The Sky Sox offense is starting to bounce back to Earth this week. While the eight hits and four runs they produced yesterday were far from awful, one wonders how long the starting lineup will contain three players hitting above .360 in the first month of play. Tyler Colvin doubled in two runs, while Matt McBride and Charlie Culberson also doubled. Greg Golson was the only player with two hits, a pair of singles, and a run batted in.
The Sky Sox rotation has been thrown out of whack ever since the cold spell coupled with Tyler Chatwood's departure for Denver. Yesterday it was Chris Volstad's turn to fit into the starting role. He lasted three and a third innings, allowing three runs seven hits. Manny Corpas threw the following two innings, but was removed from the game after deflecting a ball off his hand and walking the following batter. Corpas allowed three more runs to Tucson. Bobby Cassevah followed, and allowed a solo home run, becoming the third Sky Sox pitcher to allow a long ball in the game. Only Mike McClendon finished cleanly after his work.
The Drillers came from behind with a walk off win, securing Juan Gonzalez a win in his 2013 seasonal debut for the organization. Starter Christian Bergman pitched well, allowing just four hits over seven innings, but three runs crossed the plate under his watch, leading to a 3-1 which would last until the final moments of the game.
The Drillers put up a run early, as Delta Cleary Jr. walked, stole second, advanced to third on an error and finally scored on an Angelys Nina single. After that, Drillers bats went mostly quiet until the ninth inning. Nina would lead off the inning with his second single, and Kyle Parker tied the game up with his fifth home run of the season. Dustin Garneau singled in Jayson Langfels, who had doubled, to win the game for Tulsa. Those were the only two extra base hits for Tulsa on the day.
A fairly routine low scoring game here. A double from Will Swanner (while striking out in his other three ABs) and two runs batted in by Harold Riggins were the offensive highlights of the game. Pitching wise, starter Daniel Winkler struck out 8 opponents but allowed 7 hits over his five and two thirds innings, which included three solo home runs. Geoff Parker and Scott Oberg slammed the door on the San Jose power hour, but enough damage had been done.
The Asheville Tourists had their scheduled double header rained out yesterday. They will attempt to play two today. The rain issues these past few days have prevented David Dahl from playing again after being brought back to join the team.