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Sky Sox Even Series with Cakes with 8-5 Victory

April 19, 2018 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Colorado Springs Sky Sox News Release


NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Colorado Springs Sky Sox evened this four-game series with the New Orleans Baby Cakes at one game apiece after scoring eight unanswered runs late in the game to take an 8-5 victory.

For the second time in this series it was New Orleans who scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning off of three singles. Magneuris Sierra singled to right field for the Baby Cakes' first hit of the evening, then moved up to third as Christian Adames also singled to right field on the very next pitch. Colorado Springs' starter Michael Brady then got Scott Van Slyke to strike out swinging on the ninth pitch of the at-bat after eight consecutive fouls for the second out of the inning. Isaac Galloway then lined a two-out RBI hit to center field for the Cakes' third single of the inning and first run of the game, scoring Sierra from third to put New Orleans up 1-0.

In the bottom of the fourth Galloway led off the inning with his second single of the night, which proved enough to knock Brady from the game. He was replaced on the mound by Aaron Brooks, who promptly gave up a single to Johnny Giavotella, moving Galloway to third. Galloway then scored on an Austin Nola ground ball out to make it 2-0 New Orleans.

Brett Phillips began the sixth inning by reaching on a New Orleans error, followed by a Tyrone Taylor single to put two on for Gabriel Noriega. Noriega laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Phillips and Taylor up 90 feet, before Andres Blanco knocked in both with a single to right field to tie the game at two apiece. Recent roster addition Tyler Heineman then flew out for the second out of the inning, and Shane Opitz grounded into what looked like the third out of the inning, but ended up reaching safely on the Cakes' second error of the inning (fielding error by Van Slyke). Nate Orf then came in to pinch-hit in the pitcher's spot, lining a single and scoring both Blanco and Opitz to give the Sky Sox a 4-2 lead.

The Sky Sox followed their four-run sixth inning with a four-run seventh to blow the game open 8-2. It started when Mauricio Dubon led off with a single, and then Phillips reached on the Baby Cakes third error of the evening. Dubon scored on a wild pitch and Taylor walked to make it 5-2 with two on. Noriega hit another sacrifice, this time a fly ball to right field, to score Phillips. Blanco then homered to bring in Taylor for his third and fourth RBI of the night, putting the Sox up 8-2.

New Orleans scored once more in the bottom of the penultimate inning to make it 8-3 off a Van Slyke solo homer.

The Baby Cakes were down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth inning when Van Slyke knocked in two more to make it 8-5, forcing the Sky Sox to change pitchers. Radhames Liz came into the game on the mound for Colorado Springs, striking out the only batter he faced to earn his first save of the season and secure the Sky Sox win.

The Sky Sox hit the road for seven games against New Orleans and Round Rock before returning back to Security Service Field on Wednesday, April 25 when they take on the Omaha Storm Chasers, Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Tune in to every Sky Sox game on XTRA Sports 1300 with Dan Karcher. Stay up-to-date on the most recent Sky Sox happenings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and the team website at www.skysox.com.

NOTES

Costly Mistakes: Though the Baby Cakes had been sharp defensively for most of this young season, tonight they gave up three costly errors late in the game that allowed the Sky Sox to take the lead. Two days ago on April 16 the Round Rock Express also committed three errors in one game against Colorado Springs.

Fear Not the Southpaw: With the win in Sunday's game one over Round Rock's left-hander David Hurlbut, the Sky Sox are now 3-0 versus left-handed starters this season.

Starters Starting Strong: Aaron Brooks' loss for the Sky Sox in game two of Sunday's doubleheader against Round Rock was the first loss taken by a Colorado Springs starter so far this season. Prior to that, Sky Sox starters were 5-0 on the year.

First Homestand in the Books: The Sky Sox completed their first homestand of the 2018 season with a record of 5-2 (.714). In seven games, Sky Sox batters averaged a .322 average with 19 doubles, five triples, six home runs and 38 RBI with 13 stolen bases. Sky Sox pitching finished out holding a 3.97 ERA over 59 innings pitched allowing 28 runs (26 ER), five home runs, 23 walks, and 56 strike-outs.

To the Road We Go: After a successful start to the season in Omaha, going 3-1 in the initial series, the Sky Sox look to keep the momentum alive. Last season, Colorado Springs posted a 4-3 record against the Baby Cakes on the road. In Round Rock on the road, the Sky Sox posted a 3-5 record.

The Week's Expectation: The Sky Sox are set for a seven-day road trip where they will be playing the same two teams that they just got finished facing at home. First the Sky Sox will play for a four-game set against the Baby Cakes, followed by a three-game set against the Express in Round Rock. The team will then have an off day on the 24th before starting another homestand on Wednesday, the 25th.

NEXT GAME: Thursday, April 19 vs. New Orleans Baby Cakes - 6:00 p.m. MDT @ Shrine on Airline (New Orleans)

RHP Corbin Burnes vs. RHP Joe Gunkel | Broadcast on XTRA Sports 1300

Next Sky Sox Home Game: Wednesday, April 25 @ 6:40 p.m. (Security Service Field)

  COS TOP PERFORMERS

- Andres Blanco (2-for-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 1 HR)

- Nate Orf (1-for-1, 1 RBI)

- Tyrone Taylor (2-for-4, 2 R)

  N.O. TOP PERFORMERS

- Ben Meyer (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 7 SO)

- Isaac Galloway (2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI)

- Magneuris Sierra (1-for-5, 2 R)

- Scott Van Slyke (2-for-5, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR)

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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.

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