The Orem Owlz’ struggles continued as their lack of execution earned them another loss Thursday night. A hitting drought combined with good pitching from the Raptors resulted in a 9-2 route of the Owlz.
After starting the season winning six of seven, they have now lost three of their last four.
Stranding runners and a lack of coming through in the clutch ultimately crippled the Owlz’ chances of winning. In the second inning Orem had runners on first and third with no outs and failed to score a run.
“When you have a pitcher like him on the ropes, you have to capitalize,” Tom Kotchman said.
The lack of doing so led to a 5-1 deficit the Owlz were unable to overcome.
“When you have a pitcher like him on the ropes, you have to capitalize.” — Owlz manager Tom Kotchman
Aside from the offensive offense, starting pitcher Aaron Meade’s inability to adjust to hitters the second time at the plate cost the Owlz as well.
“The second and third time you see a hitter, they make adjustments and he needs to make them back. He needs to mix his pitches up better, especially when they are hitting,” Kotchman said.
The inability to make those adjustments led to five runs in just four and one-third innings. Meade also received little help from a bullpen that allowed similar numbers, in particular Erik Gregersen, who allowed four earned runs in one and one-third innings of relief. Gregersen also threw two wild pitches and a walk on three consecutive batters.
Despite the lack of official errors, the defensive effort and lack of execution also played a part in the loss, leading to numerous scoring opportunities for the Raptors. The seventh inning saw Charlie Mirabal reach first after third baseman Kaleb Cowart failed to field field a grounder. Mirabal then stole second before ultimately scoring. Both sequences saw Orem make the correct throw, only to miss the tag for the out.
The loss drops the Owlz into a tie with the Raptors for first place in the division, with the final game in this series to be played tomorrow at Orem.
Ogden 000 320 220 — 9 12 2
Orem 010 000 100 — 2 8 0
W: Gomez (3-0, 0.53) L: Meade (0-1, 8.25)
Loved the article. Too often these articles are dull re-hashes. Good job, Keil.