Blasters Slam AirHogs for Series Lead
July 26, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Grand Prairie, TX-The Blasters scored seven times over the first two innings Saturday night and went on to defeat the AirHogs 10-3 at The Ballpark at Grand Prairie.
With the win, Joplin (32-26) took a 2-games-to-1 lead in the series and now leads the season series against Grand Prairie 5-games-to-2. The Blasters scored twice in the first to set the tone. Oscar Mesa reached on an infield single to lead off the game. Mesa then stole second. An error at first on a Maikol Gonzalez bunt attempt put runners at first and third. Gonzalez attempted to steal second and the catcher's throw went high and into center field. Mesa scored on the error. On the same play, Gonzalez advanced to third with another throwing error by the center fielder. Gonzalez popped up from his slide at third and headed home but was impeded by the third baseman. The umpire ruled obstruction and awarded the Blasters their second run of the inning.
Grand Prairie (21-40) cut the Joplin lead in half in the bottom of the first. Leading off, Ronnie Richardson singled on a liner to right. With two outs, Willie Cabrera walked. Victor Diaz singled home Richardson with a base hit to left.
Joplin seized control in the second. Jesus Solorzano led off the inning with a hit-by-pitch. Solorzano stole second and reached third on another catcher's throwing error into center. Gabe Suarez followed with a single to left for a 3-1 lead. Juan Medina singled to center. Attempting a bunt, Oscar Mesa singled on the infield. Maikol Gonzalez then gave the Blasters a 7-1 lead with the franchise's first-ever grand slam as he uncorked a drive to deep left that hugged the pole and landed in the bleacher seats.
The AirHogs plated single runs in the second and fourth innings. Joplin scored one run in each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings for the game's final margin. On the mound, Luis Chirinos posted the win in relief for his first in a Blasters uniform. Chirinos (4-6) worked three innings and gave up just one hit with three strikeouts. T.J. Bozeman took the loss for Grand Prairie. Bozeman (2-7) lasted four-and-a-third and allowed nine runs (six earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and five walks.
Joplin outhit Grand Prairie 11-to-6. Jake Taylor went 3-for-5 with a double, two singles, and two runs scored. Maikol Gonzalez had the grand slam with four RBIs and two runs. Oscar Mesa and Omar Luna both collected two hits. Yasser Gomez had a double and two RBIs. For the AirHogs, Ronnie Richardson finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and one run. Willie Cabrera also had two hits. Grand Prairie committed a season-high six errors on the night, with five in the first two innings.
Joplin closes out its series at Grand Prairie with game four Sunday afternoon at 2:05. 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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