Back-and-Forth Affair Claimed by Blasters in Texas
June 24, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
In a game where momentum swung back and forth, it was the Joplin Blasters that struck last, and decisively so. Cory Morales hit a go-ahead single in the top of the eighth, and the Blasters claimed a 6-5 victory over the Texas AirHogs at AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie on Friday night.
The Blasters started early, scoring their first run in the game's opening frame. Mitch Glasser opened the game with a single, and Geraldo Valentin followed suit to put runners on first and third. Valentin proceeded to break for second, creating an intentional rundown that allowed Glasser to score and placed him on second base.
Joplin's lead was increased to three runs in the top of the third. Axel Johnson was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and stood at first with one out. Valentin hit his first triple of the season, ripping a ball to right field that eluded the dive of the Texas outfielder. Charlie Valerio extended his hit streak to 15 games, hitting a single that drove in Valentin and stretched the Blaster advantage to 3-0.
A home run in the bottom of the third began to swing the momentum in Texas' direction. After the first hitter of the inning was retired, Juan Sanchez hit his sixth home run of the season to put the AirHogs on the board.
In the bottom of the fourth, Texas continued their surge with two more runs, tying the game. The rally came entirely with two outs, and was started by a double from Michael Valadez. Walks to Michael Hur and Sanchez loaded the bases, and Burt Reynolds evened the contest with a two-run single.
Texas then took the lead in the sixth inning with another pair of runs. Cody Lenahan hit a leadoff double, and the bases would again be loaded after Hur was walked and Sanchez was hit by a pitch. Reynolds was also hit by a pitch for his third RBI of the game. The AirHogs took a 5-3 lead when Austin Gallagher hit a sacrifice fly that plated Hur.
Glasser provided the clutch hit in the top of the seventh to tie the game again, this time at five. Jesus Solorzano and Sergio Leon stood on second and third with two outs, reaching on a hit by pitch and a fielder's choice, respectively. Glasser took the second pitch of his at bat and singled in both runners before being tagged out at second.
With one out in the top of the eighth, Joplin launched the rally that would prove decisive. Valerio recorded his second single of the game, and moved to third when Willie Cabrera doubled down the left field line. Morales provided the game-winning hit with a single to center, scoring Valerio. Cabrera was caught also trying to score, but the Blasters had all the runs they would need.
Victor Capellan earned his first save of the season, tossing a scoreless ninth inning. The game ended when Capellan struck out Lenahan, and Valerio picked Brian Bistagne off of first base.
Jose Ortega was the winning pitcher for Joplin, relieving Alex De La Cruz, who struck out ten hitters in his team debut. Tyler Ihrig gave up Morales' game-winning hit and was charged with the loss.
The series between the Blasters and the AirHogs will be completed on Saturday with a doubleheader at AirHogs Stadium. Patrick Mincey and Josue Montanez will be the starting pitchers for Joplin, with the first game set to start at 5:05 p.m.
American Association Stories from June 24, 2016
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- Goldeyes Fall in Tight Series-Opener - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Back-and-Forth Affair Claimed by Blasters in Texas - Joplin Blasters
- Gary Scores Early and Often in Series-Opening Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Rally Late, Fall in Extras - Wichita Wingnuts
- Lang Comes in Clutch in X's Victory over Wichita - Sioux City Explorers
- Hamburger Dominates, Tsamis Wins 900th as Manager, Saints Beat Goldeyes 3-2 - St. Paul Saints
- Canaries' Blunders Doom Birds in 4-1 Loss - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Saints Ink First Team All-Midwest Region, MIAC Pitcher of the Year, St. Thomas' Eric Veglahn - St. Paul Saints
- Wingnuts Game Notes: June 24 vs. Sioux City - Wichita Wingnuts
- Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short in Kansas City - Joplin Blasters
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
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