With some much needed help from the bullpen, the Orem Owlz finished off their four game series sweep against the Idaho Falls Chukars with a 7-5 victory.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Chukars took the lead with their second two-run homerun of the night, making the score 5-4.
“I’m being very, very cautious with him. He’s got the chance to be something special.” — Kotchman on pitcher Junior Carlin
Owlz manager Tom Kotchman decided to bring in Junior Carlin to take over for starting pitcher Daniel Vargas-Vila, who gave up five earned runs in five and one-thirds innings of work.
Kotchman’s decision paid off.
Carlin, who played outfield in college, finished his short performance in the sixth and seventh innings without giving up a run while earning three strikeouts. He has yet to give up a run this season.
Despite Carlin’s solid performance, Kotchman said that he cut his perfect outing short because he wants his transition from outfielder to pitcher to be slow so he can slowly work up to longer outings on the mound.
“I’m being very, very cautious with him,” said Kotchman of Carlin’s short outing. “He’s got the chance to be something special.”
Danny Reynolds took over pitching duties in the eighth inning putting in 2 innings of work to finish out the game. Reynolds didn’t allow a run and threw one strikeout. Kotchman was pleased with the solid performances of his relievers.
“Carlin came in and throws his funky stuff up there for two-innings. Then Reynolds came in and he shut them down,” said Carlin. “That was good stuff.”
