Aviators Get Ahead Early, Top Blacksnakes 6-5

June 6, 2007 - American Association (AA) - Coastal Bend Aviators News Release

June 5th - St. Joseph, MO

Pedro Flores pitched six strong innings allowing just one earned run, and improved to 2-2 on the season as the Coastal Bend Aviators defeated the St. Joe Blacksnakes 6-5. A 4-run top of the fourth was the difference in the ballgame as Coastal Bend sent eight men to the plate, collecting 3 hits and 2 base on balls off Blacksnakes starter David Glick to break open a 1-1 tie. With a makeshift lineup in the game due to injuries to two everyday players, it was pitcher Derrick Van Dusen's 2-RBI double that scored Grant Richardson and Steve Ketter to push the Aviators lead to 5-1. Van Dusen assumed the role of designated hitter when it was determined that 1B/DH Bryon Smith could not go due to a groin injury and 3B J.D. Foust would sit out as well. Foust will be checked out by a physician today to determine if he has a problem with his Achilles tendon that stems from a play in Monday night's ballgame versus St Joe.

Glick went just 3.1 innings in surrendering a total of 5 runs, of which 3 were earned. He took the loss (0-4) and was replaced by Dustin Bolton who allowed just 1 run on 3 hits in 5.2 innings. Bolton's work allowed the Blacksnakes to stay within shouting distance until the bottom of the ninth when they staged a two out rally against Aviators closer Tom Atlee. A 2-run HR by St Joe leftfielderPaul Weichard pulled the Blacksnakes to within a run, but Atlee struck out Dustin Yount to end the game.

With the victory , the Aviators avenged a 6-5 loss to the Blacksnakes in the previous night's contest. Coastal Bend's record now stands at 9-15. St Joe falls to 6-19. The teams play game 3 of a 4 game set Wednesday at 7:05pm. The game can be heard locally on KOPY 1070 AM or online.

• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...

American Association Stories from June 6, 2007

• Aviators Soar Past St. Joe, 8-5 - Coastal Bend Aviators
• American Association Recap - AA
• Sports Win Second Straight Over El Paso, 6-5 - El Paso Diablos
• Sports Defeat El Paso in 11 Innings - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
• Canaries Fall to Explorers, 9-2 - Sioux Falls Canaries
• Saints Lose to Saltdogs, 3-1 - St. Paul Saints
• Aviators Get Ahead Early, Top Blacksnakes 6-5 - Coastal Bend Aviators
• Pelicans Sign Steady Hitter and Infielder - Pensacola Pelicans

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 Coastal Bend Aviators Stories

• Aviators Grounded by Diablos, 6-2
• Aviators Sweep Pensacola 8-4
• Aviators Pounce on Pelicans
• Aviators Score 9th Inning Win Over Pelicans, 3-2
• Aviators Swept by Sports