In the opener of a two-game series with the Missoula Osprey (27-31, 8-12), the Helena Brewers (21-37, 6-14) were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities in an 8-4 loss on Tuesday night at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fourth, outfielder Tristen Lutz walked
In the opener of a two-game series with the Missoula Osprey (27-31, 8-12), the Helena Brewers (21-37, 6-14) were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities in an 8-4 loss on Tuesday night at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.
Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fourth, outfielder Tristen Lutz walked in front of KJ Harrison, who popped a home run over the right field wall, his sixth of the season, to give Helena a 2-1 lead. The next three batters reached on a single, an error and another single, setting the stage for Helena to extend their lead. Nick Roscetti bounced a ball to third, legging out a fielder's choice while the force was recorded at home plate. The next two batters, however, struck out swinging, ending the Brewers chance to score again.
Missoula responded immediately with a five-run bottom of the fourth to reclaim the lead. Facing reliever Cameron Hanes (0-3), the first two men reached on an error and a single before they were sacrifice into scoring position. Joey Rose doubled to drive in both runners, putting the Osprey back in front 3-2. Hanes hit the next batter and was lifted from the game for Robbie Hitt. Juan Araujo greeted the Brewers new reliever with a double to left, plating another run to make it 4-2. A fielder's choice and another double finished off the inning for the Osprey, putting them ahead 6-2.
The Brewers were forced to go to their bullpen early after starter Nelson Hernandez pitched just one inning. Hernandez exited the game for an undisclosed reason following the bottom of the first.
After Missoula added on runs in the sixth and seventh, Helena grabbed a run back in the top of the eighth but failed to drive in a runner from third with less than two-outs. The Brewers also scored a run in the ninth and had the tying run on deck when Jay Feliciano struck out to end the game. In total, Helena went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 men on base.
The Brewers conclude their series in Missoula on Wednesday night at 7:15 PM. Helena sends RHP Alec Bettinger (3-2, 5.74) to the mound against Osprey RHP Edgar Martinez (1-2, 6.75). The game can be heard on Newstalk KCAP 95.9 FM/AM 950, TuneIn Radio or the MiLB First Pitch App.
