9th Inning Push Falls Just Short in 8-6 Defeat
Sparks Tallies 5 Hits in Losing Effort Thursday
Missoula, MT- The Missoula PaddleHeads seemingly had Idaho Falls Chukars reliever John Nunnally on the ropes in the bottom of the ninth inning coming down the stretch. The PaddleHeads saw a pair of runs come into score on 2 wild pitches sparking a rally in the frame. After that sequence, 2 runners would advance into scoring position on another wild pitch with 1-out recorded. This meant the PaddleHeads would have 2 chances to tie the game or take the lead in the clutch spot. Despite this, Nunnally would reign it in just in time to hold the line down the stretch.
With runners at second, and third, Nunnally would be able to hold off the 9th inning surge by retiring McClain O'Conner, and Cameron Thompson. In the process the Chukars would hang on to win their first game of this series by a final tally of 8-6.
After trailing in the early going, Idaho Falls would grab the lead for the first time in the third inning thanks to a 4-run rally. After an RBI single from Steve Barmakian, Jose Reyes would deliver the big blow with a 2-run shot that put the Chukars out in front 4-1. The former PaddleHead would strike again in the next half inning with a single that plated a pair to make the score 6-3. Missoula's offense would show fight, but never would be able to grab the lead coming down the stretch. Reyes finished the night 3-for-5.
Lamar Spark did his part keeping the PaddleHeads in the game in an outstanding night at the plate. The Texas native would give Missoula their only lead of the game, starting things out in the bottom of the first with a solo home run to make the score 1-0. The former Orioles product struck again in the third with a 2-run double which would cut the Chukar advantage to 4-3. However, the offense would struggle to find much success till the 9th after this point, allowing the Chukars to hold off the late push. Sparks finished 5-for-5 with 3 RBIs in the loss.
Missoula would have their opportunities to do more damage in specific innings but would see the big swing elude them at times stranding 9 runners on base. In the 5th, the first 2 batters of the frame would reach base in what looked like a promising inning. A double play would take some of the wind out of the sails however as Victor Rodriguez would be able to work his way out of the jam. Missoula would also strand runners on in scoring position in the sixth, and seventh innings failing to score in either frame.
Nathan Alexander would keep the PaddleHeads within striking distance in 2 ⅔ innings of work in the loss. Alexander would only allow 1 base runner in that stretch in nearly 3 innings of scoreless action. It would prove to not be enough however as Missoula's comeback attempt in the 9th would fall just short.
The PaddleHeads (53-21) will look to get back to their winning ways to open the weekend Friday night in game 4 opposite the Chukars (41-34). Action from Allegiance Field at Ogren Park is set to begin at 7:15 p.m. If you cannot make it to the ballpark, hear all the action on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.
