Prairie Dogs take 3 out of 4 from Ft Worth

Published on June 17, 2012 under North American League (NAmL)
Abilene Prairie Dogs News Release


FORT WORTH TX - Entering the fourth game of the series against the league's best team, Abilene had been playing some of their best baseball of the season. Brian Smith and Wilson Batista made sure to continue that as the Prairie Dogs claimed a 7-3 win and their first series win of the season.

The Cats got on the board first with a solo home run from lead off hitter CJ Beatty in the third inning. After that Brian Smith retired the next six batters he faced on his way to his third win of the season.

With one out in the fifth, Zach Welch stroked a base hit to right-center. Eddie Browne followed with a walk then Jason Martin had a base hit to drive in the Prairie Dogs first run. De La Garza struck out for the second out then Wilson Batista stroked the second pitch he saw from starter Tim Haines' over the wall in right for a 3-run home run.

The Prarie Dog offense continued to roll in the sixth inning. Nick Ochoa grounded out to begin the inning, Abilene got three consecutive hits from Chris Caves, Zach Welch and Eddie Browne. Browne's base hit scored Caves to make it 5-2. After Jason Martin flied out, Adam De La Garza and Wilson Batista each followed with RBI single's to put Abilene ahead 7-2.

Batista finished 3-5 with 4 RBI and a run scored and has his season batting average at .333. The other offensive star for Abilene was C Zach Welch who picked up 3 hits in 4 at-bats and scored 2 runs.

Brian Smith gave Abilene another quality start recording 6 innings allowing 5 hits 2 runs (1 earned) walked 1 and struck out 3. Brian improved to 3-1 and lowered his ERA to 2.73.

The Prairie Dogs bullpen kept the Cats quiet thanks to the combination of David Slovak and Todd Weldon. Slovak allowed a run in the 8th inning when Jason Martin was unable to come up with a sliding grab and SS Adam De La Garza threw away the relay throw to allow Jon Dziomba to score.

Ft Worth starter Tim Haines allowed 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings to take the loss, his first of the season. In the sixth, reliever Blake Parry allowed 5 hits and was charged with 3 runs.

Abilene claimed its first series win of the season against the league's best team and held one of the United League's most prolific offense to a total of 16 runs over 4 games. Abilene's scored 22 runs in the series.

The Prairie Dogs return home on Monday and Wednesday night at Walt Driggers field as they begin an 8 game series with the San Angelo Colts.

Listen live on 106.9 KLGD or online at Abileneprairiedogs.com with the First Financial Pre-Game show at 6:55pm and the first pitch at 7:05.

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North American League Stories from June 17, 2012


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