Owlz find solace at home
There is nothing like home cooking.
After losing six straight on the road, the Orem Owlz have turned things thanks to some talented young arms and hot bats to led them to a 12-1 win over Idaho Falls Saturday and a two-game win streak.
It was a classic display of timely hitting and good pitching. The Owlz recorded 17 hits with a mix of singles, doubles, and even a triple, as well as five home runs by five different players to score their 12 runs.
While there were runs scored, they had all they needed after the second inning. Owlz third-round pick Nick Maronde from the University of Florida got the start. Maronde just finished playing in the College World Series, where they came up just short in the finals against South Carolina. He came in throwing some heat and kept the Chuckars in check.
“Maronde came in and did well. He just came off playing in the world series so he’s had some throwing,” said manager Tom Kotchman. “It all starts with pitching. You get Odom last night and our guys tonight to pitch well and you can come out of a slump.”
After scoring on a solo home run with the leadoff batter last night, Idaho Falls went on a 16-inning scoring drought before getting a run in the top of the ninth tonight.
Ryan Jones got things started with a triple in the first. First-round pick C.J. Cron grounded out for the RBI to get a run on the board.
Idaho Falls came in to this series leading the league in batting, but the Owlz have found a way to keep men off the bases and out of scoring position. When the Chukars did have runners on, they could not capitalize, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 men on base.
Orem found more than enough in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run by catcher Francis Larson. There were also home runs by Andrew Ray (two-run), Ryan Jones (two-run), and a monster shot over the second fence in deep left field by C.J. Cron, giving the Owlz back-to-back home runs.
The scoring onslaught continued in the bottom of the third with a three-run bomb by Taylor Lindsey. They tacked on insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings, respectively.
In a game that was evenly played, Jared Yakubik stood out. He went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. He was in the middle of a lot of not only offense, but defense as well. He started the game at first but moved to left field to make room for Frazier Hall.
“I played first base all through high school and college, so I’m real comfortable there,” said Yakubik. “But I’ll play wherever they need me. I feel comfortable in left field, right field, just wherever they want me to play.”
The win puts Orem back at .500 on the year and in sole possession of second place, trailing only the Ogden Raptors.
Idaho Falls 000 000 001 — 1 9 0
Orem Owlz 163 101 000 — 12 17 0