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Orem • The Orem Owlz try to stay alive Thursday night in their Pioneer League championship series against Billings.
The Mustangs took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with a 4-3 win in 11 innings on Tuesday.
Game 2 starts at 7:05 p.m. at Brent Brown Ballpark.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning of the opener, the Owlz scored a run on Bo Ways' squeeze bunt in the seventh to tie the game, 3-3.
From there, Orem and Billings battled into the bottom of the 11th, when the Mustangs used two errors by the Owlz to score the walk-off victory.
Garrett Boulware led off and reached on an error by Orem pitcher Zach Varela. Pinch-runner Shedric Long was bunted the second.
Cory Thompson's followed with an infield single, with Long staying at second. But he scored when Ty Washington was credited with another infield hit. On the play, Owlz' third baseman Raul Linares threw the ball away, allowing Long to score the winning run.
Billings' relief pitcher Conor Kraus got the win after allowing only one hit and striking out six batters over the final three innings. —
Pioneer League Championship Series Orem Owlz vs. Billings Mustangs
O Game 1 (Tuesday) • Billings 4, Orem 3 (11 innings)
Game 2 • at Orem, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Game 3 • at Orem, Friday, 7 p.m. (if necessary)