Big Inning Derails Blasters in Loss to Saltdogs
July 9, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters saw an early 3-0 lead go by the wayside, surrendering seven runs in the final three innings in a 12-5 loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs on Friday night at Joe Becker Stadium. The Blasters have now lost 12 consecutive games.
Friday's game could not have started better for Joplin, getting a 1-2-3 top of the first inning before hanging a three-spot in the bottom half. Singles by Sean Smith and Oscar Mesa, as well as a walk to Edwin Gomez, loaded the bases with one out. In his second game with the Blasters, Brandon Tierney singled into left field for the first run of the game. Geraldo Valentin followed with a two-run single down the left field line before a double play ended the inning.
Lincoln quickly answered with a pair of runs in the top of the second, cutting Joplin's lead to one run. Brandon Jacobs clubbed a leadoff double, and a single by Luis Alen put two Saltdog runners aboard. Starter Carlos Fuentes retired the next two Lincoln hitters, but Ryan Wiggins singled into center to drive in both runners.
Mesa, who led the Blasters with three hits in the losing effort, singled and stole a base to lead off the bottom of the third. After the next two hitters were set down by starter and eventual winning pitcher Ryan O'Sullivan, Tierney drove in his second run on another RBI single, this one into center field.
A trio of two-out hits gave Lincoln their first lead in the top of the fifth. Austin Darby drew a walk, sandwiched between a popout and a groundout. With two away, Curt Smith hit a homer over the field wall, tying the game at four. Jacobs followed with a double, and scored the go-ahead run on an RBI single to right by Luis Alen.
The Blasters responded with a run in the bottom half of the frame to tie the game. Mesa again led off an inning with a single, and the outfielder moved to third base on a double by Charlie Valerio. With runners on second and third, Tierney added to his RBI total with a sacrifice fly into center. The newly-acquired infielder drove in three runs for the Blasters.
After the teams traded threats in the sixth inning, the Saltdogs surged for six runs in the top of the seventh. Three two-run hits by Jon Smith, Alen, and Wiggins drove in the runs, capped off by a two-run homer from Wiggins. The first two runs were charged to Roby Romero, who took his first loss in a Blasters uniform.
Lincoln capped off their night with a run in the top of the eighth on a sacrifice fly from Alen that scored Darby.
In the losing effort, rookies Alex Polston and Jack Wietlispach recorded their first career hits with singles.
The series between Joplin and Lincoln continues on Saturday, with former Major League pitcher Alberto Castillo climbing the mound for Joplin. The Blasters' anticipated Midget Wrestling promotion will occur before the game, with festivities kicking off around 6 p.m. The first pitch of the game is set for 7:05.
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American Association Stories from July 9, 2016
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- Early Ambush, Larkins Lead 'Dogs to Third Straight Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
- RailCats Can't Hold Lead, Fall 5-4 to Wingnuts - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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- Von Schamann Silences Canaries' Bats in 6-1 - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Hamburger Tosses Complete Game in 3-1 Win - St. Paul Saints
- Big Inning Derails Blasters in Loss to Saltdogs - Joplin Blasters
- Canaries Beat Goldeyes in Sioux Falls - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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