Early runs too much for Thunder to overcome
June 19, 2009 - United League Baseball (ULB)
Coastal Bend Thunder News Release
June 18, 2009 -- Robstown, TX -- The Thunder spotted the RoadRunners a 3-run cushion in the first inning for a second consecutive night. And for a second consecutive night the Thunder could not overcome the deficit, losing by a final score of 11-3.
Thunder starter Carlos Rangel struggled with his command throughout the game, issuing 5 walks in his 4 innings of work and allowing 4 runs. Falling behind nearly every batter in the first inning especially came back to bite Rangel and the Thunder as Edinburg third baseman Eric Gonzalez hit a 3-run homer on a 3-1 fastball.
The Thunder threatened in the bottom of the first, but Edinburg first baseman Bryon Smith robbed his Coastal Bend counterpart Juvy Ibarra of an RBI single on a nice diving play to end the threat.
Edinburg tacked on another run in the top of the 2nd on an RBI single by leftfielder Ryan Matlock to give the RoadRunners a 4-0 lead.
Amado Zazueta sparked the Thunder offense with a double to lead off the 4th inning. Chris Lewis followed with a grounder to the right side to advance the runner to third allowing a fly-ball to left off the bat of Casey Gordan to score Zazueta on the sacrifice fly.
The Thunder battled at the plate but struggled to solve side-arm starting pitcher Tim Haines of Edinburg. He allowed only the 1 run through 6 innings of work, while striking out 6 and walking 1.
Edinburg added 6 insurance runs in the top of the 7th inning and put the game out of reach despite the Thunder scoring twice in the bottom of the 7th. Leivi Ventura and Manny Mejia had back-to-back RBI singles in the 7th. Casey Gordon led off the inning with a double to set the tone for the inning.
The Thunder just never got that hit or pitch or defensive play they needed in important situations this evening and it showed on the scoreboard.
The Thunder look to rebound tomorrow night as the Laredo Broncos come to town for a 4-game weekend series. Game 1 is tomorrow night here at Fairgrounds field starting at 7:05.
United League Baseball Stories from June 19, 2009
- Sam McLain Walk Off Single Lifts Dillas to 3-2 Win - Amarillo Dillas
- Roadrunners Fall to Dillas 3-2 - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Broncos Lose to Coastal Bend on Walk-Off - Laredo Broncos
- Colts Game Postponed - San Angelo Colts
- WhiteWings and Colts Suspended - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Early runs too much for Thunder to overcome - Coastal Bend Thunder
- Colts Hang on and Earn Split Against Laredo - San Angelo Colts
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