Vibes Lose Early Lead, Can’t Recover in 6-3 Defeat
Six unanswered runs by the Mustangs were the deciding factor in Saturday night’s loss to Billings, despite a strong start to the game by the Vibes.
By Tyler Petersen
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Six unanswered runs by the Mustangs were the deciding factor in Saturday night's loss to Billings, despite a strong start to the game by the Vibes.
Ethan Lopez pushed across two runs in the first three innings, first in the first on an RBI fielder's choice then in the third on a three-bagger.
It was 2-0 Vibes up to the top of the fifth with Brock Knoten scattering three hits in the first four frames. Then Mason Dinesen added to his already impressive week in the nine-hole, driving home the first Billings run on an RBI fielder's choice.
The score remained 2-1 to the top of the sixth. Knoten retires the first two batters then allowed a walk to Gabe Wurtz. Next up was Brian Parreira who lined sharply to right-center and brought Wurtz home at a close play at the plate. After another walk, Armando Valle relieved Knoten. Valle walked the first batter to give Dinesen an at-bat with the bases loaded. Dinesen cleared the bases with a three-run triple to give the Mustangs a 5-2 lead.
Former Vibe and current Mustang Jean Correa put in six solid innings and picked up a quality start for only allowing the two runs. He shored up his forth win of the season and now is 4-0.
The Vibes had a shot in the bottom of the eighth now down 6-2. The first two runners reached and Rocky Mountain had men on second and third with no one out for Domonique Hernandez. Hernandez chopped one up the third base line for an RBI infield single to bring the game closer at 6-3. But three straight outs followed and the rally faded out.
Al Pesto got his second save of the series with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth.
Not to be lost in the game tonight is an encouraging performance by Miguel Pozo, who had a 1-2-3 inning of his own in his first appearance off of the injured list.
It was a long night when the game was completed. Start time turned out to be more nebulous than originally thought thanks to the rain. It was pushed back a few times from 6:30 pm until the first pitch was finally thrown at 8:17 pm. The game officially ended at 11:29 pm, a 3 hour and 12 minute contest.
Game five of the series is tomorrow, a 5:05 pm Sunday start.
