Osprey quintet strikes out 20 Brewers

When it came to strikeouts, all five pitchers used by the Missoula Osprey pulled their weight Thursday night.

The Osprey recorded a team-record 20 strikeouts, including five apiece by relievers Matt Sample and Victor Lara, in a 6-5, 12-inning loss to the visiting Helena Brewers.

Making his professional debut, Taylor Siemens allowed one hit over three scoreless frames. The D-backs' 18th-round pick in this month's Draft fanned four before giving way to the bullpen.

Seth Simmons, who surrendered five earned runs over two innings, and Frank Santana each notched three strikeouts. Matt Sample recorded five of his six outs via strikeouts before Victor Lara whiffed five over the final three innings.

The previous team record was 19 strikeouts, established against Great Falls during the 2004 season.

Lara (0-1) allowed the go-ahead run in the 12th. Jason Rogers reached on shortstop Josh Parr's error, advanced to second on a sacrifice and took third on a wild pitch before scoring on Max Walla's single to left field.

Helena totaled 15 strikeouts, with Alan Williams fanning two in a perfect 12th for his second save. Jacob Barnes (1-0) coughed up a lead in the ninth but got the win after allowing a run on three hits in three innings.

Osprey left fielder Chris Ellison forced extra innings with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the ninth.