Orem Owlz open series by beating Ogden

OREM — The Owlz took the first step toward advancing in the 2009 Pioneer League playoffs with a 7-2 win over the in-state rival Ogden Raptors on Saturday night in the first game of the best-of-3 playoff.

Orem got on the board first when Travis Witherspoon blasted a solo homer to left field in the bottom of the first inning, but the Raptors took a one-run lead in the top of the fourth inning when Clay Calfee drove in Angel Songco with a single to left field, followed by an RBI-double from Nick Akins. The Owlz didn't allow the deficit to last for long, plating four runs in the fourth inning. Richard Cates started the inning off with a single to third baseman Brian Ruggiano, then quickly advanced to second on a throwing error. Carlos Ramirez and Dillon Baird were both hit by a pitch, loading the bases with no outs. Casey Haerther drove in Cates with a single to right field, then Michael Wing slapped a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Ramirez and moving Baird to thrid. Justin Bass added the final two runs of the inning with a triple to right field, bringing both Baird and Haerther home. Jon Karcich ended the inning when he hit a line drive to shortstop Pedro Guerrero, who turned it into a double play by tossing the ball to Ruggiano, catching Bass off of third base.

Stephen Locke earned the win for the Owlz, striking out five batters and walking just two in seven innings of work.

The Owlz will visit the Raptors Sunday night at 7 in the second game.