Osprey Top Owlz, 7-1, Two Games Out of First

The Osprey began an eight-game home stand with a 7-1 win over Orem Wednesday night. The Missoula win moves them just two games out from first, with Idaho Falls falling to Ogden. RHP Patrick McGuff earned his third win on the year, striking out seven batters in seven innings, in front of a home crowd over 1,700 people.
1B Spencer Brickhouse mashed his first professional home-run in the bottom of the first inning, and the Osprey never turned back. LF Tristen Carranza also homered for the first time professionally, sending a solo shot in the bottom of the 7^th inning over the right-field wall. Carranza's on-base streak now reaches 21 games.

The top four Missoula hitters combined for a 7-13 night with six RBI. 3B Jose Reyes set the tone at the top of the order on a 2-4 night, scoring twice and stealing a base.
McGuff stumbled only once in his seven innings, giving up a solo-home run to Orem SS Jeremiah Jackson, who now holds a league-high nine homers. On his way to strike out seven, McGuff's season total climbs to 35 K's, the highest in the league.
"I'm having the most fun with this team that I ever have professionally," McGuff said post-game.
The game felt most at-stake in the top of the 8^th for Osprey right-handed reliever Ryan Fritze with Missoula up 4-1. The Owlz had the bases full with two away, but Fritze would hold the lead with two strikeouts.
With Idaho Falls facing three more games against the Raptors, the top team in the South, an Osprey push feels eminent, with 14 of the next 17 games coming at Allegiance Field at Ogren Park.  
The home stand continues Thursday night, with game two of four between Orem and Missoula beginning at 7:05pm. A four-game showdown will proceed vs Ogden.
A fun weekend will kick off with a Stadium Happy Hour on Thursday, a Jack's Pub Friday Night Party, and our first Timberjacks Saturday of the 2019 season.
Don't miss out on the Brewmasters Brewfest, taking place at the stadium all weekend long, from July 12-July 14. Twelve additional craft beers from local vendors and breweries will be added to Jack's Pub, 54 beers on tap, in total. Get to the ballpark early for Jack's Pub Friday Night Party on July 12, beginning at 4pm, to enjoy special happy hour discounts on food and beverages, and watch the Osprey take their pre-game batting practice.
All Osprey game tickets can be purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.