Four Homers and Four-Run Ninth Not Enough for NoCo Comeback

GREELEY, Colo. -- A furious four runs in the ninth couldn't complete NoCo's comeback, meaning its powerful approach couldn't quite match Rocky Mountain's persistent attack in Wednesday's loss.

The 9-8 loss means the Owlz (11-13) end their eight-game homestand with consecutive losses. The Vibes (6-19), on the other hand, have won back-to-back games for the first time this season.

This game got sandwiched by four-run innings. Rocky Mountain made use of four hits to score their four in the top of the first. After Wednesday, the Vibes have scored at least once in the top of the first inning in four of their six games against the Owlz.

NoCo needed to play catch-up after that fast four-spot, and its best shot came in the form of deep shots.

With four homers, the Owlz set a season-high for the most in a single game. Ty Lewis lifted his second slam of the season in the second inning. Jordan Garr's goner came in the third. Brian Dansereau drilled his deep fly in the fourth, giving him his team-best fourth four-bagger this season.

But there was one problem: all those shots were of the solo variety. The Vibes matched the Owlz most powerful three-inning stretch this season with a trio of their own runs, keeping the game out of the good guys' grasp.

It wasn't until NoCo nailed no-doubter number four that things really got interesting.

With the Owlz trailing by five runs, Lewis legged out a triple to lead off the bottom of the ninth. Robbie Kellerman reached on an error to score Lewis, and then Garr walked to join Kellerman on the bases. Alex Jackson's jack cleared them, sending his slam beyond the wall in left center to make it four runs scored in the ninth, and to make the Rocky Mountain lead just one run. 

But the Vibes survived after an Owlz strikeout a few at-bats later, ending an electric effort just shy of a complete comeback.

Speaking of electric, enter Jorge Leo (W, 1-0), who made his first start for Rocky Mountain a quality start. Across seven innings, he threw 80 pitches, striking out four, and those three NoCo solo shots became the only runs he allowed in this outing.

For the Owlz, only two arms appeared on Wednesday. Tanner Schoeninger (L, 1-1) made his fourth start this season, and his first since sustaining seven innings of his own and striking out 10 last Friday. On Wednesday, though, he gave up five earned runs throughout his five innings of work.

Noah Parsons pitched well in relief, fanning four of the 18 hitters he saw. He avoided disaster in three of his four innings, twice stranding a Rocky Mountain runner on third base. However, he did allow a homer in the top of the ninth.

It's also worth mentioning that the Owlz made four errors on Wednesday, the most they've made in a game since June 2, also against the Vibes. In this tiny two-game set against them, the Owlz committed seven errors.

Here's to that last-minute momentum creation carrying into the club's upcoming road trip. It's a long one. NoCo won't return home until July 6.

Until then, follow along on social media for all the coverage you could ask for.

Plus, tickets for the Owlz series starting July 6 are on sale now. Snag your seats today by visiting our ticketing page, presented by TicketSmarter.