Owlz Win Again, One Win Away From Clinching

The Owlz offense came up big Monday night as they beat the Missoula Osprey 10-7 to move to one win away from clinching the first half division title.

The Owlz would get on the board first in the second inning when Natanael Delgado scored on a two out single by Eason Spivey.

Then in the fourth inning, the Owlz offense came alive. Zach Houchins led off the inning with a base hit followed by another single lined to right field by Delgado. Houchins would then score from second base off a single to center from Quinten Davis. Caleb Adams would then double to left center scoring Delgado. 

In the fifth inning, the Owlz would add another run when Houchins scored on a line drive base hit by Delgado. Missoula would try to answer back in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run home run by Trevor Mitsui.

The Owlz would add to their lead in the sixth inning, however. With runners at first and second, Andrew Daniel would bunt the ball down the third base line but a errant throw by the Missoula pitcher Kevin Simmons would end up in the Owlz bullpen allowing two runs to score. Daniel would score shortly thereafter on a wild pitch.

In the eighth inning, a base hit by Bo Way would score Wendell Soto to start another three-run inning. A line drive to left field by Houchins would score two more runs, the second run when he was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a double. Houchins would leave the game early with an injury to his right hand. 

Missoula would try to rally late in the inning with another two-run home run by BJ Lopez and adding another run on a pass ball.

Ronnie Muck would take the mound in the ninth inning to close out the game, striking out two of the batters he faced.

Delgado went 4-for-5 on the night while Houchins went 3-5 to lead the Owlz' potent offense.

The Owlz will close out the series with Missoula Tuesday night at 7:05. An Owlz win or a Grand Junction loss would clinch the Pioneer League South Division first-half title and a playoff spot. Tuesday night's game can be heard at audio.oremowlz.com.