outside of the zone.
In a pitcher's duel, the Voyagers got on the board first with a run in the sixth inning on a Millender groundout. On a chopper towards the middle, the Voyagers centerfielder scored Michael Earley, who led the inning off with a double.
Helena evened the score in the eighth on a Max Walla line drive single, scoring Berberet. The run was unearned as Berberet reached on an error charged to catcher, Kevan Smith, who was unable to secure a ball in the dirt on a dropped third strike, allowing his counterpart behind the plate to reach.
Sam Phippen picked up the no-decision in a shaky, but effective, outing. The righty went five scoreless innings, giving up just three hits. However, he walked a season-high six and hit one batter as well. Despite his command troubles, Phippen consistently got out of jams in his eighth start of the year.
In relief of the Colorado native, Kevin Vance delivered three innings. He gave up Helena's lone run, although it is unearned.
Helena got five scoreless innings from their third-round selection, Drew Gagnon. The righty faced the minimum 15 batters, giving up just three hits and striking out three without issuing a walk.
Millender extended his on-base streak to 15 games with his fourth inning single.
The Voyagers collect walk-off wins in back-to-back days as they are now 2-0 in the second half, giving them first place all to themselves in the early going.
The series continues tomorrow night. Scott Snodgress (LHP) goes for the Voyagers against Eric Arnett (RHP). First pitch between the Voyagers and the Brewers is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with the pregame show set to begin at 6:35 p.m. on 560 KMON.
Pioneer League Stories from August 1, 2011
- Osprey Hang on to Beat Mustangs, 10-8 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Walk off with Another Win - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Open 5-Game Homestand on Wednesday - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Goldschmidt Becomes 35th Former Osprey to Make MLB Roster - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Chukars Peacock Named Pitcher of the Week - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Owlz Lose 7-1 in Casper - Northern Colorado Owlz
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