Raptors continue woes, give up lead to open home series against Grand Junction

The Ogden Raptors returned to Lindquist Field for the team’s only six-game homestand in July, but the club’s recent woes continued Tuesday night.
The walks problem that plagued Ogden early this season popped up again in the first game against Grand Junction, helping the Jackalopes rally from a 9-5 deficit and claim a 13-10 victory — giving the Raptors nine losses in their last 11 games.
Ogden (26-35, 4-9 second half) outhit Grand Junction (22-39, 7-6) by a 16-10 tally but Raptors pitchers issued seven walks to the Jackalopes’ one.
Sam Kuchinski got Grand Junction ahead 3-0 in the first with a three-run homer off the arm of Eli Elliott. But Ogden outfielder Pearce Howard launched a three-run homer of his own in the bottom half to cap a six-run frame, creating a 6-3 lead.
Kelly Dugan hit a two-run blast in the third for the visitors; Raymond Gil’s two-run home run in the bottom of the third pushed Ogden’s lead to 9-5.
Elliott couldn’t hold the lead in the fourth, surrendering a single and two doubles, then a two-run homer to Andres Rios to tie the game 9-9.
Jon Rice took the mound for Ogden in the sixth, walking three batters and hitting another. That allowed Grand Junction to take control 11-9, scoring on a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.
Elliott took the loss. Despite not pitching after the game was tied 9-9, Hunter Bryan got the win for GJ as the pitcher of record when the Jackalopes scored in the top of the sixth.
Cole Jordan hit 4 for 5 and scored two runs from the two-spot in Ogden’s order. Chris Sargent had three hits and drove in two.
Rios drew three walks and scored four times for GJ.
The two teams play again at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday.