By: Alex Morales
El Paso, TX – The El Paso Diablos were looking to earn sweeps in back-to-back series for the first time this season, but Fort Worth spoiled the attempt by jumping out to another lead, one they did not relinquish as they dropped the Diablos 9-6 Sunday night at Cohen Stadium.
The Diablos (26-53) fall behind in the top of the third when Fort Worth scored three runs in the frame off of starting pitcher Jose Rodriguez. Rodriguez (0-1) was making his first start for the team and it did not go as planned as he lasted only three and a third giving up four runs all earned on nine hits. He received the loss in the game.
Fort Worth (34-44) was not done as they scored one run apiece in the fourth and fifth inning. They took a 5-0 lead heading into the bottom half of the frame as starting pitcher Aaron Cunningham was coasting through the Diablos lineup.
In the bottom half of the fifth, El Paso scored four runs to come within one run of Fort Worth. They were able to score the runs as they had three extra base hits in the frame to go with four walks. Cunningham was chased after pitching four and two-thirds.
Reliever and ex-Diablo Scott Vander Weg came in relief and struck out Brian Joynt with runners on first and third to end the El Paso threat in the fifth.
The Diablos had their chance once again to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh as they started off the inning with runners on second and third with no outs trailing 7-5, but El Paso managed only one run in the inning.
Center fielder Kory Drew attempted a suicide squeeze, but he bunted in front of home plate, catcher Kelly Gulledge tagged out Uriak Marquez who was trying to score to end the threat for the Diablos.
Fort Worth tacked on two more runs in the game thanks to an error made by shortstop Maikol Gonzalez. Gonzalez threw an inning ending double play ball into right field that allowed the inning to extend and result in the 9-6 lead after eight.
Cats closer Nick DeBarr came in the game in the bottom of the ninth to seal the game for Fort Worth. He received the same in the game.
Tomorrow the Diablos will take on the Amarillo Sox for the first game of a four-game series. Game is set for 7:05 pm at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium.