Bats Explode to Lead Osprey to Series Win

OGDEN, UTAH - Behind 19 hits, four RBI from Francis Martinez, and Tyler Vail's first quality start of the season, the Missoula Osprey (13-12) routed the Ogden Raptors (12-13) by a final score of 12-7 on Friday night, helping Missoula keep pace in the North Division and clinch its first series victory away from home this season.

Just as they did on Thursday, the Osprey raced to an early lead, knocking Ogden's starting pitcher from the ballgame in the top of the first inning. Missoula plated three runs in the first thanks to an RBI-single from Andy Yerzy, a sacrifice fly by Gavin Stupienski, and a run-scoring single by Francis Martinez.
After Ogden responded with a single run in the bottom half of the first, Missoula scored once again in the third on back-to-back doubles from Juan Araujo and Andy Yerzy, widening their lead to 4-1. The RBI-double was one of three hits for Yerzy on the evening, as the Osprey had four separate batters notch three base hits.
The Raptors plated individual tallies in the third and fourth innings to pull within a run of Missoula. In the top of the fifth, the Osprey responded with a pair of runs, scoring once on a double by Gavin Stupienski that fell in left-center field and again on an RBI-single by Francis Martinez, extending their lead to 6-3.
While the game remained close through six innings, Osprey starter Tyler Vail enjoyed his best start of the season, working six innings in which he allowed just three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks, while striking out six. The quality start was Vail's first of the season, as it helped him earn his first win of the year.
Following Vail's exit, the Osprey exploded for three runs in both the seventh and eighth innings, capitalizing on a run-scoring triple by Will Gorman, a fielding error by Raptors' right fielder Starling Heredia, an RBI-single by Ernie De La Trinidad, and a two-run double by Francis Martinez. In total, the Osprey piled up 19 hits, including a minimum of one per starter and two or more for six separate players.
While Ogden staged a small rally in the ninth inning, plating three runs, the Osprey held on to comfortably win by a final count of 12-7, capturing the rubber match at Lindquist Field.
The Osprey return to action on Saturday night in the opener of a four-game series in Idaho Falls. First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. with the Mission Paint Pregame Show set to air at 6:45 p.m. on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.