Blasters Drop AirHogs, Extinguish Losing Streak
July 25, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Grand Prairie, TX-The Blasters used solid pitching and a three-run fourth inning to help close the book on a nine-game road losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the AirHogs Friday night at The Ballpark at Grand Prairie.
Joplin (31-26) evened the four-game series at a win apiece and jumped back into second place in the South Division. Following three scoreless innings to start the night, the Blasters produced three runs on two hits in the fourth. Newly-acquired Jairo Perez started the inning with a line drive single smoked into center. Carlos Ramirez followed with a walk. With one out, Omar Luna loaded the bases with a bloop base hit to right up the line. Mitch Glasser then drove in the game's first run on a hit-by-pitch. With two outs, Gabe Suarez chopped a high ground ball up the third base line. The pitcher fielded it and made an errant throw home to allow Ramirez and Luna to score for a 3-0 cushion.
The Blasters added single marks in the fifth and sixth innings respectively. Maikol Gonzalez reached to lead off the fifth on an error by the shortstop. Gonzalez advanced to second on a wild pick-off throw to first and later stole third. Carlos Ramirez then bounced an infield single up the middle toward second to drive in Gonzalez. Leading off the sixth, Jesus Solorzano smacked a double to the gap in right-center. Gabe Suarez was hit by a pitch. Gonzalez drew a one-out walk to load the bases. With two outs, Ramirez walked to bring in Solorzano and it was 5-0 Joplin.
Grand Prairie (21-39) scored its lone run in the eighth. Chris Elder doubled up the left field line. Josh Eatherly moved Elder to third with an infield single to second. Ronnie Richardson then drove in Elder with a sacrifice fly to center.
Making just his second start, Blasters left-hander Josue Montanez notched his first win. Montanez (1-1) worked six shutout innings and gave up just one hit with five strikeouts and two walks. Zach Dando took the loss for Grand Prairie. Dando (3-5) worked four innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with no strikeouts and one walk.
Joplin outhit the AirHogs 10-to-6. Omar Luna led the charge with a 4-for-5 night. Carlos Ramirez collected two RBIs. Ridge Hoopii-Haslam posted two hits for Grand Prairie. The AirHogs committed three errors in the game.
Joplin faces Grand Prairie for game three Saturday night at 7:05. The series runs through Sunday before the Blasters have two days off on Monday and Tuesday. The next home stand starts Wednesday, July 29th against Laredo. 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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