Editor’s Note: Helena Brewers Press Release
HELENA — The Helena Brewers offense came back to life last night with a game defining three run fifth inning, but fell flat tonight against the Missoula Osprey, falling 2-0. Helena’s offense managed just three hits, as the Osprey bullpen retired the final ten Brewers they faced. With the loss, the Brewers (6-5) now fall 1.5 games back of Missoula (7-3) in the division.
The only scoring in the ballgame came in the top of the first. Helena starter Aaron Ashby (L, 0-1) issued a one out walk to Cesar Garcia, and walked Zack Shannon with two outs. Zac Almond singled to right, scoring Garcia, and a bobble from right fielder LG Castillo allowed Shannon to score.
Missoula starter Pedro Zorrilla (W,1-1) allowed a leadoff single in the first to Yeison Coca, but then retired the next six he faced. Je’Von Ward began the third with a sharp single to left, but Jose Sibrian immediately erased Ward by hitting into a double play. Zorrilla didn’t allow another hit in the game, finishing his five scoreless innings with no walks and three strikeouts.
Ashby exited in the second inning with the bases loaded for Scott Sunitsch, who got Buddy Kennedy to fly out to center to end the inning. Sunitsch, Austin Rubick, and Jenri Montas combined to pitch 7.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and despite issuing nine walks as a staff, the only two runs to score came in that first inning. Missoula stranded 12 runners on base and went 1-10 with runners in scoring position.
The effort was for naught, as Missoula’s bullpen pitched four scoreless innings to complete the shutout. Bryan Menendez got the final three outs for his first career save.
Helena looks to split the four game series tomorrow with first pitch at 7:05 PM. Max Lazar makes his third start of the season, seeking his second win. Marcos Tineo takes the ball for Missoula. Get your tickets now by visiting the ticketing page of helenabrewers.net.
