PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

Dodgers Stumble in The Springs

Published on May 15, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Colorado Springs Sky Sox jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead and withstood two rallies by the Oklahoma City Dodgers to win, 8-5, Monday night at Security Service Field.

The Sky Sox (24-13) raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. After a wild pitch plated the first run, Keon Broxton hit a two-run double to right-center field with two outs to score two more.

Nate Orf added a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning, pushing Colorado Springs' lead to 4-0.

Through the first five innings, the Dodgers were kept scoreless and to three singles. In the sixth, Kyle Garlick put a jolt into the offense, hitting a two-run homer out to left field and closing the gap to 4-2. It was Garlick's second home run of the series and sixth in his last seven games.

The Dodgers (24-12) pulled within one in the seventh inning after three straight singles. Pinch hitter Jacob Scavuzzo started the rally, singling on the 10 pitch of his at-bat. Two batters later, Donovan Solano sent a RBI single to right-center field, trimming the deficit to 4-3.

With two runners on and one out, the Sky Sox made a pitching change, bringing in left-hander Mike Zagurski. He struck out Alex Verdugo and Henry Ramos to snuff out the threat and keep the Sky Sox in the lead.

Colorado Springs scored twice in the bottom of the seventh after loading the bases with none out, making it 6-3.

They further extended the lead in the eighth inning. After an infield single by Dylan Moore, Shane Opitz hit a high fly ball that barely eclipsed the right field fence for a two-run homer, putting the Dodgers down, 8-3.

The Dodgers started off the ninth inning with three straight hits, including a RBI triple by Jake Peter and RBI double by Solano, cutting the deficit to 8-5 and putting the tying run on deck. However, the rally ran out of steam after Solano's double, as Verdugo and Ramos struck out and Garlick grounded out to end the game.

Peter led the OKC offense with a season-high four hits, going 4-for-5 with a RBI and run scored. Verdugo and Solano each tallied two hits, as the Dodgers finished with 11 hits on the night. The situational hitting continued to struggle, going 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

Colorado Springs starting pitcher Bubba Derby held the Dodgers to two runs and five hits over 5.1 innings to earn the win. He notched six strikeouts against two walks. Tim Dillard retired the only batter he faced to end the game and earn his first save.

Dodgers starting pitcher Manny Bañuelos (4-2) had a tough night, lasting a season-low three innings. He allowed four runs and six hits, including four for extra-bases. The lefty walked two and struck out three as he took his second consecutive loss.

Including Monday, the Dodgers have lost six of their last eight games following a 22-6 start, as well as four straight against the Sky Sox. OKC also lost for the 12th time in the team's last 14 games at Security Service Field and the ninth time in their last 10 games at that ballpark.

The Dodgers will look to avoid a four-game sweep against the Sky Sox when they finish their series at 7:40 p.m. Central time Tuesday at Security Service Field. Live coverage begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 15, 2018


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