Grand Junction's Breakthrough Seasons Ends in Disappointment

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — For the first time in the seven years since the Rockies moved their Rookie-level Pioneer League team to Grand Junction, the team advanced to the post-season this year.

The Grand Junction Rockies knocked off Orem in the first round, but couldn’t handle Great Falls, which swept the Rockies in two games in the best-of-three championship series.

Great Falls, which won the Northern Division first-half but managed to win only 12 games in the second half, took an early lead and held on for a 6-4 victory in the championship game on Thursday night. Great Falls won the opener, which was played in Grand Junction, 12-9.

Grand Junction starting pitcher Trent Fennel failed to retire a batter in the second inning, giving up four runs on five hits and two walks, striking out three — the only three outs he recorded. Great Falls led 5-0 by the end of the third inning.

Hunter Stovall was 2-for-5 with an RBI for the Rockies, and Niko Decolati was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored.