As Provo enters July’s 90 degree oven, what a luxury it is to step into an air conditioned home, take a dip in a pool, or if desperation strikes, take a cold shower. Yet, of all the modern day cooling marvels, it seems there is nothing that can cool off the Provo Angels.
Utah County’s professional baseball team trounced the Great Falls Dodgers 9-1 Thursday, July 5, moving to 16-4 on the season. The victory was Provo’s fourth out of five games on their current road swing.
Following a shaky first inning, southpaw Jason Dennis took control. Dennis went seven innings, giving up only one run and two hits.
Dennis’ lone earned run came in the first inning. Following a leadoff walk, Jose Garcia cranked an RBI double to give Great Falls an early 1-0 lead.
Angel Manager, Tom Kotchman, said Dennis’ escape from the first inning was the key to Provo’s victory.
The Dodger’s lead was short lived, as Provo batters smacked 15 hits off Dodger hurlers. Maximo Pichardo, Greg Porter and Ed Welch each had two RBI’s. Porter’s RBI’s came on the game’s only home run, a 5th inning blast to right-center field.
Steven Shell and Kris Sutton emerged from the bullpen with strong outings to close the game. The trio of Angel pitchers held Great Falls to three hits.
Following the Angel’s lone loss during the preceding home stand, Kotchman said that for Provo to continue its success, other players would have to step up.
“We can’t rely on the same guys every night” Kotchman said.
Kotchman got support from nearly everyone during the game on July 5. Eight of Provo’s nine batters had at least one hit.
Kotchman doesn’t hesitate when ascribing the reason for his club’s quick start.
“The strength of our club has been pitching,” he said.
No matter how many wins the Angels stack up, it appears Kotchman may never be satisfied until the season’s last game is played.
“Things can change. Guys can get injured or called up. We can’t take anything for granted.”
