OGDEN — It took 13 innings, but the Orem Owlz finally beat the Ogden Raptors 5-4 Friday night at Lindquist Field, keeping them within one game of Idaho Falls for first place.
The loss dropped the Raptors back under .500 with a 5-6 record, but the Owlz improved to 7-4 and right on the tail of the Chukars who lead the Pioneer League South Division.
Peter Bourjos singled in Doug Reinhart in the top of the 13th to give Orem a one-run lead. The Raptors threatened in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at second and third with no outs, but Felipe Arredondo struck out three of the next four batters to end the game.
Carlos Medero had two singles and a walk to lead the Raptors. Peter Bourjos hit two singles, double and triple for the Owlz and Gordie Gronkowski added three singles and a walk for Orem.
In the top of the ninth, Bourjos once again helped Orem take a one run lead. He hit a triple and then scored on a bunt from Ryan Mount, giving the Owlz a 4-3 lead. But Jesus Soto then pulled Ogden even in the bottom of the inning when Ryan Rogowski scored on his single to right field, making the score 4-4.
Blake Holler picked up the win for Orem with Arredondo getting the save.
Garrett White was pegged with the loss for Ogden.
Jesus Rodriguez started for Ogden and last five innings, giving up only one run on five hits. His opposing starter, Trevor Bell also went five innings and gave up three runs on four hits.
Orem struck first in the second inning with a solo home run from Luis Rivera, his second of the year. But the Raptors answered in the bottom half of the inning with a three-run shot to straight-away center field by Rick Taloa, giving Ogden a 3-1 lead. It was Taloa' first home run of the season.
The Owlz didn't score again until the seventh. After Abel Nieves was walked with the bases loaded, Ogden pitcher Miguel Ramirez threw a wild pitch that allowed Doug Reinhart to score and tie the game 3-3.
Orem batters struck out 15 times in Friday's game. In their two-game series in Ogden, the Owlz struck out 27 times.
The game was delayed for about a half hour during the bottom of the sixth inning.
E-mail: bhinton@desnews.com