Diablos lose to Winnipeg 9 to 7

EL PASO, TX- The Winnipeg Goldeyes rallied for a run each in the ninth and tenth innings to earn a come from behind victory over the Diablos at Cohen Stadium by a final score of 9-7. The loss drops the Diablos to 1-7 on the young 2012 season.

At first, it looked as though Thursday’s game would be a comeback victory for El Paso after the Diablos erased an early four-run deficit to tie the game at five in the fourth inning. RBI hits from Brian Joynt, J.J. Muse and Bryan Frichter knotted the score as part of a four run frame for the Diablos.

After the Goldeyes re-took a one run lead, the Diablos forged ahead with two runs in the sixth. Bryan Frichter, as part of a 2-for-5 night at the plate, singled home the tying run and then scored the go-ahead run on a double by Javier Brito.

It was not meant to be for El Paso, however, as Winnipeg began the top of the ninth inning with a triple from center fielder Chris Roberson off closer Geivy Garcia (0-1). Roberson then scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly from Yurenell de Caster. After the Diablos stranded two runners in the bottom of the frame, Winnipeg regained the lead for good with a two-out, RBI triple by Josh Mazzola. The Goldeyes then added an insurance run on a single by Price Kendall.

Craig James earned the win in relief for Winnipeg to move to 2-0 on the season. The loss is the Diablos’ sixth in a row after a 1-1 start.

El Paso will try to get back in the win column with a win Friday night in game two of the series. Freddy Flores will start for the Diablos, facing right-hander Matthew Rusch for Winnipeg. First pitch from Cohen Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST).

— by Matthew Leland Play-by-Play Broadcaster, El Paso Diablos