Sod Squad Holds off Chanclas in Finale
The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio were held to just two hits in a 4-2 loss to the Amarillo Sod Squad Friday night in front of 1,424 at Wolff Stadium. Matthew Sesler made his first start for the Chanclas Thursday. Sesler, who had made seven appearances out of the pen
The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio were held to just two hits in a 4-2 loss to the Amarillo Sod Squad Friday night in front of 1,424 at Wolff Stadium.
Matthew Sesler made his first start for the Chanclas Thursday. Sesler, who had made seven appearances out of the pen for San Antonio this season, was filling in for the departed Riggs Threadgill. The lefty quickly fell behind 1-0 in the first when Michael Rosario’s double drove home leadoff man Tommy Williams.
It was the only blemish on the night for Sesler (1-1), who was very solid in four innings of work.
Unfortunately, for San Antonio, Amarillo took full advantage of Sesler’s replacement in the fifth. Zach DeLeon struggled with control, walking two and plunking two more. The Sod Squad recorded just one hit in the rally, but managed to push the lead to 4-0.
The four-run cushion was plenty to work with for Jake Suddreth (1-2), who kept the Chanclas hitless through five. Jalen Battles broke up the no-no bid with a single to lead off the sixth. Battles would also spoil the shutout bid later in the frame when he scored on an Anthony Forte fielder’s choice.
San Antonio threatened again in the eighth against reliever Mitchell Miller, plating a run on a passed ball and loading the bases with just one out. Amarillo went to the pen for Everett Hurst. Manager Brett Wellman’s decision was a good one as Hurst induced Tyler LaRue to bang into an inning-ending double play. Hurst came back out in the ninth to close out the victory, while notching his third save.
San Antonio (14-12) begins a crucial regular season-ending three-game set at Round Rock (16-11) Friday. First pitch from Dell Diamond is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Lefty Logan Garza (2-0, 3.60) will get the ball for the Chanclas in the opener, while the Hairy Men counter with right-hander Luke Malone (0-1, 0.54). The teams will alternate venues over the weekend, with San Antonio hosting Saturday’s contest and then concluding back in Round Rock on Sunday.
Notes: The loss dropped San Antonio a game and a half behind Round Rock in the South Division. The Chanclas remain just a half game behind second-place Brazos Valley (15-12).