Owlz back in Pioneer title series

OREM — Win or lose in this week's Pioneer League championship series with the Missoula Osprey, the Orem Owlz have already set the standard as the league's top franchise just by getting there.

In the franchise's nine years in Utah, the team has now played for seven league titles — winning the championship in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

This year's best-of-three title series begins tonight at Brent Brown Ballpark in Orem, where the Owlz host the opening game against the Osprey before traveling to Montana for the final one or two games on Friday and Saturday, if necessary.

The Owlz, who had a 31-7 second-half mark and a 51-25 overall record, won the Southern Division title by sweeping Ogden 2-0 last weekend. Orem, managed by veteran Tom Kotchman, led the league in team batting (.297 average), runs scored (484) and team pitching (3.83 ERA). Owlz first baseman Dillon Baird (.372) led the Pioneer League in hitting, while third baseman Casey Haerther (.350) was also among the league's top five hitters.

The Osprey, with an overall season mark of 40-36, won the Northern Division with a 2-1 series win over Great Falls. Missoula, an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit .271 as a team this season, scored 419 runs and had a team ERA of 4.17.

The long ball is the Osprey's strength, hitting 80 home runs to Orem's 43. They are led by two first-round draft choices — shortstop Chris Owings (41st pick) and third baseman Bobby Borchering (16th pick). Owings was 7-of-15 in the Great Falls series. Missoula first baseman Paul Goldschmidt led the league with 18 home runs, while outfielder Bobby Stone led the league with 68 RBIs.

Tickets for tonight's game are on sale for $1, and all fountain drinks will also only be $1. The Owlz are encouraging fans to wear red.

Pioneer League Championship Series

Orem Owlz (51-25) vs. Missoula Osprey (40-36)

(best-of-three)

Game one: Tonight, 7 p.m., Brent Brown Ballpark in Orem

Game two: Friday, 7 p.m,, Ogren Park, Missoula

Game three (if needed): Saturday, 7 p.m., Ogren Park, Missoula

e-mail: jimr@desnews.com