Tuesday Sept. 13, 2011
Posted: 11:25 p.m.
WHITE SOXGreat Falls Rookie
Kevan Smith was the hottest player in the Pioneer League before a sore wrist sidelined him as the regular season drew to a close. There was some question as to how effective the catcher from Pittsburgh would be once the post-season began but Smith has been answering those questions with ease and Tuesday night was just the latest example.
Smith had a monstrous night as Great Falls squirted by Ogden in the opening game of the Pioneer League finals, 9-7, at Lindquist Field. The series shifts to Centene Stadium on Thursday for Game Two and, if necessary, Game Three on Friday.
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If Smith has another night like the one he had Tuesday then the Voyagers will make short work of the Raptors. Smith had four hits, including a homer, and four RBIs. His RBI single in the seventh snapped what had been a 7-7 tie. Smith also had a three-run homer in the fourth and finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Marty Medina hit the second of his two solo homers in the eighth to pad the Voyager lead. Mike Earley had a homer and drove in two as well.
Stew Brase picked up the win despite allowing a pair of runs on four hits over three innings of relief. Scott Snodgress started and allowed five runs on seven hits over three innings.The Voyagers have Pioneer League pitcher of the year Blair Walters 9-0 starting Game Two. Walters pitched 5 23 innings of shutout ball in defeating Missoula in the opening round.