Owlz extend losing streak to 4 after marathon

OREM, Utah-The Orem Owlz dropped a marathon to the Grand Junction Rockies after a five-run 15th inning Friday. With the loss, Orem's losing streak extended to a season-high four games.

Trailing 2-1, the Owlz (36-34, 14-18) tied the game at two as Rey Navarro ripped a single to left field and L.J. Kalawaia came in to score.

With the game still tied in the bottom of the ninth, Sam McDonnell drew a one-out walk, but pinch hitter Jose Rojas grounded into a double play up the middle to send the game to extra innings.

McDonnell sparked the Owlz in the 12th with a leadoff bunt down the third base line for a single. Kalawaia shot a fly ball to center and as McDonnell came into third, the throw from center fielder Manny Melendez sailed wide of the third baseman Taylor Snyder. The ball rebounded off the wall in foul territory and McDonnell broke for home. Pitcher Matt Dennis corralled the ball and threw a strike to catcher Brian Serven, who tagged McDonnell out at the plate to extend the game.

Orem threatened again in the 14th as McDonnell drew a one-out walk, then advanced to third on a single to left center by Kalawaia. After Kalawaia stole second, Keith Grieshaber was called out on strikes and the Owlz missed another scoring opportunity.

After Orem pitching held the Rockies (34-35, 18-13) scoreless for 10 innings, they capitalized on the extra frame in the top of the 15th as Serven led off the inning with a single to left center. Melendez then drove a one-out single to the corner in left and Serven advanced to second. Jose Gomez loaded the bases as he hit a chopper to Franklin Torres at third, but he mishandled the ball as Serven approached from second. Torres regrouped but his throw to first was not in time.

Vince Fernandez gave Grand Junction a 4-2 lead with a double to the corner in right as Serven and Melendez came in to score. Roberto Ramos then blew the game open with a triple to right center and the Rockies were out of reach with a 6-2 lead.

The Owlz look to end their skid against the Rockies Saturday with a 7:05 p.m. MT start at the Home of the Owlz.