NoCo Notches Another Knockout Round Win after Clutch Ninth

GREELEY, Colo. -- On his very first day as an Owl, Liam Scafariello has already become a hero.

But he never would've gotten his cape if not for his teammates executing a narrow escape. Down 4-1 in the bottom of Friday's ninth inning, NoCo (9-11) knocked home three runs to give Scafariello his chance at knockout round glory.

Backs against the wall, the Owlz balled. They needed baserunners, and Ty Lewis became a very important one after reaching right away on a Grand Junction (10-10) error. Then, Robbie Kellerman walked. Another baserunner. And with one out, Jordan Garr got good wood on an outside pitch, driving an RBI single the other way for his biggest hit as an Owl so far. 

It scored Lewis from second. Kellerman scored from third the very next at-bat when Alex Jackson socked a sac fly to deep right center. 

That brought up primary-pitcher-turned-pinch-hitter Gaylan Young. And the now former knockout-round ringer couldn't have picked more massive moment for his first hit of the season. Young poked an RBI double down the first base line to complete the comeback and tie this thing up.

But the fight wasn't finished until the newest Owl powered his squad to its second knockout round dub this season. Like Young last week, Scafariello needed just one tater to do the trick. It only took a few swings before the confident Connecticuter connected and called game.

Lost in the excitement was starter Tanner Schoeninger's shove-job. The Fort Collins kid compiled a K count that became NoCo's highest in a game this season. Schoeninger shined for seven innings, now his personal best. He spun 10 strikeouts against two walks, and by allowing only two earned runs, he earned the first quality start of his pro career.

Schoeninger's start on Friday gave this group every chance to win. Chase Wilkerson walked a couple, but never let this thing slip away. Noah Parsons pitched a smooth 1.2 innings to keep it manageable.

But along the way, the Owlz offense never appeared able to keep pace.

A Brian Dansereau dinger did the only damage from NoCo's side until that fantastic final inning. He pimped a pitch from the Rockies' Roberto Baldenebro in the fourth inning for his third time going yard this year. 

Other than that, NoCo could never convert. Through the first eight innings, the Owlz were 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. It appeared Friday's conflict would be the second instance this series that lack of production in prime opportunities would cost them. 

But all of a sudden, they snapped out of it. They slapped the face of defeat. They sapped any negative feeling out of the midway point in this series. 

Now, Friday's fun gives way to Saturday's shot at keeping the good times rolling. 

Come experience a good time at Jackson Field for yourself! Saturday's first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. We'll see you there.