Lewis' Slam Not Enough as Thunder Fall to WhiteWings
August 4, 2009 - United League Baseball (ULB)
Coastal Bend Thunder News Release
August 4, 2009 - Robstown, TX - Being in the top two in the league in most stat categories would be a good sign for a team making a push for the playoffs. However, being second in the league in errors can help explain why the Thunder have lost so many close games this season. The Thunder lost another one-run heartbreaker this evening by a score of 7-6 against the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings. The WhiteWings victory moves them into a tie with the Thunder for the fourth and final playoff spot in United League Baseball.
Two key defensive miscues by the Thunder defense were the difference in tonight's game. A pickoff throw in the dirt led to a run later in the first inning, and miscommunication between left fielder and shortstop on a fly ball that could have ended the ninth inning allowed the inning to continue and two runs to score later in the frame.
On a positive note for the Thunder, on what was otherwise a very frustrating evening for Thunder fans, Chris Lewis has been on an absolute tear of late for the Thunder offense. His first inning grand slam provided the Thunder with four early runs that looked as if they were going to be enough for a victory this evening. Lewis homered for the second consecutive night for his fourth of the season.
After allowing runs in each of the first two innings, Thunder right-hander Alejandro Martinez, settled in nicely. Over the next four innings, Martinez put four zeroes on the scoreboard but unfortunately came away with a no decision. Over his six innings of work, the Coastal Bend starter allowed three runs (two of which were earned) on five hits, while striking out three and walking three.
Rio Grande Valley jumped out to an early lead plating two runs in the top of the first. Consecutive singles from Rodriguez and Santana got things started. Nichols drove in Rodriguez on a sacrifice fly and Baez belted a double off the wall to send Santana to the plate giving the WhiteWings an early 2-0 advantage.
Coastal Bend answered back with four runs in the home half of the first. Michael Lewis reached on a two out walk and beat the throw to second on Zazueta's ground ball up the middle. Both runners moved up a base on a groundout by Leivi Ventura. Alex Fernandez drew a two out walk to load the bases. Chris Lewis stepped and belted a grand slam just to the left of the scoreboard at Fairgrounds Field to put the Thunder on top by a score of 4-2.
Alberto Cruz narrowed the gap to one with a home run down the left field line to lead off the top of the second.
Once again, the Thunder answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the second to extend the lead back to two runs. Michael Lewis doubled, stole third, and scored on a wild pitch to make it a 5-3 game.
Miliade Venas came in relief in the seventh for the Thunder. He allowed one run on a solo homer by Joaquin Rodriguez. Kevin Butler threw out would be base stealer Casey Allen one pitch before which preserved the Thunder lead at 5-4.
The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings tied the score on their third homerun of the game as a team. Juan Cabrera's eighth inning blast off Venas tied the game at five.
WhiteWings reliever Wendy Rosa shut down the Thunder offense over his three and a third of an inning. Rosa struck out one and only allowed two hits.
David Parker was the tough luck loser for the Thunder this evening. He struck out the first two batters he faced and appeared to be out of the inning when he coerced a fly ball to left. However, the ball fell harmlessly to the turf after miscommunication between Alfred Joseph and Amadeo Zazueta. Three hits and two runs later the WhiteWings had a 7-5 lead.
Coastal Bend tried to battle back in the bottom of the ninth scoring one run on hits by Ventura and Fernandez but it was not enough as the Thunder could not overcome the two run deficit.
Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley will meet for game two of this four game series Wednesday, August 4 at Fairgrounds Field in Robstown, Texas. Wednesday is Family Night at Fairgrounds Field as you can get 4 tickets, 4 hotdogs, and 4 cokes for only $20.
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United League Baseball Stories from August 4, 2009
- Lewis' Slam Not Enough as Thunder Fall to WhiteWings - Coastal Bend Thunder
- WhiteWings Bring Thunder to Coastal Bend - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Colts Drop Two in a Row - San Angelo Colts
- Broncos Pick Up Win Over Colts - Laredo Broncos
- Roadrunners To Appear At Palm Valley Branch Library - Edinburg Roadrunners
- WhiteWings to Host Six Community Nights - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
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