Sod Squad edges Chanclas in Opener

In a frustrating series opener, the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio dropped a 1-0 contest to the Amarillo Sod Squad Tuesday night in front of 1,382 at Wolff Stadium.

Missed opportunities were the theme throughout the series opener, beginning in the home half of the first when the Chanclas loaded the bases with just one out on three consecutive singles against Hunter Viets. The Chanclas left the frame with nothing to show for it after Tyler LaRue bounced into an inning-ending double play. San Antonio would leave runners on base in each of the second and third innings as well.

After Amarillo left runners on the corners in the third against starter Austin Krob, they wasted another chance in the fourth. Krob issued walks to each of the first two hitters, Julio Marcano and Ben Rozenblum. That brought up Michael Rosario, who bounced into what looked like a routine 4-6-3 double play. However, in an over-aggressive attempt to plate the game’s first run, Marcano tried to score on the play from second. Alertly, first baseman Ryan Flores connected with LaRue to gun down Marcano and complete the ever-rare triple play.

An inning later, the Sod Squad stranded two more men on the bases.

Despite there being plenty of runners in scoring position, it did not take away from terrific outings by the mound opponents. Krob went five scoreless, limiting Amarillo to just four hits and two walks, while punching out five. Viets (3-1) scattered six hits in his six innings of work, striking out one and avoiding any free passes.

Amarillo broke through with the game’s only successful rally in the seventh against reliever Johnny Panatex (0-2) when Rozenblum doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch and then came in on a Jose Torres single.

San Antonio made one last threat in the ninth. Sod Squad lefty Mitchell Miller began the inning by fanning both Jordan Thompson and Flores. LaRue kept the game alive with a single then moved into scoring position when Lee Thomas walked. Amarillo skipper Brett Wellman elected to go to the pen again, selecting righty Everett Hurst, who loaded the bases when he walked Kyte McDonald. However, Hurst (2nd save), preserved the Sod Squad win by striking out Johnny Hernandez.

The series resumes Wednesday at 7:05 PM. Marcelo Perez (0-0, 0.62) will get the ball for the Chanclas, while the Sod Squad counters with fellow righty Jared Lyons (0-1, 5.78).