Back-to-Back Homers in Ninth Stun AirHogs -- Fall to Cats 12-11

Published on July 11, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Grand Prairie AirHogs News Release


Grand Prairie, TX. Down by one in the ninth back-to-back Fort Worth homers silenced a crowd of 4,842 as the Cats snuck past the AirHogs 12-11.

Grand Prairie was unable to capitalize on six errors and ten free passes handed out by Fort Worth pitching despite getting out to an early lead. Jose Cordero went six innings allowing eight hits, and six runs while walking two and striking out three. Cat starter Ryan Trytten lasted only three innings throwing ninety-six pitches and walking eight batters while giving up three runs. Tyler Pearson picked up his second win of the year pitching an inning in relief while Pat Mahomes was tagged with his sixth loss and second blown save in as many tries.

The AirHogs got on the board first in the bottom of the first scoring a run on an RBI fielders choice by Cesar Nicolas.

They would tack on to their lead the very next inning when back-to-back walks to Ron Fenwick and Drew Holder were followed by an Aaron Garza bunt single to load the bases. Brandon Carter was then hit by the pitch to bring home a run. Nicolas followed with a walk pushing across another run to make it 3-0. Mike Conroy then lifted a sacrifice fly to left field to score Garza making it 4-0.

The Cats would tie the game at four in the fifth when Kelley Gulledge was hit by the pitch to begin the inning. Aljay Davis then grounded into a fielders choice erasing Gulledge. Brian Fryer followed with a single past the second basemen to put runners at first and second. Cameron Blair singled to left field to score Davis and Michael Bell tied the score with a two out three run homer.

The AirHogs answered back with four runs of their own in the bottom half of the frame. Ron Fenwick opened the inning with a walk and J.B. Tucker singled him to second. Drew Holder's sacrifice bunt put both runners in scoring position and Aaron Garza capitalized by singling Fenwick home to recapture the lead at 5-4. Garza stole second and Tucker scored as the throw to second sailed into centerfield. Brandon Carter singled on a ball back to the pitcher to put runners on the corners. Cesar Nicolas then reached on an error to the shortstop scoring Garza before Mike Conroy lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Carter doubling the AirHogs lead 8-4.

Fort Worth would chip away in the next two innings adding two runs on a Ryan Patterson homerun and a Cordero wild pitch with a runner on third in the sixth and scoring another on a passed ball in the seventh.

Grand Prairie would answer back in the bottom of the seventh when Drew Holder walked to start the inning and advanced to second on a wild pick off throw. Aaron Garza then reached on an error by the shortstop. Brandon Carter advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt and Cesar Nicolas came through with a two RBI double into the left center gap pushing the lead to 10-7. Mike Conroy then blooped a singled over the shortstops head. Nicolas advanced to third on a Javier Brito fly out and Chad Gabriel brought him home with a single past the diving shortstop.

The Cats would match that that performance in the eighth scoring three runs to make it 11-10. Kelley Gulledge walked and Aljay Davis was hit by the pitch to open the inning before Brian Fryer singled to load the bases. Gulledge then scored on a passed ball to make the score 11-8. A single by Michael Bell then brought the Cats to within a run.

Back-to-Back homers by Ryan Patterson and Kelley Gulledge Ryan Patterson stunned the AirHogs and gave Fort Worth their first lead of the game.

Nicolas finished the game with five RBI's and a hit, while Garza had four runs scored to go along with two hits and an RBI. Michael Bell led the way for Fort Worh with a four hit, five RBI performance and Ryan Patterson added his eighth and ninth home runs of the year, both solo shots.

The Grand Prairie vs. Fort Worth series continues tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m. for "Purple In The Park." The AirHogs will wear purple jerseys to raise money for the American Cancer Society. For tickets, call 972.504.9383 or visit www.airhogsbaseball.com.

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American Association Stories from July 11, 2009


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