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Ogden Raptors break out for blowout win to finish series with NoCo Owlz

By BRETT HEIN - Standard-Examiner | May 26, 2024

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner

Ogden Raptors pitcher Rafael Vazquez throws a pitch against Northern Colorado on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Lindquist Field in Ogden.

After five consecutive losses to open the season, the Ogden Raptors broke out for five runs in the first inning of Sunday’s final game at Lindquist Field, leading to a 16-6 victory in the finale of a six-game series against the Northern Colorado Owlz.

At 1-5, Ogden resumes play Tuesday with the first of six home games against the Missoula Paddleheads (4-2), who outlasted Idaho Falls 21-18 in their series finale Sunday.

RAPTORS 16, OWLZ 6

In the second game of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon, Connor Bagnieski sparked Ogden with a two-RBI single and the Raptors were off and running. Chuck Steele capped a five-run first with an RBI single and Nick Ultsch added a solo homer for a 6-0 lead.

A Dario Gomez solo home run helped the Owlz cut it to 7-6 in the top of the fourth, chasing Ogden starter Rafael Vasquez. But the Raptors used the longball in the bottom of the fourth, a seven-run frame, to put the game away: Will Fuenning hit a two-run home run to center field and Chris Sargent later smacked a three-run homer to center.

Christian Griffin got the win on the mound in the shortened seven-inning game for Ogden, giving up two hits in two scoreless innings. Bruce Yamamoto and Quinn Waterhouse each threw a scoreless frame, with Waterhouse striking out two in the seventh.

Bagnieski drove in three and finished a homer short of the cycle. Ultsch hit 3 for 4 with three RBIs and four runs scored.

OWLZ 9, RAPTORS 2

Saturday’s rained-out game began Sunday’s doubleheader and Northern Colorado broke the game open slowly, drawing three bases-loaded walks as part of a four-run fourth inning.

Ogden pitchers struck out 11 batters in the seven-inning game, but also allowed 11 hits and issued seven walks.

Jackson Coutts and Kevin Jimenez each hit two doubles for the Owlz. Tyler Curtis got the win in a complete game for NoCo, striking out six and walking zero while allowing eight hits.

SUNDAY SCORES

Ogden 16, Northern Colorado 6

Northern Colorado 9, Ogden 2

Great Falls 17, Billings 13

Missoula 21, Idaho Falls 18

Boise 11, Grand Junction 3

Glacier 6, Oakland 5

Rocky Mountain 10, Yolo 7

Rocky Mountain 7, Yolo 5

PIONEER LEAGUE STANDINGS

Through games May 26

Boise 5-1

Northern Colorado 5-1

Billings 4-2

Glacier 4-2

Missoula 4-2

Rocky Mountain 2-1

Yolo 1-2

Great Falls 2-4

Idaho Falls 2-4

Oakland 2-4

Grand Junction 1-5

Ogden 1-5

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