Diablos squeeze out close victory

Published on July 2, 2008 under American Association (AA)
Last updated: July 2, 2008
Source: El Paso Diablos News Release


Bryan Cooksey's RBI single in the top of the ninth inning gave El Paso the 3-2 victory at Quik Trip Park on Wednesday night.

The Airhogs took an early lead in the bottom of the third inning. Brandon Carter sliced a solo-home run down the left field line for the 1-0 advantage.

The Diablos took their first lead of the ball game in the top of the sixth inning. Matt Kent and Bryon Smith had run-scoring singles, giving El Paso a 2-1 lead.

The Airhogs knotted up the score in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two runners on, Derek Nicholson ripped an RBI single through the right side plating Billy Munoz. The Airhogs had a run wiped off later in the inning, when Edwin Maldonado tagged up early on a fly out to left field. Maldonado initially was credited as scoring, but Aaron Marsden appealed to third base and the call was reversed. The score was knotted at 2-2 heading into the top of the seventh.

Bryan Cooksey became the hero in the top of the ninth inning. Brandon McConnell led off the frame with a walk. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. Bryan Cooksey ripped a run-scoring single through the right side, plating McConnell and giving the Diablos the 3-2 lead!!

Mike Cervera came in for the ninth inning. He allowed a one out double to Cody Merrell. Cervera settle down and struck out Mike Conroy and induced Drew Holder into a ground-out to end the ball game.

Jusef Frias threw five innings allowing two earned runs off of six hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

Jose Cordero threw six innings allowing two earned runs off of six hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Brandon Hudson (1-0) threw an inning and a third scoreless for his first victory of the season.

Vinnie DeChristofaro (3-1) threw one inning allowing one earned run off of one hit with two walks and one strikeout for his first loss of the year.

Mike Cervera tossed a scoreless ninth for his sixth save of the year.

El Paso's bullpen has not allowed a run in the last six games.

The Diablos will close out their three-game series with the Grand Prairie Air Hogs on Thursday night at 6:05 PM MST. Ben Thurmond will face off against Nat Harris for Grand Prairie. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1380 AM as well as at www.diablos.com with Jon Barr on the call. Tickets for the July 4th contest are going fast, be sure to reserve your seats today through Diablos.com or by calling 755-2000!!

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