AirHogs Cap Incredible Comeback in Walkoff Style
July 24, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The AirHogs completed an incredible comeback vs. the Sioux Falls Canaries at AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie Sunday, winning on a walkoff single by Devon Rodriguez in the bottom of the 10th inning after trailing 6-0 entering the bottom half of the 8th. The Canaries got to AirHogs starter Griffin Russell for 3 runs in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th. They would add another off relief man Cody Culp in the top of the 8th to build their lead to 6-0. The Sioux Falls attack was led by Darwin Perez, who reached base 5 times and scored twice, David Bergin, who reached 3 times and drove in 2, and Cameron Monger, who boarded 4 times, scored once and drove in a pair.
The comeback effort for the AirHogs began in the 8th. Pinch hitter Nick Akins laced an RBI double in that frame to score Mike Miller and Leon Byrd. The RBIs were the 3rd and 4th of the series for Akins.
After Trey Masek fired a scoreless top of the 9th, the AirHogs bats stayed hot. Facing reliever Madison Boer, Devon Rodriguez and Michael Hur each singled to start the bottom half of the final regular inning. Cody Lenahan then bounced into a fielder's choice before Cory Morales sent a ground rule double down the right field line to score Rodriguez. With 2 in scoring position and the score at 6-3, Juan Sanchez blasted his 8th home run of the season to tie the game at 6.
Masek stranded men on the corners in the top of the 10th, and in the bottom half, Akins led off with a double. Two batters later, Rodriguez became a hero by sending a line drive base hit to left center to score Akins and cap one of the most dramatic victories of the season for the AirHogs. It was the 4th time in 2016 the AirHogs have won in walkoff fashion at AirHogs Stadium, and the 2nd time on the homestand.
Masek, who joined the team June 21st, picked up his 1st win, while Boer, who returned for the 10th after allowing 4 runs in the 9th, took his 5th loss. The AirHogs (23-39) travel to Joplin to open a 3-game set tomorrow at Joe Becker Stadium. First pitch vs. the Blasters (20-42) is slated for 7:05 pm. RHP Matt Shepherd is expected to start for the AirHogs.
• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...
American Association Stories from July 24, 2016
- Robert Coe Ties Franchise Wins Mark in Wild 13-11 Victory - St. Paul Saints
- AirHogs Cap Incredible Comeback in Walkoff Style - Texas AirHogs
- Walk-Off Single Spoils Bircher's Gem - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Mederos' Big Day Gives RailCats 9-6 Win - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Blasters Can't Finish off Sweep; Lose Sunday Matinee in Wichita - Joplin Blasters
- Gary Holds off Late-Charging Saltdogs to Avoid Sweep - Lincoln Saltdogs
- McGovern Strikes out 10 in Rubber Match - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Wingnuts Game Recap: Chavez, Wingnuts Blast Joplin in Matinee - Wichita Wingnuts
- Explorers Get Swept By Redhawks - Sioux City Explorers
- RedHawks Sign Gilmartin, Release Sattler - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Blasters Clinch Series Victory with Shootout Win over Wingnuts - Joplin Blasters
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
