2015 Pioneer League Champions

MISSOULA, MONT. - Coming alive offensively in the middle innings, the Missoula Osprey (2-1) won their fourth Pioneer League Championship, and the first since 2012, with an 8-1 victory over the Idaho Falls Chukars (1-2) on Wednesday night from Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

The Osprey gained momentum defensively in the top of the fourth as the Chukars settled for just one run despite collecting three doubles and a walk in the inning. Bo Takahashi, who got the start for Missoula, allowed the run before eventually loading the bases with two out. The O's called to the bullpen and summoned Scott Schultz, who promptly fielded a screaming comebacker off the bat of Cody Jones to record the out and escape the jam. That defensive play fed the Osprey momentum, as Missoula plated three runs in the fourth, one in the fifth and four in the sixth to earn the victory.

A leadoff walk to Raymel Flores got the fourth inning started before Jason Morozowski lined a single into left centerfield. A passed ball allowed the first run to plate before Austin Byler contributed an RBI-single down the right field line to make it 2-1 Missoula. A hit-and-run single through the right side from Luke Lowery pushed Byler to third where he came in to score on a sacrifice fly from Kal Simmons.

Matt McPhearson used his legs to push the advantage to 4-1 in the fifth, reaching on a bunt single before stealing second and moving to third on a wild pitch. Flores eventually drove in the run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

The four-run sixth inning put the game out of reach, as Byler doubled and moved to third on a passed ball. A walk to Lowery put two men aboard before Matt Jones contributed Missoula's third sacrifice fly of the night to plate the first run. Simmons doubled down the right field line to push runners to second and third before Joey Armstrong dumped a two-RBI double behind the bag at first to make it 7-1. Isan Diaz, who was named 2015 MVP of the Pioneer League, capped the scoring run, dribbling an RBI-single to shortstop to bring home Armstrong following a wild pitch.

Continuing its dominance in the postseason, Missoula's bullpen protected the lead down the stretch. Austin Mason tossed 1.1 scoreless innings before Cody Clark dealt a scoreless seventh. Gabriel Moya retired the side in order, including posting a pair of strikeouts, in the eighth, ultimately handing the ball over to Keegan Long in the ninth.

Long's outing was delayed slightly as a power outage hit Missoula, but after the lights came back on, Long took to the mound and retired the side to ensure the Championship. Amalani Fukofuka flew out to centerfield on the first pitch of his at bat for the final out, sending the Osprey racing onto the field in celebration.

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