Travs Squander Early Lead Losing 8-6
Published on April 18, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Arkansas Travelers were unable to hold onto a 5-1 lead after two innings and eventually lost 8-6 to the Midland RockHounds on Saturday night at Citibank Ballpark. Midland took two-of-three from the Travs in the series and the Hounds also won six of nine meetings in the first-half season series. Midland rallied for five runs in the sixth inning to grab the lead and their bullpen kept the Travs off the scoreboard from the third inning until the ninth.
Coby Smith continued to pound the ball finishing with three base hits including a leadoff home run (2) in the first inning. Peter Bourjos followed with a double then scored when catcher Hank Conger singled to center for a 2-0 lead.
Midland shortstop Corey Wimberly led off the bottom of the first inning with an infield single then stole his way to third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Carter to get the Hounds within a 2-1 score.
Arkansas brought in three runs in the second inning off right handed pitcher Kristian Bell. Smith's RBI single scored Hainley Statia then Bourjos drove in a run with a single to center field. Smith scored on a passed ball giving the Travs a 5-1 lead.
Left handed pitcher Michael Anton gave up two runs in the fourth inning on two doubles and two hit batters. The leadoff batter was hit by a pitch and Midland second baseman Adrian Cardenas hit a one-out double putting runners at second and third. Josh Donaldson knocked in a run with a groundout, then third baseman Yung Chi Chen lined a double to the left field corner knocking in Cardenas. Corey Brown attempted to score from first base on the play but was cut down at the plate by Statia preserving a 5-3 lead.
Right handed reliever Marco Albano came on for the sixth inning and allowed a leadoff double by Cardenas. After a walk and a wild pitch Midland had the tying runs in scoring position with no outs. With one out, Chen's hard grounder deflected off Mark Trumbo's glove at first base for an RBI single. Then left fielder Archie Gilbert tied the game with a double off the left-field wall. Albano left the game after intentionally walking Wimberly to load the bases. Left hander Barret Browning was summoned and he gave up a two-run single to Danny Putnam putting Midland up 7-5. Carter followed with a run-scoring double for an 8-5 Midland lead.
Midland gave the Travs a chance to tie the game in the ninth with two errors putting Smith and Conger aboard with one out. Trumbo's hard groundout brought in Smith, but Sam Demel struck out Wil Ortiz for the final out preserving his second save.
Time of game was 3:08 and the paid attendance was 5,175.
The Travs now head to Frisco for a Sunday afternoon game at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The Travs plan on right hander Trevor Bell (0-0, 5.40) pitching the opener against Frisco righty Guillermo Moscoso (0-0, 0.00). First pitch Sunday is set for 4:00 p.m.
Texas League Stories from April 18, 2009
- Naturals pour it on late, defeat Missions 5-2 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Mayora's 9th Inning Homer Beats Hooks - Tulsa Drillers
- Furnish Strong in Cards' 4-2 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Travs Squander Early Lead Losing 8-6 - Arkansas Travelers
- Mayora Walks Off with Series - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Mosebach Leaves For Salt Lake, Brasier Joins Travs Pen - Arkansas Travelers
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