Raptors split Double Header

After a loss, renowned NFL football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Oh no, we didn't lose, we just ran out of time." 
The same could be said for the raptors in the first game of the double header on Wednesday night. 

Due to the series opening game on Monday being rained out, the Raptors played half of a seven inning game on Tuesday night, and completed the other half on Wednesday afternoon. Then, later that evening, a second seven inning game was played and completed. 

In the first game, Helena scored 5 runs in the 1st inning. A lead off double by Ryan Aguilar was a sign of things to come. In the next at bat, a ground bunt attempt by Joantgel Segovia led to a throwing error by pitcher William Soto, allowed Aguilar to score, and Segovia to reach second. A wild pitch in the next at bat put Srgovia at third. Later that same at bat, Weston Wilson tripled to bring home Sergovia. An RBI single by Demi Orimoloye made the score 3-0. A line out by Nathan Rodriguez to Raptor center fielder Cody Thomas recorded the first out of the inning. Jonathan oquendo followed up with another single and reached second when Demi Orimoloye was thrown out at home trying to extend the lead. The sevnth batter of the inning Trevor Morrison singled and advanced Oquendo. A Coaching visit removed Wiliam Soto from the mound and replaced him with Gregor Mora. Facing the ninth batter of the inning Mora got Caleb Whalen flies out. However, the Brewers never scored again. 

The Raptors stormed back. In the third inning, Cody Thomas hit a two run homer to straight away center field to make the game 5-2. 

Jared Walker belted a 2 RBI single to score Ibandel Isabel and Gersel Pitre who had both singled on ground balls to the outfield. 

In the top of the seventh inning, the hopes of a comeback were dashed after all three hitters were sat down in order. 

Aaron Myers (1-0) got the win and Jairo Pacheco (1-4) recorded the loss.

The second game began with ominous dark clouds looming in the distance. However, it was the Raptors bats that brought the rain. 

Raptors Outfielder Cody Thomas hit an opposite field, 385 foot bomb to left field to lead off the game- it was also his second homerun of the day.

The Raptors tacked on three more runs in the second. Brock Carpenter and Gersel Pitre singled to set up a Jordan Paroubeck three run homer to left field, and the Raptors jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead. 

Of his huge bomb, Jordan said, "I knew I was going to be challenged with a good fastball. I got into a good hitter's count, and I was looking for a pitch on the outer half. When I got that fastball I was looking for, I just put my best swing on it."

"Earlier in the season I struggled, but right now I feel like everything is clicking together." Continued Paroubeck, "Everytime I step into the box I look at my bat and tell myself 'be here now' and then I have my approach based on the pitcher and I go from there."

The Brewers answered with a solo home run by Nathan Rodriguez. 

Mitchell Hansen opened the third inning with a walk. Keibert Ruiz then celebrated his first homer with a two run jack to right field. Brock carpenter then doubled to right field and then scored on a Gersel Pitre single to left. 

Helena answered with one run of their own later that inning when Weston Wilson hit a sacrifice fly to score Caleb Whalen.

The Raptors then added one more run in the fourth inning after a Gersel Pitre single to shortstop scored Cody Thomas. 

Helena trimmed the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth; one run scored on a RBI double by Ronnie Gideon, the other run was scored on a throwing error by Moisez Perez. 

In the seventh inning the raptors tacked on two more runs for good measure. Cody Thomas hit a routine groundball to second base, but a throwing error by Helena's Franley Mallen allowed Jared Walker and Jordan Paroubeck to score for the the final score of 10-4. 

Johan Diaz (2-0) got the win and Scott Serigstad (0-2) was credited with the loss. 

Quotable: When asked how the team has been able to click and gel recently, Pitcher Rob McDonell said, "Right now, everything has been clicking. Everything from the on-field stuff to the clubhouse, guys are getting along and getting to know each other better, and on the field everyone is working hard, coming in early to get work in before the game, and it's transiting to results on the field."

Neat-o stat: After starting the season 4-14, the Raptors have gone 13-7 over their last 20 games. If the Raptors continue to win about 65% of their games, they'll finish with a record of 41-34 which historically speaking, would give them enough wins to compete for first place in the Pioneer League South division. 

On Deck: The raptors will begin a three game home series against Orem tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00PM.