Brewers Held To Four Hits In Loss

Facing the league ERA leader, the Helena Brewers (20-32, 5-9) were held to just four hits in an 11-2 loss to the Orem Owlz (36-15, 11-4) on Wednesday night at Kindrick Legion Field.
The Brewers runs came in the ninth inning. Facing a shutout, KJ Harrison and Gabriel Garcia both walked, bringing up Jose Gomez with two outs. On a 3-2 pitch, Gomez doubled down the line, scoring both runners to make it 11-2.
Against Owlz right-hander Elvin Rodriguez (5-1), Helena managed to tag the All-Star for just two hits. The Brewers put a man on base in each of the five innings that Rodriguez pitched, but hit into three double plays that eliminated the threat.
Orem jumped out to an early lead in the second inning with a double from Stephen Kerr and a single by Torii Hunter Jr. Jr., giving the Owlz a 2-0 lead. The visitors extended their lead with a four-run third that started with four consecutive singles. A sacrifice fly brought in another run, and after allowing a fielder's choice and a walk loaded the bases, starter Gabe Friese (0-1) was lifted from the game. Reliever Brandon Presley walked the next batter to force in a run and balked to score another, giving the Owlz a 6-0 lead.
The Owlz tagged on a run in the fifth, two in the seventh and one in the eighth. Brewers pitching walked 11 batters, but only one of them came in to score.
Helena concludes their series with Orem on Thursday night at 7:05 PM. The Brewers send RHP Nelson Hernandez (5-2, 5.29) to the mound against Owlz RHP Christopher Molina (0-0, 9.82). It's St. Paddy's Day in the Summer, where all fans wearing green receive $2 off admission at the gate. Green beer, Irish Dancers and special jerseys will all be part of the festivities as well. On Thirsty Thursday, draft beers and fountain sodas are $2, courtesy of Gary's Auto Plaza. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, over the phone at (406)-495-0500 or online at helenabrewers.net.