2005 Rookie Scoreboard: Helena

[645]

Helena 16 Missoula 3

[645]

Helena Top 1st

Darren Ford strikes out swinging.
Michael Bell grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Angel Salome homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.
John Alonso grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 1st

Travis Tully grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.
Pedro Ciriaco flies out to left fielder Stephen Chapman.
Bryan Byrne grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.

Helena Top 2nd

Bradley Willcutt reaches on throwing error by shortstop Pedro Ciriaco. Bradley Willcutt to 2nd.
Stephen Chapman grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Brendan Katin walks.
Kenneth Holmberg grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Bradley Willcutt to 3rd. Brendan Katin to 2nd.
Agustin Septimo singles on a line drive to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Bradley Willcutt scores. Brendan Katin scores.
With Darren Ford batting, Agustin Septimo steals (1) 2nd base.
Darren Ford grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 2nd

Joshua Terrell singles on a fly ball to left fielder Stephen Chapman.
Gregory Thomson lines out to center fielder Darren Ford.
Rusty Ryal grounds into double play, shortstop Michael Bell to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Bradley Willcutt. Joshua Terrell out at 2nd.

Helena Top 3rd

Michael Bell strikes out swinging.
Angel Salome grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
John Alonso flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson.

Missoula Bottom 3rd

Mike DeCarlo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Darren Ford.
Jayson Santiago singles on a line drive to right fielder Brendan Katin. Mike DeCarlo to 3rd.
With Ricardo Cruz batting, wild pitch by Robert Wooley, Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.
Travis Tully out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Brendan Katin. Mike DeCarlo scores. Jayson Santiago to 3rd.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a ground ball to third baseman Agustin Septimo. Jayson Santiago scores.
Bryan Byrne flies out to left fielder Stephen Chapman.

Helena Top 4th

Bradley Willcutt grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Stephen Chapman singles on a line drive to left fielder Travis Tully.
With Brendan Katin batting, Stephen Chapman steals (1) 2nd base.
Brendan Katin grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Kenneth Holmberg homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field. Stephen Chapman scores.
Agustin Septimo grounds out, second baseman Ricardo Cruz to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 4th

Joshua Terrell walks.
Gregory Thomson grounds into double play, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman Bradley Willcutt. Joshua Terrell out at 2nd.
Rusty Ryal singles on a line drive to right fielder Brendan Katin.
With Mike DeCarlo batting, wild pitch by Robert Wooley, Rusty Ryal to 2nd.
Mike DeCarlo grounds out, third baseman Agustin Septimo to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.

Helena Top 5th

Darren Ford singles on a line drive to center fielder Jayson Santiago.
Michael Bell hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by third baseman Rusty Ryal. Darren Ford scores. Michael Bell to 3rd.
With Angel Salome batting, wild pitch by Daniel Pohlman, Michael Bell scores.
Angel Salome walks.
John Alonso singles on a line drive to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Angel Salome to 3rd.
Bradley Willcutt singles on a ground ball to left fielder Travis Tully. Angel Salome scores. John Alonso to 3rd.
Pitcher Change: Lorenzo Church replaces Daniel Pohlman.
Stephen Chapman singles on a line drive to right fielder Gregory Thomson. John Alonso scores. Bradley Willcutt to 2nd.
Brendan Katin grounds into a force out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Ricardo Cruz. Bradley Willcutt to 3rd. Stephen Chapman out at 2nd. Brendan Katin to 1st.
Kenneth Holmberg pops out to second baseman Ricardo Cruz in foul territory.
Agustin Septimo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Bradley Willcutt scores. Brendan Katin to 2nd.
Darren Ford lines out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 5th

Jayson Santiago walks.
Ricardo Cruz singles on a line drive to right fielder Brendan Katin. Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
Travis Tully reaches on throwing error by second baseman Kenneth Holmberg. Jayson Santiago to 3rd. Ricardo Cruz to 2nd.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a line drive to left fielder Stephen Chapman. Jayson Santiago scores. Ricardo Cruz to 3rd. Travis Tully to 2nd.
Bryan Byrne strikes out swinging.
Joshua Terrell lines out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.
Gregory Thomson pops out to shortstop Michael Bell.

Helena Top 6th

Michael Bell flies out to left fielder Travis Tully.
Angel Salome singles on a line drive to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Angel Salome out at 2nd, right fielder Gregory Thomson to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.
John Alonso strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 6th

Pitcher Change: Steven Hammond replaces Robert Wooley.
Rusty Ryal strikes out swinging.
Mike DeCarlo doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Stephen Chapman.
Jayson Santiago strikes out swinging.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 7th

Bradley Willcutt doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago.
Stephen Chapman flies out to left fielder Travis Tully. Bradley Willcutt to 3rd.
Brendan Katin called out on strikes.
Kenneth Holmberg strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 7th

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Edwin Roman replaces Travis Tully.
Edwin Roman turns around to bat left-handed.
Edwin Roman grounds out, pitcher Steven Hammond to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.
Pedro Ciriaco strikes out swinging.
Bryan Byrne strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 8th

Defensive Substitution: Edwin Roman remains in the game as the left fielder.
Agustin Septimo grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Darren Ford singles on a line drive to left fielder Edwin Roman.
Michael Bell singles on a line drive to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Darren Ford to 2nd.
Angel Salome grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Ricardo Cruz to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Darren Ford to 3rd. Michael Bell to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ned Yost replaces John Alonso.
Ned Yost singles on a line drive to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Darren Ford scores. Michael Bell scores.
Pitcher Change: Miliade Venas replaces Lorenzo Church.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Carlos Gallardo replaces Bradley Willcutt.
Carlos Gallardo hit by pitch. Ned Yost to 2nd.
Stephen Chapman grounds out to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 8th

Defensive switch from designated hitter to designated hitter for Ned Yost.
Defensive Substitution: Carlos Gallardo remains in the game as the first baseman.
Defensive Substitution: Ryan Crew replaces second baseman Kenneth Holmberg, batting 8th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Osvaldo Diaz replaces Joshua Terrell.
Osvaldo Diaz grounds out, third baseman Agustin Septimo to first baseman Carlos Gallardo.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Joel Melendez replaces Gregory Thomson.
Joel Melendez called out on strikes.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Steve Mena replaces Rusty Ryal.
Steve Mena singles on a line drive to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Pitcher Change: Patrick Ryan replaces Steven Hammond.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Gerardo Bustamante replaces Mike DeCarlo.
Gerardo Bustamante grounds out, shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman Carlos Gallardo.

Helena Top 9th

Defensive switch from designated hitter to designated hitter for Osvaldo Diaz.
Defensive Substitution: Joel Melendez remains in the game as the right fielder.
Defensive Substitution: Steve Mena remains in the game as the third baseman.
Defensive Substitution: Gerardo Bustamante remains in the game as the catcher.
Brendan Katin walks.
Ryan Crew singles on a line drive to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Brendan Katin to 2nd.
Agustin Septimo grounds into a force out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Ricardo Cruz. Brendan Katin to 3rd. Ryan Crew out at 2nd. Agustin Septimo to 1st.
Darren Ford walks. Agustin Septimo to 2nd.
Michael Bell doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Brendan Katin scores. Agustin Septimo scores. Darren Ford scores.
Angel Salome singles on a line drive to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Michael Bell scores.
Ned Yost strikes out swinging.
With Carlos Gallardo batting, wild pitch by Miliade Venas, Angel Salome to 2nd.
Carlos Gallardo lines out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 9th

Jayson Santiago singles on a ground ball to pitcher Patrick Ryan.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.
Edwin Roman turns around to bat right-handed.
Edwin Roman grounds out, second baseman Ryan Crew to first baseman Carlos Gallardo. Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a ground ball to third baseman Agustin Septimo. Jayson Santiago to 3rd.
Bryan Byrne grounds into a force out, second baseman Ryan Crew to shortstop Michael Bell. Pedro Ciriaco out at 2nd.

[645]

Brewers pluck Osprey

The Helena Brewers still have a heck of a thing going against the Missoula Osprey.

Ten Brewers contributed to a 17-hit attack as the visitors powdered the O's 16-3 in the 2005 Pioneer League baseball opener at Play Ball Park.

Helena continued its mastery over the Osprey in front of 2,305 fans, second only to the 2,526 in last year's home opener and inaugural game. Last year, an almost entirely different bunch of Brewers won 14 of 16 against Missoula.

Catcher Angel Salome of New York City hit a solo home run in the first to start the rout. Second baseman Kenny Holmberg, a 22nd-round draft choice from NAIA power Embry-Riddle of Florida, smoked a two-run shot off the Osprey scoreboard in the fourth to keep it going.

Then came the fatal fifth.

The first five Brewers reached base to knock out Missoula's Dan Pohlman, who was making his first professional start after catching a lot and pitching a little out of the bullpen in Yakima last year. All five ended up scoring in a five-hit inning that made the score 10-2.

The first four Osprey reached base in the bottom of the same frame against Helena starter Robert Wooley. Shortstop Pedro Ciriaco, who finished the night 3-for-5, was the fourth and his bases-loaded single to left scored Jayson Santiago.

Wooley, just down from Class A West Virginia where he had a 1-5 record, faced a no-out, bases-loaded jam with the Osprey's No. 3, 4 and 5 hitters coming up. He struck out first baseman Bryan Byrne, retired designated hitter Josh Terrell on a soft liner, and got Greg Thomson to pop up on the first pitch to escape.

Missoula started its season with 11 hits off three Brewers pitchers but couldn't score in the final four innings against relievers Steve Hammond and Patrick Ryan.

Santiago, a left-handed hitter from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, collected two hits, two runs and a walk to begin his third stint in Missoula. Osprey catcher Mike DeCarlo also had a pair of hits, including his team's only extra-base rap, a double past third base in the sixth.

Six Brewers had at least two hits each. Salome led the way with three, including the home run and an RBI single in the ninth. The top three hitters in manager Ed Sedar's Helena lineup were a combined 7-for-15.

The same teams play the second of a four-game series Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

[645]

Helena 9 Missoula 8

[645]

Helena Top 1st

Darren Ford called out on strikes.
Michael Bell singles on a line drive to center fielder Joel Melendez.
Angel Salome grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz. Michael Bell to 2nd.
Matthew Gamel singles on a ground ball to left fielder Edwin Roman. Michael Bell scores.
Bradley Willcutt singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Matthew Gamel to 3rd.
John Alonso singles on a fly ball to center fielder Joel Melendez. Matthew Gamel scores. Bradley Willcutt to 2nd.
Stephen Chapman grounds out, second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz.

Missoula Bottom 1st

Pedro Ciriaco singles on a fly ball to left fielder Stephen Chapman.
Joseph Batten grounds into double play, pitcher Rafael Lluberes to shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman John Alonso. Pedro Ciriaco out at 2nd.
Gregory Thomson singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Joshua Terrell grounds out, third baseman Matthew Gamel to first baseman John Alonso.

Helena Top 2nd

Brendan Katin singles on a ground ball to third baseman Rusty Ryal.
Ryan Crew doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Brendan Katin to 3rd.
With Darren Ford batting, wild pitch by Derik Nippert, Brendan Katin scores. Ryan Crew to 3rd.
Darren Ford strikes out swinging.
Michael Bell grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz.
Angel Salome grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz.

Missoula Bottom 2nd

Osvaldo Diaz strikes out swinging.
Rusty Ryal singles on a line drive to center fielder Darren Ford.
Edwin Roman walks. Rusty Ryal to 2nd.
Jake Elder singles on a line drive to center fielder Darren Ford. Rusty Ryal scores. Edwin Roman advances to 3rd, on throwing error by third baseman Matthew Gamel.
Joel Melendez called out on strikes.
Pedro Ciriaco grounds out, pitcher Rafael Lluberes to first baseman John Alonso.

Helena Top 3rd

Matthew Gamel reaches on fielding error by second baseman Joseph Batten.
Bradley Willcutt grounds into double play, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz. Matthew Gamel out at 2nd.
John Alonso homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Stephen Chapman singles on a ground ball to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.
With Brendan Katin batting, Stephen Chapman steals (2) 2nd base.
Brendan Katin singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Stephen Chapman out at home on the throw, right fielder Gregory Thomson to catcher Jake Elder.

Missoula Bottom 3rd

Joseph Batten strikes out swinging.
Gregory Thomson singles on a fly ball to center fielder Darren Ford.
With Joshua Terrell batting, Gregory Thomson caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Bradley Willcutt to second baseman Ryan Crew.
Joshua Terrell strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 4th

Ryan Crew grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz.
Darren Ford walks.
With Michael Bell batting, Darren Ford steals (1) 2nd base.
Michael Bell pops out, pitcher Derik Nippert to second baseman Joseph Batten.
Angel Salome homers (2) on a fly ball to right center field. Darren Ford scores.
Matthew Gamel flies out to left fielder Edwin Roman.

Missoula Bottom 4th

Osvaldo Diaz singles on a fly ball to center fielder Darren Ford.
Rusty Ryal doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Darren Ford. Osvaldo Diaz scores.
Edwin Roman hit by pitch.
Jake Elder walks. Rusty Ryal to 3rd. Edwin Roman to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Christopher Jean replaces Rafael Lluberes.
Joel Melendez called out on strikes.
Pedro Ciriaco grounds into a force out, shortstop Michael Bell to second baseman Ryan Crew. Rusty Ryal scores. Edwin Roman to 3rd. Jake Elder out at 2nd. Pedro Ciriaco to 1st.
Joseph Batten lines out to center fielder Darren Ford.

Helena Top 5th

Bradley Willcutt flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
John Alonso doubles (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Stephen Chapman flies out to center fielder Joel Melendez.
Brendan Katin strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 5th

Gregory Thomson pops out to second baseman Ryan Crew.
Joshua Terrell flies out to center fielder Darren Ford.
Osvaldo Diaz singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Rusty Ryal strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 6th

Pitcher Change: Gregory Smith replaces Derik Nippert.
Ryan Crew singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Darren Ford strikes out swinging. Ryan Crew steals (1) 2nd base.
Michael Bell called out on strikes.
Gregory Smith intentionally walks Angel Salome.
Matthew Gamel strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 6th

Edwin Roman triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Jake Elder grounds out, third baseman Matthew Gamel to first baseman John Alonso.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jayson Santiago replaces Joel Melendez.
Jayson Santiago reaches on throwing error by third baseman Matthew Gamel. Edwin Roman scores.
Pedro Ciriaco flies out to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Joseph Batten walks. Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Dane Renkert replaces Christopher Jean.
Gregory Thomson walks. Jayson Santiago to 3rd. Joseph Batten to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Bryan Byrne replaces Joshua Terrell.
Bryan Byrne reaches on fielding error by shortstop Michael Bell. Jayson Santiago scores. Joseph Batten to 3rd. Gregory Thomson to 2nd.
Osvaldo Diaz strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 7th

Defensive switch from designated hitter to designated hitter for Bryan Byrne.
Defensive Substitution: Jayson Santiago remains in the game as the center fielder.
Pitcher Change: Vincent Bongiovanni replaces Gregory Smith.
Bradley Willcutt walks.
John Alonso singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Bradley Willcutt to 3rd.
Stephen Chapman walks. John Alonso to 2nd.
Brendan Katin grounds into double play, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz. Bradley Willcutt scores. John Alonso to 3rd. Stephen Chapman out at 2nd.
Ryan Crew flies out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 7th

Rusty Ryal strikes out swinging.
Edwin Roman singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
With Jake Elder batting, Edwin Roman steals (1) 2nd base.
Jake Elder walks.
With Jayson Santiago batting, Edwin Roman caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Bradley Willcutt to third baseman Matthew Gamel, Jake Elder to 2nd.
With Jayson Santiago batting, wild pitch by Dane Renkert, Jake Elder to 3rd.
Jayson Santiago singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ryan Crew. Jake Elder scores.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ryan Crew. Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
With Joseph Batten batting, wild pitch by Dane Renkert, Jayson Santiago to 3rd. Pedro Ciriaco to 2nd.
Joseph Batten singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin. Jayson Santiago scores. Pedro Ciriaco scores.
Pitcher Change: Richard Breshears replaces Dane Renkert.
Gregory Thomson grounds out, second baseman Ryan Crew to first baseman John Alonso.

Helena Top 8th

Darren Ford singles on a ground ball to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.
Michael Bell walks. Darren Ford to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Vince Davis replaces Vincent Bongiovanni.
With Angel Salome batting, throwing error by Vince Davis on the pickoff attempt, Darren Ford scores. Michael Bell to 3rd.
Angel Salome flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Matthew Gamel strikes out swinging.
Bradley Willcutt strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 8th

Defensive Substitution: Carlos Gallardo replaces first baseman John Alonso, batting 6th.
Bryan Byrne walks.
Osvaldo Diaz hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by pitcher Richard Breshears. Bryan Byrne to 2nd. Osvaldo Diaz to 1st.
Rusty Ryal strikes out swinging.
Edwin Roman hit by pitch. Bryan Byrne to 3rd. Osvaldo Diaz to 2nd.
Jake Elder strikes out swinging.
Jayson Santiago lines out to second baseman Ryan Crew.

Helena Top 9th

Carlos Gallardo pops out to second baseman Joseph Batten.
Stephen Chapman strikes out swinging.
Brendan Katin strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 9th

Pedro Ciriaco grounds out, shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman Carlos Gallardo.
Joseph Batten lines out to center fielder Darren Ford.
Gregory Thomson singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ryan Crew.
Bryan Byrne flies out to left fielder Stephen Chapman.

Helena Top 10th

Ryan Crew triples (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Darren Ford singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Ryan Crew scores. Darren Ford advances to 2nd, on fielding error by center fielder Jayson Santiago.
Michael Bell flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Darren Ford to 3rd.
Vince Davis intentionally walks Angel Salome.
With Matthew Gamel batting, Angel Salome picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Vince Davis to first baseman Osvaldo Diaz.
Matthew Gamel called out on strikes.

Missoula Bottom 10th

Osvaldo Diaz grounds out, shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman Carlos Gallardo.
Rusty Ryal doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Darren Ford.
Edwin Roman strikes out swinging.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Mike DeCarlo replaces Jake Elder.
Mike DeCarlo pops out to first baseman Carlos Gallardo in foul territory.

[645]

O's drop 2nd straight game to Brewers

For a brief moment it seemed the Missoula Osprey just might pull off their first win of the young Pioneer League season during Wednesday night's three-hour, 39-minute epic. Instead, the O's fell for the second times in as many games.

It took 10 innings at Play Ball Park, but the Helena Brewers thwarted a final Osprey threat and beat the home team 9-8 before 1,879 fans.



The loss dropped the Osprey to 0-2, but Missoula manager Hector De La Cruz saw improvement in his club's performance following a 16-3 drubbing at hands of the same Helena squad on opening night.

"Yeah, yeah. It was definitely a much better effort from last night," De La Cruz said. "They're coming around. I liked what I saw from them tonight and they will get their wins."

Missoula dug itself a hole early and it appeared Helena might echo its performance of Tuesday. The Brewers got to Missoula starter Derik Nippert for two runs in the top of the first, one each in the second and third frames and two more in the fourth to take a 6-1 lead.

"We got a little shaky in the beginning from our starter," De La Cruz said. "After that he settled down and the relievers mostly did a good job."

In fact Nippert (0-1) started getting ahead of hitters as early as the second inning. Despite allowing runs, Nippert tossed first-pitch strikes to 12 consecutive batters, a good sign he was gaining control.

A two-out, two-run home run by Helena designated hitter Angel Salome - his second of the season - staked the Brewers to a 6-1 lead after 3fi innings.

Helena first baseman John Alonso led the Brewers offense, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs.

But Missoula showed signs of life in the bottom of the fourth when first baseman Osvaldo Diaz leadoff with an single and was driven in by Rusty Ryal's double. Ryal, a 14th-round selection in this year's draft from Oklahoma State, came home on a fielder's choice, cutting Missoula's deficit to 6-3.

Trailing 7-5, the Osprey took their first lead of the season with a three-run burst in the bottom of the seventh. Three straight singles by Jayson Santiago, Pedro Ciriaco and Jo Jo Batten put Missoula ahead.

But the Brewers scored one in the eighth on a two-base error by Missoula pitcher Vince Davis to tie it 8-8.

With men on first and second, Davis relieved Vince Bongiovanni. Before he threw a single pitch, Davis attempted to pick Michael Bell off first. But his throw sailed past first and into foul territory in right field, allowing Darren Ford to score the tying run.

With the Osprey bullpen depleted, De La Cruz was forced to use Davis the rest of the way.

It stood knotted at eight until the 10th, when Brewers second baseman Ryan Crew began the frame with a triple. He came around on Ford's single, which eventually pinned the loss on Davis (0-1).

Davis, in his second year in Missoula, threw 3 1-3 innings, allowing just the two 10th-inning hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Despite the blemish on his record, Davis was easily the most effective of the O's four pitchers on the evening.

Missoula made one last charge in the bottom of the tenth. But after his one-out double, Ryal, who finished 6-for-6, was left stranded at second.

"These guys have a great attitude and they're starting to play together as a team," De La Cruz said. "They're excited to play together and they're going to play out this thing. They're all doing a good job. After the game we played last night and the way they played today... that's got to tell you something."

[645]

Brewers win in extra innings

For a brief moment it seemed the Missoula Osprey just might pull off their first win of the young Pioneer League season during Thursday night's three hour 39-minute epic. Instead, the O's fell for the second times in as many games.

It took 10 innings at Play Ball Park, but the Helena Brewers thwarted a final Osprey threat and beat the home team 9-8 before 1,879 fans.

The loss dropped the Osprey to 0-2, but Missoula manager Hector De La Cruz saw improvement in his club's performance following an opening night 16-3 drubbing at hands of the same Helena squad.

"Yeah, yeah. It was definitely a much better effort from last night," De La Cruz said. "They're coming around. I liked what I saw from them tonight and they will get their wins."

Missoula dug itself a hole early and it appeared Helena might encore its performance of Tuesday night. The Brewers got to Missoula starter Derik Nippert for two runs in the top of the first, one run in both the second and third frames and tallied twice more in the fourth to take a 6-1 lead.

"We got a little shakey in the beginning from our starter," De La Cruz said. "After that he stettled down and the relivers mostly did a good job."

In fact Nippert (0-1) started getting ahead of hitters as early as the second inning. Despite allowing runs, Nippert had a string of tossing first-pitch strikes to 12 conssecutive batters, a good sign he was gaining control.

A two-out, two-run home run by Helena designated hitter Angel Salome n his second of the season n staked the Brewers to a 6-1 lead after three and a half.

But Missoula began to show signs of life in the bottom of the fourth when first baseman Osvaldo Diaz leadoff with an single and was driven in by Rusty Ryal's double. Ryal, a 14th-round selection in this year's draft from Oklahoma State, came home on a fielder's choice, cutting Missoula's deficit to 6-3.

With the Brewers leading 7-5 after the top of the seventh, the Osprey took their first lead of the season with a three-run rally in the bottom of the seventh. Three straight singles by Jayson Santiago, Pedro Ciriaco and Jo Jo Batten put Missoula ahead.

But the Brewers scored one in the eighth on a two-base error by Missoula pitcher Vince Davis to tie it 8-8.

It stood that way until the 10th, when Brewers second baseman Ryan Crew started the frame with a triple and came home on Darren Ford's single.

[645]

Helena 17 Missoula 5

[645]

Helena Top 1st

Darren Ford triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Charlie Fermaint out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Darren Ford scores.
Angel Salome grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Matthew Gamel strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 1st

Jayson Santiago homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.
Pedro Ciriaco grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.
Gregory Thomson pops out to third baseman Matthew Gamel.
Bryan Byrne singles on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Rusty Ryal grounds into a force out, shortstop Ryan Crew to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg. Bryan Byrne out at 2nd.

Helena Top 2nd

Bradley Willcutt singles on a ground ball to second baseman Joseph Batten.
Stephen Chapman strikes out swinging.
Agustin Septimo grounds out, second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Bradley Willcutt to 2nd.
Ryan Crew singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Bradley Willcutt scores.
Kenneth Holmberg singles on a fly ball to left fielder Luis Lajara. Ryan Crew to 2nd.
Darren Ford singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Ryan Crew scores. Kenneth Holmberg to 3rd.
With Charlie Fermaint batting, Darren Ford steals (2) 2nd base.
Charlie Fermaint grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 2nd

Steve Mena flies out to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Luis Lajara grounds out, shortstop Ryan Crew to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.
Jake Elder flies out to left fielder Agustin Septimo.

Helena Top 3rd

Angel Salome doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Matthew Gamel strikes out swinging.
Bradley Willcutt grounds out, second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Angel Salome to 3rd.
Stephen Chapman reaches on fielding error by shortstop Pedro Ciriaco. Angel Salome scores.
With Agustin Septimo batting, Stephen Chapman steals (3) 2nd base.
Agustin Septimo strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 3rd

Joseph Batten walks.
Jayson Santiago flies out to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Pedro Ciriaco pops out to shortstop Ryan Crew.
With Gregory Thomson batting, Joseph Batten steals (1) 2nd base, . Joseph Batten advances to 3rd, on throwing error by catcher Angel Salome.
Gregory Thomson grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Bradley Willcutt.

Helena Top 4th

Ryan Crew singles on a ground ball to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.
Kenneth Holmberg singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Ryan Crew to 3rd.
Darren Ford walks. Kenneth Holmberg to 2nd.
Charlie Fermaint reaches on throwing error by pitcher Donald Julio. Ryan Crew scores. Kenneth Holmberg scores. Darren Ford to 3rd. Charlie Fermaint to 2nd.
Angel Salome singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Darren Ford scores. Charlie Fermaint scores.
Matthew Gamel grounds out, second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Angel Salome to 2nd.
Bradley Willcutt grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Angel Salome to 3rd.
Stephen Chapman walks.
Agustin Septimo reaches on fielding error by second baseman Joseph Batten. Angel Salome scores. Stephen Chapman to 2nd.
Ryan Crew flies out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 4th

Bryan Byrne hit by pitch.
Rusty Ryal hit by pitch. Bryan Byrne to 2nd.
Steve Mena grounds into double play, third baseman Matthew Gamel to first baseman Bradley Willcutt. Bryan Byrne out at 3rd. Rusty Ryal to 2nd.
Luis Lajara singles on a fly ball to center fielder Darren Ford. Rusty Ryal scores.
Jake Elder hit by pitch. Luis Lajara to 2nd.
Joseph Batten lines out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.

Helena Top 5th

Pitcher Change: Cody Evans replaces Donald Julio.
Kenneth Holmberg walks.
Darren Ford singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Kenneth Holmberg to 3rd.
Charlie Fermaint out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Kenneth Holmberg scores.
Angel Salome singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Darren Ford to 2nd.
Matthew Gamel walks. Darren Ford to 3rd. Angel Salome to 2nd.
Bradley Willcutt lines out to third baseman Rusty Ryal.
Stephen Chapman pops out to third baseman Rusty Ryal.

Missoula Bottom 5th

Defensive Substitution: Ned YostIV replaces right fielder Stephen Chapman, batting 6th.
Jayson Santiago walks.
Pedro Ciriaco reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by second baseman Kenneth Holmberg, assist to third baseman Matthew Gamel. Jayson Santiago to 2nd.
Gregory Thomson singles on a fly ball to right fielder Ned YostIV. Jayson Santiago scores. Pedro Ciriaco to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Tyler Morrison replaces Ryan Marion.
Bryan Byrne strikes out swinging.
Rusty Ryal grounds into double play, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to shortstop Ryan Crew to first baseman Bradley Willcutt. Gregory Thomson out at 2nd.

Helena Top 6th

Agustin Septimo doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago.
Ryan Crew flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson. Agustin Septimo to 3rd.
Kenneth Holmberg doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Luis Lajara. Agustin Septimo scores.
With Darren Ford batting, wild pitch by Cody Evans, Kenneth Holmberg to 3rd.
Darren Ford singles on a fly ball to left fielder Luis Lajara. Kenneth Holmberg scores.
Pitcher Change: Miliade Venas replaces Cody Evans.
Charlie Fermaint walks. Darren Ford to 2nd.
Angel Salome doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Jayson Santiago. Darren Ford scores. Charlie Fermaint scores.
Matthew Gamel grounds out, second baseman Joseph Batten to first baseman Bryan Byrne. Angel Salome to 3rd.
Bradley Willcutt grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 6th

Steve Mena doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Luis Lajara singles on a fly ball to right fielder Ned YostIV. Steve Mena scores.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Gerardo Bustamante replaces Jake Elder.
Gerardo Bustamante flies into double play, left fielder Agustin Septimo to first baseman Bradley Willcutt. Luis Lajara doubled off 1st.
Joseph Batten flies out to center fielder Darren Ford.

Helena Top 7th

Defensive Substitution: Joel Melendez replaces center fielder Jayson Santiago, batting 1st.
Defensive Substitution: Ricardo Cruz replaces shortstop Pedro Ciriaco, batting 2nd.
Defensive Substitution: Gerardo Bustamante remains in the game as the catcher.
Ned YostIV grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Agustin Septimo singles on a fly ball to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
With Ryan Crew batting, wild pitch by Miliade Venas, Agustin Septimo to 2nd.
Ryan Crew flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson in foul territory.
With Kenneth Holmberg batting, passed ball by Gerardo Bustamante, Agustin Septimo to 3rd.
Kenneth Holmberg singles on a ground ball to left fielder Luis Lajara. Agustin Septimo scores.
Darren Ford pops out to first baseman Bryan Byrne in foul territory.

Missoula Bottom 7th

Defensive Substitution: Carlos Gallardo replaces first baseman Bradley Willcutt, batting 5th.
Defensive Substitution: Bryan Opdyke replaces catcher Angel Salome, batting 3rd.
Joel Melendez strikes out swinging.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.
Gregory Thomson lines out to center fielder Darren Ford.

Helena Top 8th

Pitcher Change: Lorenzo Church replaces Miliade Venas.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Oscar Emeterio replaces Charlie Fermaint.
Oscar Emeterio grounds out, shortstop Ricardo Cruz to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Bryan Opdyke walks.
Matthew Gamel called out on strikes.
Carlos Gallardo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Joel Melendez. Bryan Opdyke to 2nd.
Ned YostIV called out on strikes.

Missoula Bottom 8th

Defensive Substitution: Michael Bell replaces shortstop Ryan Crew, batting 1st.
Defensive switch from designated hitter to designated hitter for Oscar Emeterio.
Defensive switch from shortstop to center field for Ryan Crew.
Pitcher Change: Wilfrido Laureano replaces Tyler Morrison.
Bryan Byrne doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Rusty Ryal lines into double play, center fielder Ryan Crew to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg. Bryan Byrne doubled off 2nd.
Steve Mena strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 9th

Agustin Septimo doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Joel Melendez.
Ryan Crew hit by pitch.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Brendan Katin replaces Ryan Crew.
Kenneth Holmberg singles on a fly ball to left fielder Luis Lajara. Agustin Septimo to 3rd. Brendan Katin to 2nd.
Michael Bell walks. Agustin Septimo scores. Brendan Katin to 3rd. Kenneth Holmberg to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Eduardo Baeza replaces Lorenzo Church.
Oscar Emeterio grounds into a force out, fielded by shortstop Ricardo Cruz. Brendan Katin scores. Kenneth Holmberg to 3rd. Michael Bell out at 2nd. Oscar Emeterio to 1st.
Bryan Opdyke strikes out swinging.
Matthew Gamel strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 9th

Defensive switch from right field to left field for Ned YostIV.
Defensive switch from left field to center field for Agustin Septimo.
Defensive Substitution: Brendan Katin remains in the game as the right fielder.
Luis Lajara walks.
Gerardo Bustamante singles on a ground ball to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg. Luis Lajara to 2nd.
Joseph Batten walks. Luis Lajara to 3rd. Gerardo Bustamante to 2nd.
Joel Melendez grounds into double play, shortstop Michael Bell to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman Carlos Gallardo. Luis Lajara scores. Gerardo Bustamante to 3rd. Joseph Batten out at 2nd.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.

[645]

Brewers rough up Osprey

To say the wheels have come off for Missoula's Pioneer League baseball team would imply the Osprey have ever had time to put wheels on.

Helena hijacked the Osprey for the third night in a row Thursday, this time in a 17-5 laugher at Play Ball Park. Announced attendance in the 3-hour, 38-minute game reached 2,002 n for awhile.

The Brewers lashed 20 hits, raising their three-game total to 53. They scored in every inning but the eighth, when Missoula's fourth pitcher, Lorenzo Church, struck out Ned Yost with runners on first and second.

Helena (3-0) turned five double plays, two of them on fly balls to the outfield with no outs, when Osprey base runners took off running.

Brewers leadoff hitter Darren Ford went 4-for-5 with three more runs scored, bringing his series total to eight. Catcher Angel Salome, who had a home run in each of the first two games, didn't go yard this pleasant summer night. Instead he hit two doubles, drove in four runs and finished the night 4-for-5.

Second baseman Kenny Holmberg, batting ninth in the order, was a perfect 5-for-5 with two runs batted in.

Missoula's starting pitcher was tattooed for the third straight night. Donald Julio, a third-year Osprey, surrendered nine runs on as many hits in four innings, although only six of the runs were earned.

The next three relievers were all touched for at least two runs. The highlight of the night for Missoula came in the ninth, when the outcome was a foregone conclusion. Right-hander Eddie Baeza, a draft-and-follow pitcher who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks hours before the deadline at the end of May, relieved Church with bases loaded and no outs.

Baeza got one out on a ground ball in which Brendan Katin scored Helena's final run. He then whiffed Bryan Opdyke and Matt Gamel for an impressive debut in professional ball. Baeza was a junior college All-America this spring for Valley College of Los Angeles, where he was as renowned for tape-measure home runs as his pitching.

The finale of the season-opening series between the Brewers and Osprey is Friday at 7:05 p.m.

[645]

Brewers bomb O's again

To say the wheels have come off for Missoula's Pioneer League baseball team would imply the Osprey have had time to put wheels on.

Helena hijacked the Osprey for the third night in a row Thursday, this time in a 17-5 yawner at Play Ball Park. Attendance in the 3-hour, 38-minute game was 2,002 - for awhile.

The Brewers lashed 20 hits, raising their three-game total to 53. They scored in every inning but the eighth, when Missoula's fourth pitcher, Lorenzo Church, struck out Ned Yost with runners on first and second.

Helena (3-0) turned five double plays, two of them on fly balls to the outfield with no outs, when Osprey base runners took off running on contact.

Brewers leadoff hitter Darren Ford went 4-for-5 with three more runs. He's scored eight times this week already. Catcher Angel Salome, who hit a home run in each of the first two games, didn't go yard on this pleasant summer night. Instead he hit two doubles, drove in four runs and finished 4-for-5.

Second baseman Kenny Holmberg, batting ninth in the order, was a perfect 5-for-5 with two runs batted in.

Missoula's starting pitcher was tattooed for the third straight night. Donald Julio, a third-year Osprey, surrendered nine runs on as many hits in four innings, although only six of the runs were earned.

The next three relievers were touched for at least two runs apiece. The highlight of the night for Missoula came in the ninth, when the outcome was long decided. Right-hander Eddie Baeza, a draft-and-follow pitcher who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks hours before the deadline at the end of May, relieved Church with bases loaded and no outs.

Baeza got one out on a ground ball in which Brendan Katin scored Helena's final run. He then whiffed Bryan Opdyke and Matt Gamel for an impressive debut in professional ball. Baeza was a junior college All-America this spring for Valley College of Los Angeles.

Tyler Morrison, Helena's second of three pitchers, earned the victory after relieving Ryan Marion in the middle of a fifth-inning jam. Morrison gave up just a run and two hits in three innings of work.

Marion danced in and out of trouble before his exit. Jayson Santiago greeted him in the bottom of the first with a leadoff home run to right field, Missoula's first of the season. It was also Santiago's first round-tripper in three seasons with the Osprey.

Marion hit the first two O's he faced in the fourth inning, Bryan Byrne in the helmet and Rusty Ryal in the ribs. He plunked catcher Jake Elder later in the same frame, tying a Pioneer League record. But Missoula squeezed just one run out of the inning, on Luis Lajara's RBI single.

Byrne had a single and a double to lead the Osprey attack. Lajara had two RBIs singles and a walk.

Osprey shortstop Pedro Ciriano had the fielding play of the game in the sixth inning. With a runner on third and two outs, Ciriano went deep in the hole to backhand a one-hop shot by Helena's Brad Willcutt, then skipped a long throw to Byrne at first to nip Willcutt.

Missoula finished with eight hits and maintained a batting average of above .300 for the week. But the base-running mistakes and three fielding errors, and especially a staff ERA that climbed to 10.60, made for another long night.

The finale of the season-opening series between the Brewers and Osprey is Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Notes: Helena's team batting average in the first three games is .393. Š The Brewers have beaten the Osprey 17 times in their last 19 meetings dating back to the start of last season. Š Missoula added pitcher Maels Rodriguez to its roster Thursday. The hard-throwing right-hander pitched for Cuba in a 3-0 loss to Ben Sheets and Team USA in the 2000 Olympics and defected in 2003. He was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 22nd round of this year's draft and becomes the first 25-year-old Osprey. Š The five double plays turned by Helena were one short of the league record, set by Medicine Hat in 1998 against Helena. ... A pitch by Church hit Helena shortstop Ryan Crew in the helmet in the ninth inning and Crew went down like a shot. He recovered enough to walk to the dugout.

[645]

Helena 5 Missoula 4

[645]

Helena Top 1st

Charlie Fermaint grounds out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Michael Bell called out on strikes.
Angel Salome pops out to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.

Missoula Bottom 1st

Jayson Santiago pops out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.
Pedro Ciriaco pops out to first baseman John Alonso in foul territory.
Gregory Thomson grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman John Alonso.

Helena Top 2nd

John Alonso pops out to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco.
Bradley Willcutt strikes out swinging.
Matthew Gamel grounds out, second baseman Ricardo Cruz to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 2nd

Joshua Terrell grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman John Alonso.
Bryan Byrne singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Rusty Ryal grounds out, catcher Bradley Willcutt to first baseman John Alonso. Bryan Byrne to 2nd.
Mike DeCarlo called out on strikes.

Helena Top 3rd

Brendan Katin grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
Agustin Septimo doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Travis Tully.
With Kenneth Holmberg batting, passed ball by Mike DeCarlo, Agustin Septimo to 3rd.
Kenneth Holmberg called out on strikes.
Charlie Fermaint singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Ramon (Perez) Sanchez. Agustin Septimo scores.
Michael Bell strikes out swinging.

Missoula Bottom 3rd

Ricardo Cruz doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
With Travis Tully batting, Ricardo Cruz advances to 3rd on a balk.
Travis Tully grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman John Alonso. Ricardo Cruz scores.
Jayson Santiago singles on a ground ball to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.
Pedro Ciriaco pops out to first baseman John Alonso in foul territory.
Gregory Thomson doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Brendan Katin. Jayson Santiago scores.
Pitcher Change: Derek Miller replaces Eric Thomas.
Joshua Terrell singles on a ground ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo. Gregory Thomson scores.
With Bryan Byrne batting, Joshua Terrell steals (1) 2nd base.
Bryan Byrne walks.
Rusty Ryal strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 4th

Angel Salome strikes out swinging.
John Alonso walks.
Bradley Willcutt flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson in foul territory.
Matthew Gamel flies out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 4th

Mike DeCarlo flies out to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Ricardo Cruz singles on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo.
Travis Tully strikes out swinging.
Jayson Santiago singles on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo. Ricardo Cruz to 2nd.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a fly ball to left fielder Agustin Septimo. Ricardo Cruz out at home on the throw, left fielder Agustin Septimo to catcher Bradley Willcutt.

Helena Top 5th

Brendan Katin homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Agustin Septimo called out on strikes.
Kenneth Holmberg hit by pitch.
Charlie Fermaint strikes out swinging.
Michael Bell grounds into a force out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to second baseman Ricardo Cruz. Kenneth Holmberg out at 2nd.

Missoula Bottom 5th

Gregory Thomson lines out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.
Joshua Terrell strikes out swinging.
Bryan Byrne flies out to left fielder Agustin Septimo.

Helena Top 6th

Angel Salome grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.
John Alonso called out on strikes.
Bradley Willcutt flies out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.

Missoula Bottom 6th

Pitcher Change: Ronny Malave replaces Derek Miller.
Rusty Ryal grounds out, shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman John Alonso.
Mike DeCarlo flies out to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Ricardo Cruz strikes out swinging.

Helena Top 7th

Pitcher Change: Matthew Green replaces Ramon (Perez) Sanchez.
Matthew Gamel singles on a fly ball to left fielder Travis Tully.
Brendan Katin strikes out swinging.
Agustin Septimo flies out to left fielder Travis Tully.
Kenneth Holmberg grounds into a force out, shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to second baseman Ricardo Cruz. Matthew Gamel out at 2nd.

Missoula Bottom 7th

Travis Tully walks.
With Jayson Santiago batting, Travis Tully caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Bradley Willcutt to shortstop Michael Bell.
Jayson Santiago grounds out, shortstop Michael Bell to first baseman John Alonso.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a ground ball to shortstop Michael Bell.
Gregory Thomson flies out to left fielder Agustin Septimo.

Helena Top 8th

Charlie Fermaint strikes out swinging.
Michael Bell walks.
With Angel Salome batting, Michael Bell steals (1) 2nd base.
Angel Salome walks.
John Alonso homers (2) on a fly ball to left center field. Michael Bell scores. Angel Salome scores.
Bradley Willcutt flies out to right fielder Gregory Thomson.
Matthew Gamel walks.
Pitcher Change: Vince Davis replaces Matthew Green.
With Brendan Katin batting, Matthew Gamel steals (1) 2nd base.
Brendan Katin strikes out swinging. Passed ball by catcher Mike DeCarlo. Matthew Gamel to 3rd. Brendan Katin to 1st.
Agustin Septimo grounds out, pitcher Vince Davis to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 8th

Joshua Terrell doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Charlie Fermaint. Joshua Terrell advances to 3rd, on missed catch error by first baseman John Alonso.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Joseph Batten replaces Joshua Terrell.
Bryan Byrne grounds out, second baseman Kenneth Holmberg to first baseman John Alonso. Joseph Batten scores.
Rusty Ryal hits a ground-rule double (3) on a fly ball to right-center field.
Pitcher Change: Joshua Louis replaces Ronny Malave.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Edwin Roman replaces Mike DeCarlo.
Edwin Roman pops out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg.
Ricardo Cruz pops out to second baseman Kenneth Holmberg in foul territory.

Helena Top 9th

Defensive switch from designated hitter to designated hitter for Joseph Batten.
Defensive Substitution: Jake Elder replaces catcher Mike DeCarlo, batting 7th.
Kenneth Holmberg flies out to center fielder Jayson Santiago.
Charlie Fermaint strikes out swinging.
Michael Bell grounds out, third baseman Rusty Ryal to first baseman Bryan Byrne.

Missoula Bottom 9th

Travis Tully grounds out, third baseman Matthew Gamel to first baseman John Alonso.
Jayson Santiago grounds out, pitcher Joshua Louis to first baseman John Alonso.
Pedro Ciriaco singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brendan Katin.
Gregory Thomson grounds out to first baseman John Alonso.

[645]

O's still sliding: Missoula remains winless as Helena sweeps series sweep

It'll go down as a gopher ball, the pitch that Missoula's Matt Green threw and Helena's John Alonso hit for a decisive three-run home run in the eighth inning Friday night.

It proved the difference in a 5-4 Brewers win and a four-game sweep of the season-opening Pioneer League baseball series at Play Ball Park.



But the Osprey were looking at big and even bigger pictures as they fondly bid the Brewers adieu.

Green, pointed out manager Hector De La Cruz, is a second-round pick who oozes potential. The Louisiana right-hander was making his professional baseball debut.

"Everything's there," said De La Cruz. "We've got to let him pitch. You've got to understand, we like to win but then also we like to develop."

Alonso's homer was just the fifth hit of the evening against a heretofore beleaguered Missoula pitching staff. The O's lost the first three games by scores of 16-3, 8-9 in 10 innings and 17-5.

Osprey starter Ramon Sanchez displayed a hopped-up fastball and went six full innings. The Brewers, who had 27 hits and 25 runs off Missoula starters in the first game, got only three and two off Sanchez, a 6-foot-3 right-hander from the Dominican Republic.

Southpaw Vince Davis finished the game for Missoula with a perfect final four outs. Shortstop Pedro Ciraco had his third multi-hit game with three singles, and three other O's had doubles as Missoula outhit Helena 12-5.

What's more, the Osprey backed up their moundsmen with their first errorless game.

"It was the best game of the series," said right fielder Greg Thomson, who had one of the doubles and owns a three-game hitting streak. "We played good defense, got big hits when we had to, and guys swung the bats well. Good pitching, too. We were close."

Still it was no cigar again. Helena has won 18 of its last 20 meetings with Osprey teams.

Alonso's clout came after Green, from Louisiana-Monroe, walked Mike Bell and Angel Salome with one out. A 19-year-old who hit seven home runs for Polk Community College of Florida this spring, Alonso hit his second in three games for Helena on an 85-mph sinker that didn't sink.

Brendan Katin, like Alonso a slugger from Florida, belted a tape-measure solo shot off Sanchez in the fifth inning that didn't miss the Clark Fork River by too far.

Missoula trailed 5-3 after Alonso's home run in the top of the eighth. The Osprey chopped one run off the deficit in the bottom of the inning when Josh Terrell singled to left, then escaped a jam between first and second when left fielder Agustin Septimo's throw skipped past two infielders, including Alonso at first base. He was assessed the only error of the game. Terrell scooted all the way to third base, then scored on Bryan Byrne's ground out to second.

Rusty Ryal followed with a ground-rule double, but Josh Louis came on to get the final two Missoula batters to pop out. Ciriaco singled with two outs in the ninth, but Thomson stung a grounder that tracked the foul line into Alonso's glove at first. He stepped on the bag to end the game.

"It's like I said before, as long as we get our pitchers ready to go, and it's going to take like a week, we're going to be all right," said De La Cruz. "We're going to play good defense, we're going to have a good offense, and pitchers are going to be the difference."

Notes: Billings comes to town for the first of two games Saturday at 7:05 p.m. The Mustangs will send lefty Brandon Camardese to the mound. A 34th-round pick in the June draft, Camardese was a teammate of both Katin (23rd round) for Helena and Osprey reliever Vince Boingiovanni (24th round) at the University of Miami. Š Helena's Ronny Malave got the victory, Louis the save.

[645]

Brewers continue winning streak

It'll go down as a gopher ball, the pitch that Missoula's Matt Green threw and Helena's John Alonso hit for a decisive three-run home run in the eighth inning Friday night.

It proved the difference in a 5-4 Brewers win and a four-game sweep of the season-opening Pioneer League baseball series at Play Ball Park.

But the Osprey were looking at big and even bigger pictures as they fondly bid the Brewers adieu.

Green, pointed out manager Hector De La Cruz, is a second-round pick who oozes potential. The Louisiana right-hander was making his professional baseball debut.

"Everything's there," said De La Cruz. "We've got to let him pitch. You've got to understand. We like to win but then also we like to develop."

Alonso's homer was just the fifth hit of the evening against a heretofore beleaguered Missoula pitching staff. The O's lost the first three games by scores of 16-3, 8-9 in 10 innings and 17-5.

Osprey starter Ramon Sanchez displayed a hopped-up fastball and went six full innings. The Brewers, who had 27 hits and 25 runs off Missoula starters in the first game, got only three and two off Sanchez, a 6-foot-3 right-hander from the Dominican Republic.

Southpaw Vince Davis finished the game for Missoula with a perfect final four outs. Shortstop Pedro Ciraco had his third multi-hit game with three singles, and three other O's had doubles as Missoula outhit Helena 12-5.

What's more, the Osprey backed up their moundsmen with their first errorless game.

"It was the best game of the series," said right fielder Greg Thomson, who had one of the doubles and owns a three-game hitting streak. "We played good defense, got big hits when we had to, and guys swung the bats well. Good pitching, too. We were close."

Still it was no cigar again. Helena has won 18 of its last 20 meetings with Osprey teams.

Alonso's clout came after Green, from Louisiana-Monroe, walked Mike Bell and Angel Salome with one out. A 19-year-old who hit seven home runs for Polk Community College of Florida this spring, Alonso hit his second in three games for Helena on an 85-mph sinker that didn't sink.

"It's like I said before, as long as we get our pitchers ready to go, and it's going to take like a week, we're going to be all right," said De La Cruz. "We're going to play good defense, we're going to have a good offense, and pitchers are going to be the difference."