Blasters Doomed by Big Inning in Loss to Laredo
June 24, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Joplin, MO-The Blasters gave up five runs in a difference-making fourth inning as they fell to Laredo 7-4 Tuesday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Lemurs (16-15) have taken the first two games of the series and moved within three games of first-place Joplin. Laredo opened the scoring for the second straight day with a single mark in the first. Abel Nieves slashed a one-out double to the gap in right-center. Kevin Taylor reached base on a fielder's choice and took second as Nieves was caught in a rundown between second and third. A single to center from Denis Phipps drove in Taylor for the game's first run.
The Blasters traded runs with Laredo in the third. Kevin Taylor reached on another fielder's choice and came around to score on a two-out double to left by Juan Silverio. Joplin cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning as Maikol Gonzalez reached with a lead-off single to center. Gonzalez stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. Mitch Glasser punched a line drive single to left that scored Gonzalez.
In the fourth, Laredo took control as nine men came to the plate. Luke Bailey singled to right to lead off the inning. Jarred Mederos followed with a single to left. Following a sacrifice bunt that moved runners up to second and third, Abel Nieves doubled to the gap in right-center for a 4-1 lead. Kevin Taylor then walked. Denis Phipps singled home Nieves. With two outs, Juan Silverio doubled to left for a 7-1 lead.
Joplin used back-to-back doubles by Steven Tinoco and Jake Taylor to lead off the bottom of the fourth and it was 7-2. The Blasters added a run in the sixth after Omar Luna led off with a single that deflected off the pitcher's glove. Luna stole both second and third and later scored on a ground out to short by Taylor. Joplin plated a ninth inning run after Taylor had singled to right leading off. He reached second on a wild pitch and came around to score the game's final run on a base hit to right by Gabe Suarez.
Laredo starter Matt Loosen earned the win on the mound. Loosen (2-2) went five innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Jon Jones took the loss for Joplin. Jones (0-1) pitched three innings and gave up four runs (three earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Lemurs outhit the Blasters 14-to-13. Juan Silverio went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a single, and three RBIs. Luke Bailey and Abel Nieves both posted three-hit nights as well. Nieves drove in two and scored one run. Denis Phipps finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run. For Joplin, Jake Taylor went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run. Maikol Gonzalez, Mitch Glasser, and Yenier Bello all had two hits in defeat.
Joplin concludes its three-game home series with South Division foe Laredo Wednesday night at 6:35. For 2015 ticket information and promotion specials at Joe Becker Stadium, call 417-622-4838 or visit the Blasters website at www.joplinblasters.com.
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