Owlz Sink Talons Into Brewers Early

Helena, MT - Slow starts have plagued the Brewers in recent games, and on Wednesday night the Orem Owlz jumped on Helena early, scoring five runs combined in the first two innings. The Brewers got to within two in the eighth inning, but couldn't push the tying run across, falling 8-6. Helena remains four games back of Billings for first place in the Northern division with 14 games left in the season
Orem sparked a two out rally with nobody out in the first, as D'Shawn Knowles drew a two out walk. Francisco Del Valle singled Knowles to second, and Connor Fitzsimmons singled Knowles home, making it 1-0 Owlz.
Helena tied the game with a run in the first but squandered an opportunity for more. The Brewers got the first four on, with the tying run scoring on a no out bases loaded walk from David Fry. However, Orem starter Hector Yan fanned the next three in order, keeping the game tied at one.
The Owlz took the lead again with a four run second inning, as a one out error stockpiled into a four run inning, with just two of the runs being earned. Orem extended their lead to 6-1 in the fourth on a solo homer from Kevin Maitan, his fifth of the year.
The Brewers began their comeback attempt in the bottom of the fourth on a solo home run from Connor McVey, his first of the season. In the fifth, the Brewers got to within three as LG Castillo got himself into a rundown with David Fry at third long enough for Fry to cross the plate, making it 6-3 Orem. Francisco Del Valle then extended the lead back to five for Orem with a two run double in the top of the sixth inning.
Helena got it back two four with an RBI ground out from David Fry in the seventh, and a Bryan Connell two run home run cut the Orem lead to two in the eighth. The Brewers got the tying run on with two out in the ninth, but a pop up from Jesus Lujano ended the game.
The Brewers seek the series split tomorrow against Orem at 7:05 PM. Michele Vassalotti goes for Helena, making his second start of the home stand. For tickets visit helenabrewers.net.