Blasters Outdone by Laredo in Pitcher's Duel
July 30, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Joplin, MO-The Blasters had a three-game winning streak snapped in a 1-0 series-opening loss to Laredo Wednesday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
Joplin (33-27) has now been held scoreless by Laredo pitching for 28 consecutive innings. The Lemurs (35-28) have won nine of eleven games against the Blasters this season, including all four games played in Joplin.
The night's only run came in the top of the eighth on a solo home run to deep left into the bullpens off the bat of newly-acquired Chris Elder. Elder was just picked up by Laredo earlier in the day in a trade with Grand Prairie.
The Blasters missed two opportunities early in the contest as they left the bases loaded in both the first and second innings. Joplin starter Josue Montanez did not factor in the decision but pitched well in his third start of the season. Montanez lasted six-and-two-thirds and scattered five hits with two strikeouts. Reliever Carlos Fuentes suffered the loss. Fuentes (1-1) pitched one-and-a-third and gave up one earned run on two hits (home run) with one strikeout.
For the Lemurs, starter Henry Garcia posted the win. Garcia (3-4) worked seven scoreless innings and yielded five hits with three strikeouts and two walks. John Brebbia earned his 11th save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth. At the plate, Laredo outhit Joplin 7-to-5. Lemurs' catcher Brian Peterson had the only two-hit game for either side.
With the loss, the Blasters drop a half-game behind Laredo for second place in the South Division. Joplin sits one game back of Kansas City for the wild-card lead, while the Lemurs are only a half-game behind in the wild-card race.
Joplin plays game two of three against Laredo Thursday night at 7:05. The seven-game home stand also features a four-game set against Gary SouthShore. For 2015 ticket information and promotion specials at Joe Becker Stadium, call 417-622-4838 or visit the Blasters website at www.joplinblasters.com.
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