Rockies Sweep Past Osprey

Looking to avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Grand Junction Rockies (24-28), the Missoula Osprey (22-29) scored a pair of runs in the first, but surrendered one in the third and four more in the fourth as the Rockies captured the lead and held on the rest of the way to beat the Osprey, 6-4, on Sunday from Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

Yan Sanchez handed Missoula that early 2-0 lead, launching his fifth homer of the year out to left field off of starter Yohander Quintana.

A Grand Junction run in the third cut the deficit to one before the Rockies scored four times on three hits in the fourth, including a two-RBI single from Luis Brito, to claim a 5-2 lead.

The Osprey did manage to scratch two runs across in the sixth, cutting the deficit to one at 5-4, as Sanchez and Jacy Cave each doubled and scored. Sanchez finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored, the double, the homer and two RBI, while Cave went 3-for-4. The final Osprey run in the inning came in on an RBI-single from Kyle Smith that chased Quintana from the game, but the Rockies bullpen proved effective, leaving Quintana in line for his third win of the year.

JD Hammer entered with two out in the sixth and struck out Billy Endris, eventually finishing with 2.1 innings of work and five strikeouts before handing the ball over to closer Kenny Oakley. Oakley pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two, to earn his sixth save of the year.

Vince Fernandez led the way offensively for Grand Junction, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and a triple hitting out of the third spot in the order.

Luis Castillo, who was making his first start with the O's this year, was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on five hits over 3.1 innings. The decision dropped the right-hander to 0-3 on the year.

The Osprey will continue a seven-game home stand on Monday when they open a four-game home series with Orem at 7:05 p.m.