Voyagers’ power surge wasted in loss

MISSOULA – Four home runs weren’t enough for the Great Falls Voyagers to overcome Missoula on the road Friday as the Osprey took a 9-7 decision.

Missoula scored six runs in a disastrous eighth inning and again the plague for the Voyagers was unreliable bullpen pitching. Three of Great Falls’ four relievers surrendered runs, spoiling a solid six innings delivered by starter Brannon Easterling. Easterling scattered five hits and struck out four, allowing two runs.

Nick Parent, Jake Jarvis and Antionio Rodriguez all homered in the game for Great Falls; Parent went yard twice. Rodriguez and Parent both finished 2-for-4.

The Voyagers led 7-1 headed to the bottom of the sixth, but Missoula scored in the following three innings.

Braulio Ortiz entered to pitch for Great Falls in the eighth but left with an injury after serving up a leadoff walk. Mike Gomez, who took the loss, couldn’t find the zone either. Gomez walked three and gave up another pair of hits in the six-run frame.

The Voyagers return home on Independence Day for the fifth of six games in a row with Missoula. First pitch is at 7 p.m. with a fireworks show planned for after the game.