Vibes Drop Opener to Mustangs 10-1
By Tyler Petersen
Colorado Springs, Colo. – After a strong week going 4-1 against the Owlz, the Vibes dropped the opening game of a six-game series against the Billings Mustangs by the score of 10-1.
Brett Erwin made his home debut in his second start of the season and although he didn't pitch that poorly, he found himself on the other end of a 6-0 score by the middle of the 4th inning. In all, he went 4.0 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K. Billings scored the four other runs they'd tally up off Tommy Caulfield in the 5th and 6th innings.
Pedro Alfonseca and Pete Bayer finished off that last 3.2 innings out of the bullpen, holding the Mustangs without a hit.
Mustangs starter Sean Kiley scattered only four hits in six innings of work, walking only one batter and striking out only one. He picked up his second win of the season and lowered his already low ERA to 1.66 over 21.2 total innings. That barely does not qualify for the league lead in ERA, as 23.1 innings are necessary for Kiley. But if he did qualify, it would be the lowest ERA in the Pioneer League by almost three whole runs.
The play of the day for the Vibes was made in the very first inning – Joseph Encarnacion showed off his great range and feline-like agility at shortstop, making an outstanding diving play to throw out Billings third baseman Jackson Raper at first.
The two offensive bright spots for Rocky Mountain were Gio Diaz who went 3-4 with three singles and a stolen base and Ethan Lopez who hit his first home run of the season in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Thanks to that Lopez solo shot, the Vibes still have not been shut out this season.
Rocky Mountain has Jorge Leo back on the bump tomorrow, he will be opposed by Billings lefty Darrien Ragins. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased by going to vibesbaseball.com.
