Chiefs snap Skid, win 4-1
July 25, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
Chiefs turn triple play in victory over Dayton Peoria, IL - Peoria Chiefs starting pitcher Mike Billek pitched five innings in his first start as a Chief and picked up the victory as the Chiefs defeated the Dayton Dragons 4-1 Monday night at O'Brien Field. The win moves the Chiefs to 12-19 in the second half, 47-54 overall and snaps a five-game losing streak.
Billek got into trouble to start the game, allowing back-to-back singles to Phil Gentry and Drew Anderson in the top of the 1st inning. BJ Szymanski followed with a fly ball into the right-center field gap. Chiefs center fielder Jesse Schmidt made a diving catch, jumped to his feet and threw the ball back into the infield to get Gentry at second and Anderson at first to complete the triple play. Eric Patterson, Joe Simokaitis, and Drew Larsen were also involved in the first triple play in O'Brien Field history and the first triple play turned by the Chiefs since May of 2003.
The Dragons struck first in the top of the 3rd inning off Billek. Jorge Mejia drew a one-out walk and stole second before scoring on a single from Phil Gentry for a 1-0 lead. The Chiefs bounced back to tie the game in the bottom of the 4th. Eric Patterson was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a double from Ryan Harvey. Schmidt grounded out to score Patterson to tie the game at 1-1.
The Chiefs took the lead for good with a pair of runs in the 5th inning. After Dayton starting pitcher Juan Frias retired the first two batters in the inning, the Chiefs got back-to-back infield singles from Aaron Smith and Anthony Granato before Patterson and Harvey followed with run-scoring singles to give the Chiefs a 3-1 lead. Peoria added insurance in the 7th on a run-scoring single from Harvey for a 4-1 lead that would hold up as the final score.
Billek won in his Peoria debut, allowing just one run on five hits over five innings. Walt Nolen, Tim Layden, and Drew Dickson combined to pitch four scoreless innings in holding the lead for the Chiefs. Dickson picked up his third save of the season, pitching a scoreless 9th inning. Juan Frias lost for the Dragons, falling to 0-2.
Nomar Garciaparra will be in the lineup for the Chiefs Tuesday night in the first of three expected rehab games in Peoria. Matt Weber will start for the Chiefs against Jon George for the Dragons.
Pepsi Player of the Game Ryan Harvey (RF) - The Chiefs right fielder went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. He now has 23 doubles on the year and 73 RBI, the second-highest RBI total in the Midwest League. Notes... The Chiefs are now 9-9 in the second half at O'Brien Field...Joe Simokaitis grounded into three double plays on his way to an 0-for-4 night...Game two of the four-game series is Tuesday night at 7 PM...It's a Taco Bell Combo Tuesday...Purchase a combo meal at any Peoria area Taco Bell and receive a voucher for two box seats...listen to the game live on 1350 WOAM and at www.peoriachiefs.com.
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