Sox Survive Ugly Ninth, Trump Aces 8-7

Published on June 2, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Colorado Springs Sky Sox News Release


The Sky Sox won a wild one at Security Service Field tonight, surviving a late Reno Aces rally to take the game, 8-7.

The Sky Sox offense got to work early, plating all eight of their runs in the first four innings. Matt Miller's two-run homer in the bottom of the first got the action going, putting the Sox on top 2-0. A Travis Metcalf RBI triple and subsequent Josh Muecke squeeze play plated the Sox next two runs in the second, 4-0. The Sox would pile it on with three more in the third, 7-0, scoring once more in the fourth to go up 8-1.

Sox starter Josh Muecke (1-3, 6.37) rolled through his eight innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits, two walks, and a strikeout. The lone run came on a Cole Gillespie solo shot in the fourth. Easily the best start of Muecke's tenure in the Springs, the game appeared to be a lock when he was relieved for closer Juan Rincon in the ninth.

The wheels nearly fell off in the final frame, however, as Rincon came on to walk all four batters he faced, giving the Aces life, down 8-2. Andrew Johnston called on to relieve Rincon, he was able to record three outs to salvage the win. It was not pretty for Johnston either, however, as the hurler walked two, gave up two singles, and two run-scoring sacrifice flies. The Sox just edging out the Aces 8-7, the game was undesirably close.

With the win, the Sky Sox improve to 24-27 while the Aces fell to 23-31.

The two teams will face off again tomorrow night. Recently acquired starter Greg Smith (0-0, 0.00) will take the hill for the Sky Sox to take on rehabbing hurler Kris Benson (no record). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Notables:

- Matt Miller's two RBI put him in a tie for 17th all-time in a Sky Sox uniform. Also tied with Miller at 152 RBI are Jeff Baker, Clint Barmes, and Jeff Barry.

- Disputing a called first-strike to batter Chris Rahl, Aces' manager Brett Butler was ejected from the game in the ninth inning.

- Coming on in relief in the ninth inning, Sox closer Juan Rincon walked all four batters he faced, throwing 24 pitches, eight for strikes. A particularly ugly inning, Johnston and Rincon combined for just 20 strikes in 49 pitches that frame.

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



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 2, 2010


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