Late Offense Propels Osprey to a Sunday Win in Idaho Falls

MISSOULA, MONT - It took until the seventh inning for the Missoula Osprey (16-14) to crack the scoreboard, but three runs in the final three innings propelled them to a 3-1 victory over the Idaho Falls Chukars (16-14) Sunday from Melaleuca Field. 

Idaho Falls plated its only run in the bottom of the first off Osprey starter Deyni Olivero (0-2). Tyler James drew a walk and scored when Reed Rohlman singled him home.
For the next five innings on the mound, Olivero locked in, striking out a career-high nine batters to finish the game with a six-inning performance. He walked none and surrendered just four hits. Jon Heasley (0-0) started for Idaho Falls, lasting five innings and allowing three hits. He did not give up a run while striking out three.
Missoula's offense went to work in the top of the seventh off reliever Domingo Pena (1-4). Zac Almond launched a towering solo home run to tie the game 1-1 heading into the ninth. Eddie Hernandez and Almond hit back-to-back singles to start the frame and paved the way for Zack Shannon. Shannon drilled a double down the left field line to put Missoula ahead for the first time. Alex King drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to make it a 3-1 game.
Justin Garcia (3-0) entered the game in the eighth for Missoula and tossed the ninth as well. The Chukars loaded the bases in the final inning against Garcia, but the righty retired Brady Cox to end the game and preserve the 3-1 Osprey win.
Leading the offense for Missoula was Almond, King, and Jesus Marriaga who each finished with two hits.
Missoula has held Idaho Falls to one run combined in the first two games of the series.
The series finale is Monday from Melaleuca Field at 7:00 pm. The Selway Armory Pregame Show begins at 6:45 p.m. on 102.9 ESPN Missoula and the MiLB First Pitch App.