Now the Helena Brewers are playing for pride.

Eliminated from the Pioneer League's Northern Division playoff possibilities earlier in the week, the Brewers defeated the Missoula Osprey 4-3 Thursday at Kindrick Field.

After blowing a two-run, ninth inning lead in a loss to Great Falls the night before, Helena was a model of efficiency in their 12th victory of the second half.

The hosts were out-hit 8-7 by the Osprey, but made every base runner count, as they stranded only two men left on base all night.

Helena's crucial inning was the sixth, when with one down and leading 3-2, Chris Ellington laced a double to left field. Sean Halton then ripped another liner to left, driving home Ellington with what turned out to be the deciding run.

Halton was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double, but four runs were enough, thanks to the Brewers' pitching and defense.

Helena manager Rene Gonzales used five pitchers in the contest, with Del Howell starting. Howell went 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and one run.

Howell was relieved by, in order, Ryan Platt (1/3 inning, 0 hits), Adrian Rosario (3 1/3 innings, five hits, two runs), Matt Costello (1 1/3 inning, 0 hits) and Robert Currie (1/3 inning, 0 hits).

Platt earned the win, while Currie picked up the save.Eury De La Rosa took the loss.

Helena never trailed, leading 1-0 after two frames and 3-1 after four. The Brewers plated two runs in the fourth stanza, provided by three straight singles by Scott Krieger, Halton and Ellington, and an RBI groundout by Cutter Dykstra.

Ellington finished with a perfect 3-for-3 night at the plate, scoring twice, while Halton was 2-3, with a pair of runs batted in.

Halton upped his average to .353, which places him third in the Pioneer League batting race. Ellington's 17 doubles ranks tied for seventh in the league.

The Brewers committed just one error, compared to three for the visitors.

Ramon Castillo and Chris Owings had two base knocks each for the Osprey.

Helena is now 12-25 for the second half, with Missoula slipping to 18-19.

Tonight will be the season finale, as the Brew-crew hosts Missoula. Former Major League all-star Chris Capuano is scheduled to make his third rehab start for the Brewers.

Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net