Halloween came early this year as the Casper Ghosts faced off against the Orem Owlz Tuesday for the second game of this week’s four-game series.
The Ghosts got tricked this time, and it was a treat for Owlz fans who watched Orem trounce Casper 23-1.
Pitcher Pil Joon Jang had a lot to do with the trickery. He pitched nearly a perfect game and gave up only one hit and one walk while striking out three in six innings.
When asked about the possibility that such an outstanding pitching performance could be lost in the excitement of the offense, Owlz manager Tom Kotchman cut in quickly, “ No you don’t. That was an amazing performance.”
Jang got another surprise treat after the game, when Kotchman alerted him that he was being called up to Cedar Rapids, putting him one step closer to the big leagues.
“I had no idea this was coming right now,” Jang said. “It was a surprise.”
“It was great to just get the barrels on the balls and get some hits. It was a fun night.” — Owlz DH Jarrod Parks
Tuesday’s game had a little bit of everything: home runs, stolen bases, diving catches, and dominant pitching. The top of the first inning ended with a textbook 6-4-3 double play featuring Brandon Brewer, Taylor Lindsey and Frazier Hall.
Orem got the scoring started with an RBI double by Taylor Lindsey in the bottom of the first. He was followed by Frazier Hall, who fiercely fought off with five foul balls and advanced Lindsey to third on a fielders choice. Third baseman Kaleb Cowert singled on a sharply hit ball up the middle to score Lindsey.
Orem scored two runs or more in seven of the nine innings and four or more in four innings in a steady stream of solid at-bats, advancing runners and hard-hit, well placed balls.
Jarrod Parks exploded onto the scene tonight with two home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively, going 3-for-4 with threeruns scored.
“It was great to just get the barrels on the balls and get some hits. It was a fun night,” Parks said.
With plenty to be happy about after opening the season 2-0, it appears as though the Owlz team has already come together and formed some good chemistry.
“We have a great locker room,” Taylor said. “There are no problems on or off the field. We all get along and have fun.”
Lindsey (5-for-6 with one walk) tied a Pioneer League record by scoring six runs. Lindsey went on to say, “ It’s all about winning. If I do well, then hopefully it’s helping the team, but that’s the goal is just to win.”
The lone run for Casper came on a hit up the middle with the bases loaded. Reliever Daniel Vargas-Villa fielded the ball and threw home, but catcher Abel Baker failed to touch the plate, instead attempting to tag the runner. Baker dropped the ball, allowing the run to come across home plate.
So far this season the Owlz have showcased great young talent, offensively. It’s not just the bats however; the infield is making plays that look as though they have been together for years, and the outfielders are making highlight plays on hard-hit balls to the allies.
Brewer, who made his first start of the season at short stop, cited team chemistry and trust as the reasons for their early success.
“We all know that the others will be there to make the play,” Brewer said. “We all are comfortable with each other and this season is going to be fun.”
Casper 000 000 010 1 6 2
Orem 250 344 50x 23 26 1
W: Jang (1-0, 0.00) L: Fernandez (0-1, 30.00)
