Lots of Fireworks, Lack of Runs for Vibes in Defeat
By Tyler Petersen
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A big crowd waited out the rain at UCHealth Park to watch the Rocky Mountain Vibes and the biggest postgame fireworks show in Vibes history on the Fourth of July. The fireworks show was amazing, the game however was an 8-1 win for the Billings Mustangs.
Extra base hits came early and often for the Mustangs. Two doubles and two triples in the first two innings netted Billings three runs. In fact, of the eight hits the Mustangs had in the game, seven of them were good for two or three bases.
Jaasiel Ochoa made his first start since June 4th and had a decent day on the mound going 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K. He would take the loss and now is 0-2 this season.
The Vibes only run came off the bat of Mike Annone who continues a hot start to his return to Colorado Springs. His RBI single in the first inning came off the Opener, Beaux Bonvillain. After that hit, projected starter Sean Kiley came on and did not allow a run from then on. After pitching six scoreless innings on Wednesday, he pitched three more scoreless on Monday. He picked up another win via a scorer's decision, he is now 3-0.
Because of the rain, both teams agreed to reduce the game to a seven-inning ballgame.
In a silver lining on a cloudy day, Bradon O'Connor, who just signed before the game, made his professional debut for the Vibes. He picked up his first career hit in the fourth inning, caressing a ball past the shortstop for a base hit to left. He had a 1 for 3 night.
The Vibes now open up another six-game set on Wednesday against the Grand Junction Rockies. Friday we'll have more fireworks and Saturday is our Christmas in July with a snowball (marshmallow) fight after the game!
