Sox Win in Extras, Snap Eight Game Losing Streak, 9-8

May 29, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Colorado Springs Sky Sox News Release


The Sky Sox looking to rebound from a tough 0-8 road trip, Josh Muecke kicked off the homestand on the right foot. Striking out the side in the first, Muecke looked sharp.

Portland starter Josh Geer cruising through the first two innings, Muecke ran into trouble in the third. Allowing a leadoff double to second baseman Josh Barfield, the Sox were the beneficiary of two fortunate outs - a bunt pop out by Geer that failed to advance Barfield to third, and a fielder's choice that caught Barfield between third and home for the second out. With two runners on and two out, Muecke finally wriggled off the hook after Herrera made a diving stop on a liner ticketed for two bases.

The Beavers finally broke through in the fourth. Though with two outs it seemed as if they would strand two more runners, Josh Barfield ripped a double to left, putting the visitors on top, 2-0.

Michael McKenry leading off the bottom of the fifth, the catcher rocked an 0-1 pitch off the scoreboard in left, cutting the lead in half, 2-1.

The Sky Sox finally solved Josh Geer in the sixth. Stringing together three hits, the Sox were able to plate a run on a Michael McKenry RBI double - knotting the game at two apiece.

The draw was short lived, however. Nick Bierbrodt on in relief for the Sox, Portland struck back in the top of the seventh. Josh Barfield singling to leadoff the inning, Craig Stansberry launched a two-run homer over the Al Serra sign in centerfield, 4-2. Bierbrodt walking the next two batters on eight straight pitches, all of a sudden the Beavers were threatening again. Cooper would ground out to second to end the inning, but the damage was done.

The Sox would match the Beavers stride for stride, however. Scoring two runs on the strength of three hits, three walks, and an error.

Edgmer Escalona in relief for the eighth, Portland plated two more runs on three hits hits and a walk. The Sky Sox would make it 6-5 on an eighth inning, Jay Payton RBI single. Aaron Cunningham's solo home run in the ninth put the Beavers up two, 7-5.

With fireworks awaiting the fans after the game, the Sky Sox gave their own taste of what was to follow. A leadoff walk and base hit put runners on first and second. A balk by closer Ernesto Frieri advanced the runners 90 feet, while a subsequent passed ball scored Matt Miller from third. The infield in, Kazuo Matsui singled on a soft line drive over second baseman Josh Barfield's head, bringing in Brad Eldred from third to tie the game at seven.

Portland would recapture the lead in the top of the tenth on a Sean Kazmar sacrifice fly, but the home team would not go down quietly. Jay Payton leading off with a bunt single to third, Jonathan Herrera popped up a bunt that almost got Payton doubled off first. Cole Garner barely legging out a dribbler not halfway to the pitcher's mound, Matt Miller singled to center to tie the game at eight. Brad Eldred intentionally walked to load the bases, the bases were loaded for new arrival Kaz Matsui. Matsui hitting a fielder's choice to second, Garner scampered home to plate the winning run for the Sox.

With the win, the Sky Sox broke their eight-game losing streak, the team's longest since 2005. The Sox improve to 21-26 while Portland falls to 18-30. The two teams will face off again tomorrow with the first pitch at 7:05 PM.



Pacific Coast League Stories from May 29, 2010


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