Diablos edged by Air Hogs

July 24, 2008 - American Association (AA)
El Paso Diablos News Release


The Grand Prairie Air Hogs squeaked past the El Paso Diablos 6-5 on Thursday night from Grand Prairie, TX.

The Air Hogs went to work in the bottom of the first inning against Josh Neitz. Billy Munoz blasted a three-run homer to right center field for the 3-0 lead.

The Diablos tied things up in the top of the fourth. Matt Kent had a sacrifice fly, Roberto Mejia scored on a wild pitch and Jorge Alvarez was plated on a squeeze bunt courtesy of Alex Derhak which tied up the game at 3-3.

Grand Prairie re-took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Edwin Maldonado ripped a run-scoring double down the right field line for the 4-3 advantage.

The Air Hogs extended their lead in the bottom of the eighth. J.B Tucker had an RBI triple in the inning against Josh Neitz. Aaron Marsden replaced Neitz and allowed one run, when Mike Conroy tripled and scored on a wild pitch for the 6-3 lead.

The Diablos rallied in the ninth, but came up just short. With one out, the closer James Morrison walked Alex Derhak. Kory Drew then roped a two-run homer into the left field bleachers making it a one-run game. James Morrison settled down and retired two of the final three batters for the save.

Scot Drucker (8-3) is the winner. He threw seven and two thirds innings allowing two earned runs off of six hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Josh Neitz (7-6) takes the loss. He threw seven and a third innings allowing five earned runs off of eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts.

James Morrison earned his 15th save of the season. He allowed two runs in an inning and a third of work.

The Diablos six-game winning streak was snapped. El Paso is now two games out of first place.

The Diablos and Air Hogs will square off in the third game of their series on Friday night at 6:05 PM MST. Jusef Frias gets the start for El Paso against Justin Garcia for Grand Prairie. The game will be broadcast on www.diablos.com with Jon Barr on the call.



American Association Stories from July 24, 2008


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