Second Inning Sinks Blasters in Loss to AirHogs
July 27, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Despite taking a three-run lead in the first inning, the Joplin Blasters could not clinch a series victory over the Texas AirHogs on Tuesday night at Joe Becker Stadium, dropping a 6-4 decision to the visitors from the Lone Star State. The Texas victory set up a rubber match in the series finale on Wednesday.
The Blasters jumped out to the 3-0 lead in the first, putting six runners on base with four hits. Mitch Glasser drew a walk on four pitches, and Geraldo Valentin followed with a single into center field. Rookie Greyson Bogden drove in the first run of the game with a single, which brought Glasser across the plate.
After a strikeout, Mark Krueger singled into center to score Valentin and give the Blasters a 2-0 lead. A single by Brandon Tierney loaded the bases, and KC Huth drew a bases loaded walk for the third Joplin run of the inning. A double play ball prevented any further Blaster damage.
Texas responded with four runs in the next half inning, taking a lead they would hold for the remainder of the contest. Devon Rodriguez hit the second pitch of the inning out of the ballpark for a solo home run, his third of the season.
Singles by Michael Hur and Cody Lenahan put runners on the corners with two outs. Catcher Michael Miller gave the AirHogs the lead with a three-run homer. Miller's sixth round-tripper of the campaign pushed the AirHogs ahead, 4-3.
The 4-3 AirHog lead held until the top of the fifth, when the visitors added two more runs. A pair of walks put Brian Bistagne and Rodriguez on base, with a strikeout and a popout supplying the inning's first two outs. With two outs, Hur drove in both runners with a double down the right field line. Hur, who went 3-for-5 in the Texas victory, gave the AirHogs a 6-3 advantage with his extra-base hit.
Blaster relievers Roby Romera and Jose Ortega combined to work 4.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to keep the hosts within striking distance.
Joplin attempted to rally in the bottom of the sixth, pushing a run across. Brandon Tierney, who had three hits for the Blasters, singled to start the frame. He was subsequently put out at second on fielder's choice from KC Huth. Huth stole second base, where he remained after a walk to Alex Polston. Glasser drove in Huth on a single, but two runners were left on by Texas relief pitcher Tyler Harris to end the inning.
Starter Alex De La Cruz took the loss for the Blasters, while counterpart Cody Hebner was awarded with the victory. Alan Oaks worked a 1-2-3 inning for the AirHogs, and picked up his fourth save.
With the series even at a game apiece, the Blasters and AirHogs will play a rubber match on Wednesday night. The finale, which is the third contest of a seven-game homestand, will see the Blasters battle AirHog starter Carlos Misell. The first pitch of the game is set for 7:05 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium.
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