It didn’t seem to matter what El Paso – the team or the city – threw at the New Orleans Baby Cakes on Thursday. The city threw strong winds and lightning, but the Dogs just threw their bats out when they needed them the most, leading to a ‘Cakes 7-6 win.
Both teams posted two runs early, but New Orleans popped it open in the 3rd inning when they scored four runs.
El Paso, the team leading professional baseball in home runs at 145, came up in the 4th determined to score. But the only one to hold true was left fielder Michael Gettys, who smacked a the ball 470-plus feet to the Shriner’s Building, ‘Cakes 6-3.
The Chihuahuas third baseman Ty France came up in the 6th inning to and lined one out to center, New Orleans 7-4.
And so it went until the bottom of the 9th. The lightening calmed and actual rain began to pour all over the ‘Cakes as the Dogs went up for their last three outs or at least three runs to keep playing.
With two men on and two outs, pinch hitter Seth Mejias-Brean (.320 BA) steps into the box and bangs a bases-clearing single to left field, the ‘Cakes were up by one run.
Enter, Boog Powell (.308 BA). A good bat to have at the plate when you’re trying to rally. Powell swings hard and hits a liner…to ‘Cakes first baseman Billy Fleming and he gently taps the bag.
The winning pitcher was Hector Noesi (6-3), the losing pitcher was Dillon Overton (2-3), and he save went to Kyle Keller.
Despite the loss, El Paso leads the Pacific Coast League Southern Division with a 42-24 record.
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Next Game: Friday, 7:05 pm at Southwest University Park. New Orleans RHP Zac Gallen (8-1, 1.57) vs. El Paso LHP Dietrich Enns (7-3, 5.29). The game will air on 600 ESPN El Paso and www.epchihuahuas.com.
New Orleans 7 El Paso 6 – Thursday | Box Score | Team Records: New Orleans (36-31), El Paso (42-24)
WP: Noesi (6-3) | LP: Overton (2-3) | S: Keller (4) | Time: 2:53 (:25 delay) | Attn: 7,168
Author: Larry Monarrez | Photos: Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta Chief Photographer – El Paso Herald Post
