Diablos falter in opener

Published on July 1, 2008 under American Association (AA)
El Paso Diablos News Release

Kieran Mattison threw six quality innings as the Grand Prairie Airhogs slipped past the El Paso Diablos 4-2 in the second-half opener from Quik Trip Park on Tuesday night.

The Airhogs scored the first two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Noel Trevino roped an RBI single to left field and David Espinosa scored on a wild pitch for the 2-0 advantage.

El Paso tied it up in the top of the fourth inning. Walter Olmstead rocketed a two-run homer to right-center field, knotting up the game at 2-2.

Grand Prairie re-took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs, Edwin Maldonado flared a run-scoring single to right field, for the 3-2 lead. The Airhogs extended it to 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth. J.B Tucker led off the frame with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on a throwing error by Matt Kent for the 4-2 advantage.

The Airhogs bullpen combined for three scoreless innings, to shut down the Diablos.

Kieran Mattison (7-1) is the winner. He threw six innings allowing two earned runs off of seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

Josh Neitz (5-5) takes the hard luck loss. He threw six innings yielding three earned runs off of eight hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

David Whigham threw two scoreless innings striking out six in his first relief appearance of the season for El Paso.

Geivy Garcia threw a one-two-three ninth inning for his second save of the season.

The Diablos will square off against the Grand Prairie Air Hogs on Wednesday night at 6:05 PM from Quik Trip Park. Jusef Frias will pitch against Jose Cordero for the Hogs. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1380 AM as well as at www.diablos.com with Jon Barr on the call.

American Association Stories from July 1, 2008

• American Association league recap - AA
• Wichita Wins 12-6 over Pensacola to Open Up Second Half - Pensacola Pelicans
• X's start 2nd half with a 8[2 win over Lincoln - Sioux City Explorers
• Defense costs Sports - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
• Defense costs Sports - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
• Saints Start Off Second Half on Right Foot With 8-2 Win - St. Paul Saints
• Canaries open second half with loss - Sioux Falls Canaries
• Saltdogs fall late - Lincoln Saltdogs
• AirHogs win first game of second half - Grand Prairie AirHogs
• Diablos falter in opener - El Paso Diablos
• Sioux Falls 3B Named Batter of the Month; AirHogs' Mattison is Pitcher of the Month - AA
• Kieran Mattison Named Pitcher of the Month - Grand Prairie AirHogs
• X's Begin (4) Game Homestand Tonight - Sioux City Explorers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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