Sky Sox Complete Rally, Secure Series-Split

Published on August 31, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Colorado Springs Sky Sox News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -The Sky Sox scored three runs over their final two frames to steal a thrilling 5-4 victory from the Albuquerque Isotopes on Sunday evening before a crowd of 12,631 at Isotopes Park.

Sox starter Hiram Burgos gave his squad a serviceable start on the heels of five no-hit innings against the Omaha Storm Chasers in his last outing. The right-hander would allow four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four over 5.1 innings of work.

Roger Bernadina proved to be the Isotopes' only offense of the night and Burgos' worst nightmare as the outfielder drove two home in the first on a two-out RBI single and belted a two-run blast in the home fourth to give Albuquerque their only runs of the contest.

Isotopes left-hander John Lannan fared slightly better, allowing two runs (just one earned) on seven hits while striking out two and walking none over six strong. The former Nationals starter would depart following the sixth with a 4-2 lead having given up his only runs on a Kyle Wren run-scoring force out in the third and a Hiram Burgos RBI single in the fifth.

Albuquerque maintained the two-run advantage until the Sky Sox eighth when a Tyler Matzek wild pitch to Brandon Macias allowed Luis Sardinas to score from third with Colorado Springs' third run. The right-handed Matzek would be charged with an unearned run in the frame as Tom Murphy's passed ball gave Sardinas second base after the shortstop led off with a walk. The Isotopes reliever was charged with an unearned run over two innings of work, walking two and striking out three along the way.

Rob Wooten and Jeremy Horst (1-1, 4.96) provided the Sox with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, with the righty Wooten working the bulk of it after relieving Burgos with one out in the sixth.

Colorado Springs would complete their late comeback bid thanks to a wild Rex Brothers (5-2, 4.46) and some timely hitting in the top of the ninth. The flame-throwing left-hander walked his first two batters of the frame before recording the first out on a Pete Orr sac bunt. With two runners now in scoring position and just one out in the pivotal frame, Robinzon Diaz came to the plate with a chance to give the visiting side their first lead of the night. The clutch catcher did just that, lining a two-run single to Bernadina in center to score Juan Centeno and Matt Long and give the Sox a 5-4 lead. Brothers would eventually work out of the inning after blowing his second save of the season and his team now trailing by one headed to the last of the ninth.

Sox closer Jaye Chapman came on to toss a perfect final frame, recording his 14th save of the season while securing Colorado Springs' 5-4 comeback win in their series-finale with the Isotopes. The win helps the Sky Sox improve to 58-77 as Albuquerque falls to 59-77 on the season.

The Sky Sox return home to Colorado Springs to begin their final homestand of the season as they open a four-game set against the Storm Chasers on Monday night. Ariel Pena (1-2, 4.11) leads the way against right-hander J.C. Sulbaran (3-1, 5.01) and the Omaha offense with first pitch slated for 6:35 PM MDT from Security Service Field.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 31, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central