Owlz begin 2010 season

The Orem Owlz, reigning Pioneer League Champions, began their 2010 season on the road on June 21.

The Owlz’s first matchup was with the Idaho Falls Chukars, playing a three-game series June 21-23, where the Chukars won the series two games to one over the Owlz.

June 24-25 saw the Owlz up against the Ogden Raptors in a two-game series with the Owlz coming out victorious in both games.

Fans packed into Brent Brown Ballpark on June 26 for opening day to see the Owlz take on Idaho Falls again in the first of three games. Fans got their money’s worth when the Owlz came from behind in the fifth inning, scoring five runs on four hits, to come within one run of the Chukars.

Orem would score once more in the bottom of the sixth. Both teams remained tied in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to put the game into extra innings.

In the top of the tenth inning, the Chukars couldn’t take the lead, giving the opportunity to the Owlz.

With Orem’s Wes Hatton on second base, Owlz left fielder Daniel Eichelberger hit a ground ball single to center field, bringing Hatton home and giving the Owlz the win. The cheering crowd came to their feet as the Owlz stormed home plate to celebrate as a team.

Immediately after the game ended, the ballpark went dark and fireworks lit up the night sky to give fans some post-game entertainment in celebration of opening day. Fans oohed and ahhed as the fireworks boomed colorfully in the sky.

Orem played Idaho Falls for two more home games June 28 and 29, each taking one game a piece.

The Owlz will return to their home field July 8-9 as they take on Idaho Falls in a two-game series, followed by a three-game series with Casper July 10-12.