Early Runs Help Zephyrs Edge Sox In Opener
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Despite outhitting the Zephyrs, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox could not overcome two early New Orleans runs in Friday night's 2-1 series-opening loss before a crowd of 5,045 at Security Service Field.
Sox starter Hiram Burgos (3-4, 3.35) would serve up a leadoff home run to Zephyrs centerfielder Isaac Galloway on his first pitch of the evening before settling down in what proved to be a very strong outing. The right-hander allowed one more run to score in the New Orleans second thanks to some sloppy defensive play. Juan Diaz came around to score the unearned run on a throwing error by Michael Reed after the right fielder made a sparking diving grab prior to the throw. Burgos locked it up from the second inning on, not allowing another run the rest of the way as he finished his night having allowed just the two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out four over six impressive frames of work.
Unfortunately for the Sky Sox, that run-scoring error would ultimately serve as the game-winning play with Zephyrs right-hander Ivan Pineyro (2-2, 2.70) pitching well opposite Burgos. The New Orleans starter allowed just one run on six hits and two walks while striking out two over six innings of work, departing with a 2-1 lead once his night was through. The Colorado Springs offense pushed their lone run across in the home fifth when Kyle Wren came around to score after leading off the frame with a base knock. The speedy outfielder moved to second on a wild pitch before stealing third base with Hiram Burgos at the plate. Wren would dash home after Burgos reached first base on a wild pitch ball four by Pineyro. With the manufactured run, the Sky Sox would trail New Orleans 2-1 after five innings of play.
Brandon Kintzler gave the Sox a scoreless seventh to keep the home squad within a run of knotting the close contest. Left-hander Cody Ege worked two shutout frames for the Zephyrs to maintain the one-run advantage late.
Right-hander Preston Guilmet kept New Orleans off the board the rest of the way, working two clean innings of relief to give Colorado Springs a chance at a comeback win in the home ninth.
Zephyrs closer Nick Wittgren would dash those late rally hopes, closing out the 2-1 ballgame with a shutout ninth inning to secure the series-opening win for New Orleans. The right-hander's 18th save helps New Orleans improve to 57-84 as the Sky Sox fall to 60-80 with just three games left to play in the 2015 season.
Colorado Springs looks to break this current three-game slide with a win against these same Zephyrs in game two of the four-game set on Saturday evening. Making his Triple-A debut, 22-year old Jorge Ortega (NR) leads the way against fellow right-hander Blake Logan (1-3, 4.97) and the New Orleans offense with first pitch slated for 6:05 PM MDT from Security Service Field.