Fresno Inferno Engulfs Sky Sox, 14-4
May 3, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1) - Colorado Springs Sky Sox News Release
The Fresno bats were the story of the night at Security Service Field on Monday, as an offensive onslaught downed the Sky Sox by a score of 14-4.
Leading the charge was Fresno right fielder Joe Borchard, finishing 5-for-6 with a home run and six RBI, completing the cycle in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run shot to left off Sox' reliever Edgmer Escalona. Borchard's five hits helped set the mark for hits against the Sky Sox this year at 18.
The Grizzlies got out to a quick lead in the top of the first, plating five runs while batting around in the opening frame. Fresno second baseman Brock Bond led off the game with a single, while a Mike McBryde base-hit and Buster Posey walk loaded the bases for Borchard. Ripping a line drive to deep right-center, Borchard's triple cleared the bases, giving the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead with just one out. A subsequent double and a single later in the inning pushed the lead to 5-0.
The offenses were quiet through the third as the pitching staffs got a rare moment of respite. The Sky Sox' Kurt Birkins settled down after his rough first inning, facing just six batters in the second and third before being pulled for Damian Moss in the fourth.
The lull wouldn't last long, however. Extending their lead to 6-0 in the fourth, the Sky Sox finally broke through the shutout in the bottom half of the inning on a Jay Payton ground out RBI. Fresno would tack on another run in the sixth to make the score 7-1.
Though the Sky Sox clawed back to within 9-4 in the bottom of the sixth, the Grizzlies ended any hope of a late-inning rally, putting up five in the top of the eighth on five hits and a walk - extending the deficit to 14-4.
Sky Sox starter Kurt Birkins (0-1, 14.54) took the loss while Fresno's Eric Hacker (5-0, 1.63) notched his fifth win of the season. With the defeat, Colorado Springs falls to 13-11 while the Grizzlies improve to 16-8. The Sky Sox will send right-hander Chaz Roe (1-3, 4.94) to the mound tomorrow to take on Fresno's Joe Martinez (1-0, 3.60). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 3, 2010
- Rainiers Edge Portland in Series Opener - Portland Beavers
- Aces Rally for 8-7 Victory over Las Vegas - Reno Aces
- Astros Make Roster Moves - Round Rock Express
- Fresno Inferno Engulfs Sky Sox, 14-4 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Express Snap Nashville Streak, 8-3 - Round Rock Express
- Sounds Lose to Express, 8-3 - Nashville Sounds
- Zephyrs Fall in Opener to Cubs - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Ottavino Pitches 'Birds past 'Topes - Memphis Redbirds
- Mother's Day 2010 is Pink Day at Cheney Stadium - Tacoma Rainiers
- Collmenter Named PCL Pitcher Of The Week - Reno Aces
- Boggs, Collmenter Take Advantage Of Opportunities, Win Weekly Honors - PCL1
- 2nd Season Of Silver State Diamond Challenge Begins Tonight In Reno - Las Vegas Aviators
- 'Topes Back In Action At Home With Four-Game Set This Weekend - Albuquerque Isotopes
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- Gordon, Aviles, Johnson, Humber Among Today's Moves - Omaha Storm Chasers
- .38 Special In Concert Friday, July 23 - Omaha Storm Chasers
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.
Other Recent Colorado Springs Sky Sox Stories
- Dodgers Force Sky Sox to Monday Division Decision
- Sky Sox Saturday Night Games Postponed Due to Heavy Rain
- Sky Sox One Win Shy of Clinching American North Division
- Sky Sox Final Regular Season Homestand Begins Tomorrow
- Sky Sox Catcher Christian Bethancourt Named to All-PCL Team