Five-Run Deficit Too Big for 'Hogs

Published on June 25, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Grand Prairie AirHogs News Release


WORCESTER, Mass. -- The Worcester Tornadoes hit three home runs off Grand Prairie AirHogs starter Nick DeBarr and their bullpen held on late after a rocky start to beat the AirHogs 7-6 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field on Monday.

After Greg Porter's two-run home run in the first staked the AirHogs (24-13) to a two-run lead, Jerod Edmondson sliced a double to left in the bottom half to pull the Tornadoes (14-23) to within one. Tony Patane then hit a 3-2, two-out pitch for a home run in the second to tie the score, before Brandon Pinckney left the yard on the first pitch of the third to give Worcester the lead for good.

A two-out rally off DeBarr (6-2) gave the Tornadoes a five-run cushion in the fifth, with two singles and a double plating one run, and Nick Salotti's three-run homer making it 7-2.

Tornadoes starter Phil Negus (1-3) survived the rocky first to cruise through the middle innings, but gave up a double to David Thomas and an RBI single to Zane Chavez to start the eighth. Bryan Leigh came on to make his Tornadoes debut and promptly hit Yasutsugu Nishimoto on the first pitch, and then walked Keanon Simon to load the bases.

Bryan Frichter bounced a double through the right side to make it 7-5, and Brian Myrow's RBI single off lefty Mike Gedman brought Grand Prairie to within one. But Frichter was doubled off second on Porter's line drive to the second baseman Pinckney, and the AirHogs never got another baserunner, as Gedman got the next four outs and Nick Serino pitched a perfect ninth to get his third save of the season.

Notes: DeBarr had allowed one home run in his first seven starts before giving up four in his last six innings of work (including the relief appearance in the 16th inning on Saturday in New Jersey)...Eight of the 10 Tornadoes batters had at least one hit, led by Edmondson's 3-for-3 night...Myrow, Chris McMurray and Chavez each had two hits for the AirHogs.

The 2011 American Association Champion Grand Prairie AirHogs continue their three-game series against the Worcester Tornadoes, on Tuesday, June 26, at 6:05 p.m. The next home game at QuikTrip Park is Friday, June 29, at 7:05 p.m. against the Amarillo Sox. That night is QuikTrip Night, with free ticket vouchers available at local QuikTrip stores. All games are aired live and for free on Ustream by clicking on the link on the AirHogs' home page or visiting http://www.ustream.tv/channel/airhogs-baseball with selected contests aired on Time Warner Cable's Texas Channel. For information on tickets, promotions, advertising, and other opportunities with the AirHogs, check out the Web site at www.airhogsbaseball.com, or call the QuikTrip Park office at (972) 504-9383.

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American Association Stories from June 25, 2012


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