It was a pitcher’s duel early on as Owlz starter Gabriel Perez and Osprey starter Yoimer Camacho were dealing early. But with the Missoula defense failing them later in the game, the Orem Owlz were able to open up a lead in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings that the Osprey could not overcome, defeating them 6-1 in the first game of a three-game set.
Looking for his sixth win of the season, Perez had a stellar start, allowing five hits and only one run over seven innings. He also struck out seven in his performance and only walking one. He entered the game with a 4.55 ERA but lowered it to a 3.93 with the victory. He improved his record in the month of July to 5-0 and looks to continue his winning streak moving forward.
“This win is very important for me personally,” Perez said. “With this performance, my coaches see that what they teach me I use on the field. I do whatever my coaches tell me to do to improve my game. It’s good for my future”
Although the Orem offense was held in check most of the night, the Missoula defense couldn’t hold on to the ball, committing four errors on the night. But a win is a win and with the victory, the Owlz moved up within one game behind the first place Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League. Head coach Tom Kotchman is confident that the starting pitching on their team is what will help continue their ongoing success.
“I’ll take pitching and defense over offense anytime,” Kotchman said. “Our pitching will get better. We’re next to last in the league but it’s going to get better as we go on and we’re seeing signs of it right now.”
The Missoula Osprey allowed four unearned runs behind four errors. Starting pitcher Camacho only allowed one earned run in 5.1 innings, striking out two and walking one.
The Owlz will continue their series with Missoula tomorrow night before visiting the league leading Raptors of Ogden in a four-game set on Friday.
Alex Rivera
UVU Assistant Sports Editor
