Eric Young, Jr. was responsible for plating three runs including the game-winning RBI single in the 10th, over the final two innings of last night’s thrilling 9-8 win over the Iowa Cubs. (Bobby Stevens/MiLB.com)
We’re totally running out of words to describe what the Sky Sox have done this season, but they continue to do whatever it is they’re doing. Simply put, the Sky Sox gave up a lot of runs early, trailed 8-3 heading to the bottom of the ninth, scored five runs to force extras, and won it 9-8 thanks to an Eric Young, Jr. walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th. Easy as 1-2-3, right? Wrong, it was another unreal comeback by this Colorado Springs team, their ninth win of the season when trailing after seven innings. UN.REAL.
Wily Peralta started the game and gave up three runs on two homers over 3 2/3 innings before giving way to Jaye Chapman who also gave up three runs on five hits. Down 6-0, the Sox had the Cubs right where they wanted them…The comeback began with a run in the 5th on a Jake Elmore RBI single, continued in the sixth with RBI knocks from Cecchini and Rivera, took a step back with the Cubs’ Jeimer Candelario hitting a two-run triple to make it 8-3 which looked like the final nail in the coffin for Colorado Springs. Not. So. Fast. Former sky Sox Joel Peralta came on in the 9th with a five-run cushion and blew it. He gave up five runs on three hits in the blink of an eye and wasn’t helped any by his defense which committed two errors in the ninth. Eric Young, Jr. pinch hit and brought home a pair with a grounder that was booted at third. Will Middlebrooks hit an RBI single and Rene Garcia tied the game with a sac fly. Elmore led off the 10th with a single, was moved to second on a wild pitch from Corey Black, to third on a BALK, and scored on a first-pitch single hit by EY. Another astounding comeback by the Sox once again proving that they are not out of ANY GAME.
Hitting Notes –
The Sky Sox entered the bottom of the ninth with three runs on nine hits and looked to be on their way to another disappointing loss, but it’s time to give credit where credit is due. The Sox sent nine men to the plate, five got hits, five scored, and then hits 15 and 16 came in the 10th thanks to Jake Elmore and Eric Young, Jr.
Eric Young, Jr. was on the bench for eight innings of this game until he was submitted as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth. He put the ball in play and brought home two on a ground ball to third with the bases loaded that was misplayed by Jeimer Candelario. Then stepped up to the plate in the 10th with Jake Elmore at third, picked on the first pitch from a rattled Corey Black, put in on the green in right, and gave the Sky Sox the 9-8 win.
Jake Elmore set the table for the second game in a row for Colorado Springs and reached base three times, scored two runs (including the game winner in the 10th), and picked up an RBI. He’s now hitting .344 in 48 games with the Sox and in 5 games batting in the first slot he’s hitting .300 and has reached base 8 times, scoring 5 runs.
Garin Cecchini bounced back a day after getting clipped with a throw from Elmore off the right elbow and connected for three hits and an RBI in five trips to the plate. Cheech is nearing .300 at .290 and continues to play a solid defensive first base.
Will Middlebrooks tallied another two-hit game with a single and double, RBI, and run scored in the come-from-behind win. He’s up to .258 on his long road to redemption.
Yadiel Rivera has been bumped down in the order with Elmore leading off and it’s paid off with four hits over the last two games, including a pair of knocks and an RBI last night.
Six other Sky Sox collected a hit in the thrilling win.
Pitching Notes –
Wily Peralta made his Sky Sox debut after being optioned by the Brewers on June 12th. He was limited to 3 2/3 innings, over which he allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. He was greeted abruptly by none other than John Andreoli who took him deep on the second pitch of the ballgame. Dan Vogelbach got him for a two-run homer in the third. He threw 75 pitches, 42 of which went for strikes.
Jaye Chapman didn’t fare well against the Cubs offense which continued to trend upward. The righty came on with two outs in the fourth and was welcomed to the affair by an Andreoli triple, Watkins RBI single and stolen base, and a Mark Zagunis RBI single which upped the Iowa advantage to 5-0. He allowed another run in the 4th and left with the game 6-0. In total, Chapman allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, and 1 strikeout in 1 1/3 innings.
Zack Jones completed a scoreless inning and walked one in his second rehab appearance with the Sky Sox.
Michael Blazek was tagged for another two runs in his second rehab appearance as he came out of the bullpen in the seventh. Jeimer Candelario took him down the line in right for a two-run triple.
The lawfirm of Ross, Goforth, and Magnifico combined to silence the prolific Iowa offense over the final three innings and allowed one hit, while striking out three in the process. Magnifico earned his second win on the season with a scoreless 10th.
Play of the Game –
Is there any doubt? Eric. Young. Jr. He stepped in with Jake Elmore at third base and one out in the bottom of the 10th against Corey Black who had just thrown a wild pitch and balked to move the runner from first all the way to third. Young picked on the first pitch he saw, a fastball up, and turned it down the line for an RBI single that ended the game 9-8 in favor of Colorado Springs.
Pregame Interview with Dan Karcher and Darnell McDonald –
Thanks for reading – See you on the radio,
Dan
Colorado Springs Sky Sox Official Team Blog 