Airhogs' rally falls just short

Published on June 6, 2008 under American Association (AA)
Grand Prairie AirHogs News Release


Pensacola, FL (06.06.08) - The Grand Prairie AirHogs mounted a furious comeback in the top of the ninth inning, but fell just short, 5-4, on Friday night against the Pensacola Pelicans. Traililng 5-0, the AirHogs led off the ninth inning with an infield single for David Espinosa. J.B.Tucker reached on an E-5 that put runners on first and second. Billy Munoz came up with the AirHogs first RBI on a ground rule double to center field. Grand Prairie trimmed their deficit to 5-2 on a wild pitch that brought in Tucker from third. The AirHogs were able to produce another run on an infield single to short, hit by Derek Nicholson that allowed Munoz to score. Grand Prairie added a fourth run on 6-3 putout that retired Carter, but brought in Edwin Maldonado. Down 5-4 and with Nicholson at third base representing the tying run, Paul Bartolucci grounded out to the pitcher to end the game.

Pensacola leapt on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. Rafael Alvarez drove a solo blast over the wall left field, giving the Pelicans the 1-0 lead.

The score shifted to 2-0 in favor of the Pelicans during the bottom of the fifth. With Jason Furrow on the mound and runners on first and third, Francisco Leandro came up with an RBI single through the right side to plate Cordova.

In the bottom of the sixth the Pelicans added a run on a fielders choice RBI by Chris Reynolds to short, scoring Matt Pali from third base. Pensacola left the bases loaded to end the frame.

Rafael Alvarez added his second solo blast of the evening in the bottom of the sixth inning, pushing the Pelicans lead to 4-0. With runners on second and third, Reynolds blooped a pop into shallow center with the infield in, dropping in and allowing Billy Cox to score the fifth run.

Justin Garcia (2-1) lasted just 4.1 innings for the AirHogs. He allowed two runs on three hits with five walks and one strikeout.

Zach Cline (2-1) pitched an eight inning gem for Pensacola. The lefty allowed no runs on two hits with two strikeouts and three walks. Dustin Cameron earned his ninth save. He pitched one inning and allowed just one hit.

The Airhogs will continue a three game series with Pensacola on Saturday. First pitch is set for 6:05 PM.

For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972)504-9383.

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