Owlz squeak by with soggy win, 8-7

After a brief rain delay, the Orem Owlz came out on top of the Great Falls Voyagers, squeaking by with a soggy 8-7 victory. The Voyagers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top half of the first, which is turning into a trend.  The second part of recent trends is that the Owlz bounce back and match the oppositions output, taking a 2-1 lead into the second inning.

Tonight’s offense was jump-started and carried by the trio of Jerod Yakubik, Abel Baker, and Frazier Hall.  Collectively, they went 7/12 at the plate, scored 3 runs, and batted in 6 runs.  Each player contributed 2 RBI and Yakubik and Frazier walked once apiece.

“The guy that really squared up the ball tonight was Yakubik, just line drive after line drive,” said Owlz manager Tom Kotchman.

For Yakubik it wasn’t just his offense.

“One things we have with Yakubik is he can manage first base defensively, and he plays a heck of a left field,” added Kotchman.”

“One thing we have with Yakubik is he can manage first base defensively, and he plays a heck of a left field,” added Kotchman.

Frazier Hall left the game as a precautionary measure with a minor pull, creating the need for Yakubik to fill in at first base.

Baker has been the main beneficiary of Francis Larson being called up to triple A, Cedar Rapids.  He has stepped up to the plate offensively, and is maturing into the role of managing a game.

Entering the ninth inning, the Owlz had a nice if not comfortable lead of 8-4.  Aaron Tullo, who has been a valuable piece to the pitching staff, was called upon to close out the game with three final outs.

There were two walks to start the inning followed by a hit-by-pitch to load the bases.  After getting a line out there was another batter hit by a pitch to bring home a run and advance all base runners.

Tullo was relieved by Kinzer, who got one out prior to giving up a two run single, closing the gap to 8-7.

With two runners on base and two outs, Kotchman called on lefty reliever Eddie Sipple to put out the fire.  The entire team breathed a sigh of relief as he struck out switch hitter, Keenyn Walker and doused the Voyagers hot streak to put a damper on their night and give the Owlz their second straight win.

Assistant Sports Editor Jake Partridge contributed to this article