AA Joplin Blasters

Blasters Stop Explorers to Halt Losing Streak

July 10, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release


Joplin, MO-The Blasters put an end to a season-high three-game losing streak with a thrilling 10-8 win over the Sioux City Explorers Friday night at Joe Becker Stadium.

With the win, Joplin (26-17) improved to 7-1 against Central Division teams. Sioux City (34-14) jumped out of the gates early with a three-run first. Matty Johnson led off with an infield single up the first base line. Michael Lang reached on a throwing error. Noah Perio then doubled for a 2-0 lead on a ball driven to deep center that hopped up against the fence. Perio would score for a 3-0 cushion as Matt Koch bounced out to short.

The Blasters came charging back in a big way in the fourth. Steven Tinoco walked to lead off the inning. Jesus Solorzano followed with a line drive single to right-center. Maikol Gonzalez walked to load the bases. Oscar Mesa brought in the first run on a single to center. Mitch Glasser walked with the bases loaded to drive in the second run. Carlos Ramirez reached on a ground ball error at third and it was tied 3-3. Jake Taylor then gave Joplin a one-run lead on a sacrifice fly to center that scored Mesa on a tag-up from third.

In the fifth, Omar Luna provided the Blasters with a 6-3 lead on a two-out, two-run home run lined over the wall in left. Jake Taylor had punched a single to center right before Luna's first long ball of the season. In the sixth, Sioux City closed the gap to 6-4 as Michael Lang smashed a solo home run over the bleachers in left-center. It was Lang's fourth dinger of the season.

Joplin posted its second four-run inning of the game in the bottom of the sixth. Steven Tinoco led off with a base hit in the hole to left. Jesus Solorzano reached on a fielding error as he was attempting to advance Tinoco with a bunt. The bases were loaded after Maikol Gonzalez walked. Following a strikeout, Mitch Glasser punched a line drive single to left that plated Tinoco. The next batter, Carlos Ramirez, bounced a single into center that drove in Solorzano and Gonzalez for a 9-4 advantage. Another Jake Taylor sac fly RBI made it 10-4.

The Explorers made it interesting in the ninth. With one out, Dillon Usiak was hit by a pitch. Ino Patron followed with a double to the wall in center. Austin Stubbs made it 10-6 as he rolled a single up the middle that scored two. Matty Johnson reached base with a soft liner into center. Following a pitching change, Winston Abreu came in and threw one pitch before he was ejected from the game as the home plate umpire was asked to check his cap. With a new pitcher in for Joplin, Michael Lang reached on an infield single up the third base line. With one out still, Noah Perio singled to right-center and two more scored to close the gap to 10-8. With runners at first and third, Ryan Court grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.

Jorge Martinez notched another win for Joplin. Martinez (6-2) worked six innings and gave up four runs (two earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks. At one point, Martinez retired 13 straight batters. Eric Wordekemper took the loss for Sioux City. Wordekemper (3-1) only lasted two innings and gave up four earned runs on two hits with two strikeouts and four walks. Gabe Aguilar posted his first save of the season as he went two-thirds with two hits.

At the plate, the Explorers outhit the Blasters 11-to-9. Jesus Solorzano collected two hits and two runs scored for Joplin. Carlos Ramirez drove in three. Mitch Glasser, Jake Taylor, and Omar Luna all had two RBIs. Maikol Gonzalez was the only Blaster without a hit, but he walked three times and scored twice. For the Explorers, Michael Lang went 3-for-5 with the homer and two runs. Noah Perio had two hits and four RBIs. Matty Johnson finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

Joplin continues its home series this weekend against Sioux City with game two Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. For 2015 ticket information and promotion specials at Joe Becker Stadium, call 417-622-4838 or visit the Blasters website at www.joplinblasters.com.



American Association Stories from July 10, 2015


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