Raptors capitalize on Owlz's errors for win

OGDEN — The Ogden Raptors beat the Orem Owlz 11-7 by turning four eighth-inning Owl errors into seven runs to run away with an easy win.

Ogden sent 13 batters to the plate in the deciding inning.

"We just capitalized on their mistakes," manager Juan Bustabad said.

After scoring four runs in the first two innings, the Raptors could only muster two hits over the next five innings until they rallied in the eighth.

Justin Crist and David Sutherland both hit RBI singles and D.J. Jackson drew a walk with the bases loaded. Three other runs scored on errors by Orem. When all was said and done, Ogden led 11-5.

The Raptors had only four hits in their seven-run eighth inning. Orem added two runs in the top of the ninth on a long, two-run home run to left by Stantrel Smith. Ogden led 4-0 after the second inning, but allowed Orem to score five unanswered runs and take the lead.

"We got off to a good start," Bustabad said. "We swung the bat well, but they came back."

Trailing 4-3, the Owlz took the lead in the top of the sixth. Billy Boyer and Patrick Reilly led off the inning with back-to-back doubles which allowed Boyer to tie the game. Reilly scored three batters later on a wild pitch to give Orem a 5-4 lead.

Orem scored its first runs in the top of the third when Reilly hit a three-run home run. Hainley Statia and Dallas Morris led off the inning with a walk and a single to set up Reilly's towering shot to center field which cut the Ogden lead to 4-3.

The Raptors scored three runs in their first at-bat. David Sutherland started the rally with a double that scored D.J. Jackson. B.J. Richmond came up two batters later and drove in Sutherland with a single to right field. After Richmond stole second, James McDonald hit another single to right to score him and give Ogden a 3-0 lead. Crist would single in Shane Justis in the second inning and make the score 4-0.

Nathan Hochgesang gave up two runs on four hits in two innings to qualify for the win.

Friday night was Crist's last night with Ogden. Bustabad said he was called up to the Columbus Catfish for the remainder of the season.

Juan Apodaca was missing from the roster because he was called up to the Las Vegas 51s due to an injury to one of their catchers. Bustabad said Apodaca will only be gone 7-10 days.

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