Final result: new stadium approved

The final result is in: a new ballpark/community sports complex was approved by 61 percent early Wednesday morning.

Early voting early Tuesday night had it at 60-39 approval. Either way, the Broncos now know they will have a new home.

They just have to hope they're the ones chosen as a tenant.

Anyway, here's the story on the stadium that ran in Wednesday's paper, on 9A.

Another one speaks out

Another email I received from a concerned Broncos fan this morning:

==============================================

Mr. Silva,

I would to respond from the comment of a fan about the new stadium. First of, I have not heard anything about the new stadium. I did not know that on November 4th there is a vote for new stadium. The broncos need to go out and educate the public on this. If a normal person sees that the city needs to vote on a new stadium, right away they are going to think new taxes or if taxes are going up.

With everything going on right now, I will find it very difficult for this to pass because the public is not very well informed. If there are no taxes involved and the money is already there, then promote it!!!!!!!!!!!!

I firmly believe the broncos need a new stadium. they have made professional baseball work here the last three years when no other professional baseball team has been here longer.

Unless you count the tecos but they were subsidized by the city. i am sure if the city gives the broncos $300,000 a year to play only 18 games a year like they did the tecos they would survive too. So I am not counting the tecos as a stable since they were being supported by tax payers dollars and also were not part of the community like the broncos have been.

I think the broncos need to step up and promote this. This is there only chance and we the public have a right to be informed about the facts of this stadium. They defenitely have my vote but we need more people to vote yes and know the facts. No taxes, money is already there. use that money or lose it!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you

DL

Setting it straight ... somewhat

Here's the story that tells of the litigation between former and current ULB owners.

First off, it's important to realize that this is a league issue, not a Broncos issue. It's basically a story of "he said, he said."

Former league owners are claiming current owner Brad Wendt planned to move the league to the Golden League and abandon four teams - Alexandria, Harlingen, Laredo and Edinburg.

Wendt is saying that there was no such plan in place.

Anyway, much was spoken off the record but I can tell you what I think:

In regard to the Broncos' future, the league would be smart to hold off and see whether a new stadium is approved. Money is everything to owners, and a new stadium would be sure to bring in a nice dose of revenue.

I also think that in some way the league will stay afloat. I could be completely wrong tho.

I know Wendt said that this past season was the best in regard to attendance and such, but there's no doubt that there is some financial struggle.

How it's been is that San Angelo and Amarillo are the league's money-makers, and Alexandria, Harlingen and Laredo are "the bottom three", with the Broncos being the better of the three.

If the league had to make a choice, I would assume Alexandria and Harlingen would be quick to go before Laredo ever entered the picture.

No matter what, it still stands that a new stadium would certainly help the Broncos' cause.

Wendt speaks very highly of Broncos GM Jose Melendez so I know the league is fond of the Broncos' baseball and business sense.

The injunction doesn't mean much, especially if ULB's legal team has all the ammo to countersuit that I think it has.

But all the injunction is saying is the ULB cannot move its teams or go through with "cessation" of the teams. So until all of this is settled, the Broncos will stay part of the ULB for awhile...

Though if Nov. 4 comes and a new stadium is not approved, this team is all but done for. And as I've said before, if locals naively think that minor league franchises will keep coming in for their entertainment, they're silly.

Eventually, if there is no foundation of success for pro franchises, minor league teams will stop seeing Laredo as an option, and that will hurt the city far more than it will ever realize.

Hearing from a fan

I have yet to gain a real measure as to what Laredoans think about a new stadium.

However, I received this email from fan Sotero Gamez earlier today. I'm not sure if he represents the majority, but it's got to be a breath of fresh air for the Broncos, who are stressing with each day over the Nov. 4 ballot.

===============================



I would like to say that a new stadium is what Laredo Needs. The broncos have busted there butts making professional baseball work and they deserve it. They have shown persevierance and have been great community partners. There front office is top notch and very courteous and down to earth. Being a season ticket holder for the other pro teams, I cant say that about the other pro teams. The stadium will not only be for the broncos it will be for the community.

There is no taxes involved, the money is already there so we need to vote. I dont understand why our stupid city leaders are saying that the stadium is not for the broncos when they are the only pro team here and are a great entertainment value to the city.

Who are the city thinking of bringing.

The tecos? Who the city paid 300,000 a year to play here and lost over 100,000 the last threee years operating the team. How can these city leaders thinks it is useful of our tax dollars to spend on a team to play here and incur loses when the BRoncos pay the city to play here. doesnt make sense. The tecos level of baseball is actually lower than the broncos. Mexican league baseball are just washed up players that are overweight and just have a name attached to the jerseys but no talent. When I go to broncos game, these players have talent and a future and you are watching high level of baseball and more enthusiasm. When I went to the tecos I couldnt beliieve they were classified AAA level. It was more of sunday league quality and I looked in better shape than they did and I am 59 years old.

A affilated team? COme on. An Affilated team is impossible. There is a better chance we will get a MLB team than an affilated team. The market and logistics dont make it condusive for an affilated team. They are not many out there so that is why independent league teams exist. There are cities 8 times bigger than laredo that dont have affilated baseball.

Another independent league team? how fair would that be to the broncos who have survived three years in veterans field and have been loyal and patient with the city on building a new stadium. I dont get it. Yea laredo lets screw the broncos who have layed the ground work and is the only professional baseball team in the last forty years that survived more than half a season without being subsidized by the city like the tecos were and have another independent league team call laredo home. Give me a breaK! My respect and applause go to the broncos. It all starts with there dedicated individudals that are working the team.

With the mayor ranting on and off about laredo needs a winning team that is why he gets in trouble with his mouth. The Mayor needs to support his team and stand by the team that represents his city in other markets. I cant believe he opens his mouth to the public on TV and says the things he says.

Please laredo support your team and vote yes on November 4th. It is not costing us taxpayers anything other than a beautiful stadium.

GO BRONCOS!!

New stadium put on the November ballot

Stage 1 is done for the Broncos' quest for a new stadium.

The stadium is on the November ballot. Now it will be up to city of Laredo voters on whether a new stadium is approved.

The big deal about the whole situation is that the voters won't be asked to raise taxes. And should the stadium not be approved, you can pretty much put the clamps on pro baseball ever coming back to Laredo.

There's only so long any team can prosper at Veterans Field, and the sports industry isn't dumb, it knows what works -- think arena football is coming back anytime soon?

Dillas win ULB championship

The 2008 ULB season is officially over.

The Amarillo Dillas defeated the defending-champ Alexandria Aces, 2-1, in the best-of-three championship series by way of a 7-4 win tonight.

Here's the game story.

The Dillas are just the second champ in the three-year history of ULB.

Dillas take Game 1 of ULB championship series

It's Alexandria vs. Amarillo in the ULB championship series, and the Dillas are out in the lead following Thursday's 5-3 win in Amarillo.

Read about it here.

One more win, and the Dillas can put the final touches on the 2008 season with their first ULB title in the league's three years.

The Aces have won the league's other two titles.

Game 2 is slated for tonight.

Aces head to championship round

By way of a huge controversial call in the ninth inning, the Alexandria Aces defeated San Angelo 5-3 on Wednesday to win the best-of-three series.

The Aces are now headed to the championship series to defend their championship title.

You can read all about the crazy ending here.

Former Bronco reliever Dave Wasylak was a member of the Colts during the series and pitched 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball.

Edinburg and Amarillo are still playing their respective best-of-three series.

The Dillas lead 1-0.

Hernandez signs with Can-Am's Brockton Rox

On Page 2 of our Sports Section today, you'll see that Broncos RHP Santo Hernandez has inked a deal with the Brockton Rox of the Can-Am League.

Season wrap-up

Here's my story that ran in today's paper wrapping up the Broncos' 2008 season.

And as far as my thoughts, with the understanding that I only attended the home games:

I have no doubt of how talented this team was. Broncos GM Jose Melendez generally goes for the former-major leaguer, big-numbers players, and that was apparent on this team.

Guys like Luany Sanchez, Edgard Clemente, Santo Hernandez, Gregorio Martinez, Mickey Callaway...those are guys who are prominent players.

But, at this level, those types hardly pan out, simply because egos are always a threat to disrupt things.

It's important to remember that independent ball is a last resort for a lot of players. They'd much rather be somewhere, anywhere, else.

It's why the roster is still nowhere near finished as the start of the season approaches, because so many veterans and "on the bubble" guys wait until the last minute to come and play.

When Dan Shwam was hired as manager, yes, a veteran team made sense. He has a reputation as a player's coach because he's lenient and gives them their space.

He lets them play and treats them as adults, not as babies.

But in spite of all the veterans on this team, oddly enough, none had leadership. They were veterans by status only; they did not have the mindset and resiliency that most veterans do, or should.

So what was left was a team with players of no leadership, and Shwam desperately trying to find some answer for that.

He drove himself to the brink of exhaustion trying to find a remedy. Nothing. Nada.

And by the time he and Melendez realized that the lack of leadership and accountability were not going to go away, it was too late.

They thought the team would eventually find its way back on track, which can be assumed when you have former major leaguers in Callaway, Clemente and Ivan Reyes.

Instead, they betrayed that. And in turn, the season was lost.

The Broncos need to go younger next season. They need scrappy, hungry players who are out to prove themselves; players who look forward to the next game, not the next paycheck.

I get the sense that Shwam - he for sure - and Melendez realize that, which is the first step. They both know what needs to be done to right the course, which continues to make me believe that it's likely Shwam could return - he and Melendez see eye to eye in almost every aspect.

The Broncos were, all in all, a lifeless team - moody, distant and lacking pride and heart.

Laredoans will never relate to players like that, which can be explained why, for the second straight season, the Broncos were last in attendance.

No one wants to come see a team that would much rather be anywhere else but playing a baseball game.

I have no doubt that Shwam and Melendez are the right people to lead the Broncos. Both are incredibly intelligent when it comes to baseball, and Melendez's business sense is just as impressive as his mind for baseball.

So that's not the issue.

The problem is to start from scratch - again- and dismiss the "veteran, big numbers guy" route. For the last two years, it's proven that it does not work.

I mean, it'll get you homers by the dozen. But wins? Not so much.

The Broncos face a bright future, assuming the new stadium makes the November ballot for the city council.

There's no point in stressing or being down about this season. It's over, done, finished.

Next season starts now, and nothing can remake this club into winners like going young and getting the players here that actually want to be here and want to play.

The Broncos are a distant third in terms of fondness for local pro teams, behind the Bucks and Heat.

But baseball will always have a place here...IF done right.

The Broncos have the management people in place to do things right. Now they just have to execute that plan.

A lil' bit from Shwam

As I've said before, I'm in the midst of working on the Broncos' season wrap up story that is slated to come out Sunday.

I just finished transcribing quotes from manager Dan Shwam.

Here's a taste of some of the leftovers. And if these are leftovers, just imagine what the story will tell....


On the state of his return (which he's told me he'd return if welcomed back): “If I were to come back, I’d definitely bring back a younger team. I’d want a team that could handle the bumps on the road that Laredo has to offer – the stadium, the grind, it’s hot everyday. On this team, nothing worked for long periods of time. I tried to clean house and get rid of bad guys. I held meetings with each player. I tried to keep guys fresh, limiting batting practice because of the heat so they don’t wear down. I just never got it right.”

On the difference between his two tenures with the Broncos, one in 2006 and going 30-20 to lead them to a playoff spot, and then this year's 39-48 debacle: “It was a great group of guys in ’06. We had great team leadership. Edwin Maldonado. Orlando Cruz. Bryan Batson. Daryl Roque. Guys that hated losing. They were hungrier, out to prove themselves and would kill themselves for a win.
“As soon as someone messed up, Edwin would call them out. He’d let them know they were slacking. When I first got there, I inherited a team that was awful. We made some changes, made them believe and that was enough.”

On what he learned about himself as a manager in his 20th year of teaching the game, now second all-time in wins in independent baseball: “I still take losses very hard. I thought the older I got, the more games I got under my belt, I’d start caring less and less; they’d all run together. But I still love the game and hate the days before a game. I hate the nighttime, when I either sulk about losses or can’t enjoy a victory because I’m too busy preparing for the next game. But from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., it’s the best three hours of my life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

To clear up any speculation: Shwam blames this season completely on himself. He still, like every other Bronco loyalist, does not know what made this team tick. It was an eclectic mix of egos, and all he knows of the ballclub is that it was a self-consumed bunch that prioritized stats, not winning.

You'll read a lot more interesting comments from him come Sunday so be on the lookout.

2008 is in the books

Well, the Broncos' third season is finished.

39-48, fifth place in United League Baseball. Two games out of the fourth and final playoff spot.

In case you missed it, here's the game story from the season finale.

There's not much to say. The Broncos' were the ULB's version of the Knicks. OK, that's pretty harsh, but they were close.

They were lazy. They were apathetic. And they just did not show any heart, pride or soul on the field.

And what makes it worse is that this was the most talented team in the whole league. It's a shame.

Anyway, enough is enough. I've already talked to Manager Dan Shwam for my season-ending wrapup story that will run on Sunday.

I'll also get a few thoughts from GM Jose Melendez. It'll be interesting to see which direction they go.

Shwam said he'd like younger, more hungry players next year, if he was asked to come back (and there's a good chance he'd accept since he said this season "left a bitter taste in his mouth.").

Melendez, though, is a veteran guy; loves the players with the big names and numbers. To say that hasn't gotten him very far would be an understatement.

We'll see what happens. After I run my season-ending story, I'll post my own thoughts and views on the Broncos.

To be honest, I still haven't figured this team out yet. What I do know is Melendez and Shwam are both baseball-savvy individuals who know what they're doing, and they'll make the adjustments necessary to field a successful team next year.

As GM and Manager, they could only do so much. Moves were made. There was an abundance (perhaps overabundance) of premier talent on the team. They got along very well, something that could not be said for Melendez and 2006 Manager Papo Davila.

But 2008 is done.

The process for next year has already begun.

One more to go

Here's the Broncos story from last night.

One game remains in their mercurial 2008 season, that being tonight's series closer against Edinburg at Veterans.

I won't be able to attend the game since I'm working on LMT"s new weekly Zapata paper, as well as prep football stories.

As always, you can listen live to the game at laredobroncos.com, with the Voice of the Broncos, Ray Brito. Just log onto the site and click onto the sports gaming radio link on the front page.

Broncos win

Broncos win, 4-3. 

Dave Watkins pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save of the season.

Into the 8th

Broncos go down in order in the 7th.

Into the 8th we go, 4-3 Broncos.

German pulls Coyotes closer

Amado German's second solo homer of the game pulls the Coyotes within 4-3 in the top of the 7th.

Unadventurous 6th

Into the 7th we go, same score.

Into the 6th

The Broncos' offense looks a lot healthier tonight.

It's managed six hits through five innings for four runs. There's an obvious relaxation and less tension in the air tonight.

German bombs

The Broncos lead 4-2 into the bottom of the fifth following Amado German's one-out solo homer in the top of the inning.

Cool Callaway

Callaway keeps rollin' as the Coyotes have yet to truly threaten offensively.

Ponce does it again

Ponce is lighting it up here tonight.

He hit a one-out, two-run bomb to boost his RBI total to 4 tonight.

Broncos lead 4-1 into the 4th.

Down in order

The Coyotes go down in order in the third, thanks to an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.

Into the 3rd

The Broncos leave two on in the 2nd but can't improve on their one-run lead.

2-1 Broncos into the 3rd.

Nunez bombs

The Broncos get a leadoff homer from Argelis Nunez in the 2nd to cut the Coyotes' deficit by one run.

Ponce gives Broncos the lead

After loading the bases with two outs in the 1st, Arnoldo Ponce's two-run single puts the Broncos ahead 2-0.

Into the 2nd we go.

TAMIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

It's TAMIU night here at Veterans. There's a ton of student-athletes and administrative members in attendance.

Former TAMIU baseball coach Mickey Callaway is off to an impressive start as he got the Coyotes to go down in order in the 1st.

Pre-game for Coyotes vs. Broncos, Game 2

Well, nothing is on the line so it's possible the Broncos might win tonight.

The good news for Bronco fans is that I spent a half-hour with manager Dan Shwam earlier today discussing the team for my season wrap-up story that will come out on Saturday.

It has a lot of good stuff so I'm sure you'll want to tune in.

The Broncos traded pitchers Gregorio Martinez (6-5, 4.17 ERA) and Maximo de la Cruz (0-0, 2.84) to St. George of the Golden League today.

The contracts of four Broncos have been bought out by teams in higher leagues within the last three days, another example of how much talent was on this team.

Anyway, as far as news, that would cover it, though GM Jose Melendez said more is likely coming tomorrow.

As far as tonight's game................

The Broncos enter the game 11 games under .500 at 37-48.

They've lost four in a row. 

The Coyotes are 41-40 and have won eight in a row, the best streak in the league.

Right-hander Mickey Callaway (1-1, 2.77 ERA) is starting tonight. It's his second start of the season. The five-year major leaguer confirmed earlier today that he is looking to get back to Korea and not the majors.

His opponent will be Miguel Martinez (7-4, 5.16).

Here's tonight's lineup:

CF   Sean Gamble

RF   Anthony Bennett

1B   Matt Imwalle

2B   Ivan Reyes

LF   Dwayne White

SS   Arnoldo Ponce

DH   Johnny Lopez

3B   Ben Tinius

C     Nick Enciso

Game story

Here's the game story from last night that ran in today's paper.

Puzzling Broncos eliminated from playoffs

By way of a 3-2 defeat to Edinburg on Tuesday, the Broncos' season is all but finished.

Sure, two games remain against those pesky Coyotes but if you thought the Broncos threw in the towel long ago - and you would be right - just wait and see how they approach these next games.

There will be no playoff appearance for the Broncos this year, and truthfully, aside from Broncos coaches and management, I don't know if I can say the players are really disappointed.

Many of them - not all, but the majority - mentally checked out a long time ago, which is why Edinburg was able to rally from six games back to a six-game cushion with five games remaining.

"It's a huge disappointment," Broncos Manager Dan Shwam said. "All the negative words you can think of, they apply to us. I have not been able to get these guys to play with passion or heart. I don't know if they're beat up or just really tired, I don't know. There's no sense of urgency and that's on me. We played our whole season for these six games, or that's what I thought anyway."

Laredo's entire season could be summed up by last night's lethargic performance in which it had more errors (5) than hits (3).

"This one game sums up our whole season," Shwam said. "We left guys on base, we only manage one big home run. We never manufacture runs or run the bases. Our defense was shabby and made ill-advised plays. We made a run late - again. It's just disappointing."

The Broncos have lost 24 of their last 37 games. They didn't deserve to be in the playoffs, though they had the talent and capability; heck, they had the potential to be the best club in ULB.

After all, four Broncos were named to this year's ULB All-Star team, and right-hander Santo Hernandez was named ULB's Pitcher of the Year.

Instead, with no leadership or accountability, the Broncos were an underachieving club, counting down the days, waiting for winter ball, or whatever lies ahead in their year.

"This team is so much better than it's shown," Shwam said. "I don't know why it doesn't play hard or why they don't play well together. It's an interesting mixture."

With two games remaining - Mickey Callaway will start tonight's game, with the starter of Thursday's game undecided - Shwam said he will continue to do what he feels is right.

"I'm going to manage the same way I always have, and that's to win games," he said. "We've got two games left to try and win - which we might, since the pressure is off - and try and bounce back and get things right.

"I would like to say we gave it our best but we didn't. I can blame the players all I want, but this is my responsibility and my team. I just didn't get the job done."

But anyone would be kidding themselves to think Shwam is at fault.

While he's not blame-free, of course, he's not the reason the Broncos are 11 games under .500 and playoff-less.

Shwam led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance in 2006. He's third all-time in wins in independent ball and is known as a "player's coach", highly respected in the game.

He's been lax on the Broncos this year. He's been tough as nails. He's held meetings and talked with each player. He's done everything possible to find out what the problem is.

In 20 years of managing, he - along with GM Jose Melendez and the Broncos' fans - has never been as perplexed and bewildered by a team as much as this one.

There were a few players who played hard every game and respected their jobs. But far too many did not, and those few became the precious minority.

In reality, ULB lucked out.

This was a heavily talented ballclub throughout the season which league officials, managers and players feared and scouts drooled over.

The Broncos had the hitting and pitching ability. They had youth and veterans. They had a manager who knows how to win.

No one wanted to see the Broncos in the playoffs.

And that included, ironically enough, the Broncos.

Broncos done

Broncos fall, 3-2.

They're officially out of the playoffs. Edinburg is in.

More coming later.

Gonzalez adds to lead

Into the bottom of the 9th as Edinburg added to its lead on Eric Gonzalez's sacrifice RBI.

Into the 9th

The Broncos go down in order for the third consecutive inning.

Into the 9th we go, 2-0 Coyotes.

Coyotes go down in order

The Coyotes go down in order in spite of the Broncos tallying their fifth error of the game.

Down in order

The Broncos go down weakly in the 7th.

2-0 Coyotes into the 8th.

Clock is tickin'

The Coyotes go down harmlessly in the 7th.

Time is tickin' on the Broncos' playoff hopes.

Broncos break no-hitter

The Broncos break Mondesir's no hitter on Dwayne White's RBI single to lead off the 6th.  

And...............that's about it.

Side-struck

De La Cruz strikes out the side in the 6th.

Martinez out as we go into the 8th

The Broncos get two on with one out in the 5th but come away with nothing.

I'm shocked.

Maximo de la Cruz is in for Gregorio Martinez, who allowed two runs on one hit in five innings.

He struck out four and walked one.

German boosts Coyotes' lead

Amado German scores off a throwing error by Johnny Lopez to boost the Coyotes' lead to 2-0 in the 5th.

German also tallied the game's first hit with a tough single to lead off the inning.

Mondesir walks fifth batter

Mondesir has walked six batters tonight and the Broncos have yet to make them pay.

Coyotes still lead 1-0 into the 5th.

Broncos tally third error

The Coyotes get the lead off batter on for the fourth time today but can't capitalize.

The Broncos' linescore so far? No runs, no hits, 3 errors. Third baseman Ben Tinius has two of those.

Leaving 'em full

The Broncos loaded the bases with one out before Johnny Lopez grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the 3rd.

At this point, it would've been a surprise if a run had been brought in.

There are still no hits from either team. The Coyotes have walked five.

Into the 4th, 1-0 Edinburg.

Martinez rolls through 3rd

Alex Entrekin led off the 3rd but Martinez strikes out the next three.

Into the 3rd

Mondesir gets out of a two-on, no-out 2nd by striking out Ivan Reyes and forcing a double play.

1-0 Coyotes into the 3rd.

Neither team has yet to get a hit.

Broncos' D struggling

The defensive play from the Broncos has been atrocious.

Laredo has compiled two errors, three unofficially, by misplaying grounders and bobbling balls in two innings.

Luckily the Coyotes have yet to capitalize, other than one run.

Into the 2nd

The Broncos get nothin' in the first.

Into the 2nd, 1-0 Coyotes.

Coyotes take an early lead

The Broncos are quickly trailing after Daryl Jones' one-out sacrifice RBI in the first puts Edinburg ahead 1-0.

The run was unearned for Martinez.

Pre-game for Coyotes vs. Broncos, Game 1

The Broncos (37-47) welcome the Coyotes (40-40) for a three-game set at Veterans.

The Broncos are eliminated from postseason competition with one more loss.

To make the playoffs, the Broncos need a sweep of Edinburg and to win two of three against Alexandria in their final series of the season.

They also, at the same time, need the Coyotes to lose two of three in their final series against San Angelo.

The Broncos currently trail the Coyotes by five games for the final playoff spot with six games remaining in the season.

Here's tonight's lineup:

CF   Sean Gamble

RF   Anthony Bennett

DH   Matt Imwalle

1B   Johnny Lopez

LF   Dwayne White

SS   Arnoldo Ponce

2B   Ivan Reyes

C     Josue Gonzalez

3B   Ben Tinius

Gregorio Martinez (6-4, 4.39 ERA) is on the mound for the Broncos. James Mondesir (1-2, 5.87) is on the mound for the Coyotes.

Complete Schon details

Melendez spoke to me awhile ago to give me a full report on the latest transactions.

Schon (8-5, 4.61 ERA) was traded to Kentucky for catcher Josh Lex.

Lex played last season in the Frontier League. He hit .270 with 44 RBIs and six homers in 74 games of independent ball.

It's obvious Melendez is already looking toward next season - well, he even said as much.

He's looking at trading guys who will be free agents - among of which are Santo Hernandez, Gregorio Martinez and Maximo de la Cruz.

Schon was a free agent. Clemente, who left in a trade to Nashville on Monday, was a free agent.

In regard to the Broncos' final series against Alexandria later this week, Melendez said if the Broncos lose one more game before then, it's a "98 percent" chance the series will not be played.

Alexandria has said it doesn't want to play the series, instead wishing to rest its players for the playoffs, which start next Tuesday.

So, in all likelihood, the upcoming three games are the final ones of the 2008 season for the Broncos. 

Schon gone

I've just been told that Andy Schon has been traded to a team in Kentucky.

He's not here and has reportedly grabbed all his stuff and left.

I'll have more later once I talk to GM Jose Melendez.

ULB awards announced; Hernandez wins Pitcher of the Year

Well, the Broncos can feel happy about one development today.

Ace right-hander Santo Hernandez (7-6) was named as ULB's Pitcher of the Year today. Hernandez has the league's lowest ERA at 3.49 and leads the league in strikeouts at 122 with six games remaining in the season.

He's walked 34 batters all season.

Here's the full report on the awards released by ULB:

EDINBURG, Texas- With the United League playoffs set to begin on Monday, August 18, it’s no surprise that the top two seeded teams going into the post-season have won the bulk of United League Baseball’s End-of-Season Awards.

The top-seeded Amarillo Dillas, ULB’s first-half champions, and the second-seeded San Angelo Colts, who currently have the league’s best record at 50-29, each garnered three awards.

Shortstop Danny Bravo, the league’s leading hitter, becomes the first Dilla to be voted the league’s Most Valuable Player, and Dillas manager Brady Bogart has been named 2008 ULB Manager of the Year, leading Amarillo to a first-half title in his first year as skipper.

In addition, La Kiva Hotel in Amarillo was honored as Hotel of the Year.

Bravo has led the league in hitting for the majority of the season and is still on top, batting .381 over 81 games, 54 as a shortstop and 27 as a second baseman.

The 31-year-old is still versatile in the field, proving he can play anywhere on August 9, when he played all nine positions in Amarillo’s 12-8 win over the Harlingen WhiteWings. The former Triple-A farmhand for the White Sox has been in the top five of all three Triple Crown categories throughout most of the season.

The switch-hitter currently ranks third in the league among active players with 17 home runs and second in the league with 85 RBIs. Bravo, in his third year with the Dillas, is also second in hits (119), tied for second in doubles (26), fourth in extra-base hits (44), and third in on-base percentage (.472).

Bogart, in his first season as Dillas manager after serving as pitching coach in 2006 and 2007, guided Amarillo to a first-half title after the team finished third overall last year.

The Dillas finished the 2008 first half with a record of 27-18 and earned the No. 1 seed entering the 2008 ULB playoffs. Currently, Amarillo, who has won eight of their last 10, is tied for second most wins in the league (48) with Alexandria.

The only time the Dillas have been under .500 was when they lost their first game of the season on May 13. Amarillo has posted several exceptional records under Bogart in different facets of the game, going 27-17 at home, 21-17 on the road, and 13-7 in one-run games.

The Laredo Broncos boast the Pitcher of the Year: hard-throwing right-handed starter Santo Hernandez.

Hernandez, in his second year with Laredo and third overall in the United League, has the league’s lowest ERA at 3.49 and has given up more than four earned runs in just three of his 17 starts.

The righty has also lasted six innings or more in 14 starts, allowed more than four walks in a game just once, and recorded eight or more strikeouts nine times. For essentially the entire season, Hernandez has led the league in strikeouts and still currently does with 122 in 105 2/3 innings pitched (tied for fourth most innings pitched).

The Dominican Republic native, who is 7-6 on the year with three of those losses against the Colts, has walked just 34 batters all season.

For the Colts, they claim the Rookie of the Year for the second season in a row as right fielder Bryan Frichter took home the award for his outstanding freshman campaign.

Former San Angelo center fielder Ronnie Gaines won the award last year, and was signed by the Chicago White Sox organization following the season. He was recently promoted to Winston-Salem (Advanced Single-A) of the Carolina League.

Just as Bravo and Hernandez were, Frichter was voted to play for the United League All-Stars in the inaugural United League vs. Golden League All-Star Game on July 15, but Frichter distinguished himself as the only rookie on either squad.

The 23-year-old earned himself a spot with the Colts after impressing team personnel at the United League’s open player tryout in Southaven, Mississippi on April 19 and 20. The Chalmette, Louisiana native then made the team out of training camp and has gone on to have a storybook rookie season, batting .348 (sixth in the league) with 12 homers and 58 RBIs in 79 games, 67 of them in right field.

The right-handed hitter has led the league in doubles virtually from the beginning of the season until now, as he continues to do so with 32 doubles. Frichter is also tied for the fourth most hits in the league with 114 and tied for second in extra-base hits with 46.

Also for the second straight season, Colts stadium superintendent Joe Stapp and his crew can take pride in maintaining the Playing Surface of the Year at Foster Field, the home of the Colts. Moreover, San Angelo’s radio announcer, Frank Mentesana, was voted ULB Broadcaster of the Year.

Finally, the Alexandria Aces and their visiting clubhouse manager Eric Doyle were honored with Clubhouse of the Year Award.

The awards were voted on by the ULB field managers, media personnel and league office members.

Still a chance...

Here's the Broncos preview story that ran in today's paper.

The bottom line: one more loss and the Broncos will be watching the playoffs from home.

Either way, the Broncos need a sweep of Edinburg and to win two out of three against Alexandria in the next series. Meanwhile, Edinburg would need to lose two out of three in its next series against San Angelo.

In other big news, the Broncos sold the rights to slugger Edgard Clemente to Nashville of the Can-Am League on Monday. You can read more about that in the article as well.

Coyotes sweep Broncos, move five games ahead

LAREDO MORNING TIMES

With a playoff berth on the line, against the team they were chasing, the Broncos flat-lined, as the Edinburg Coyotes put a finishing sweep on a pivotal series with a 4-1 win in Edinburg on Sunday.

The Coyotes (39-40) now stand four games ahead of the Broncos (37-47) for the fourth and final playoff spot. Both clubs will have today off before engaging in another three-game set at Veterans Field starting on Tuesday.

Edinburg took an early 3-0 lead in the second inning on Alex Entrekin’s two-run single and Angelo Fermin’s RBI single.

The Broncos would get their lone run in the fourth on Ivan Reyes’ sacrifice RBI.

The Coyotes would close the scoring in their half of the fourth on Fermin’s RBI double.

Broncos starter Sean Donlin (2-6) was tagged with the loss.

He pitched six innings and surrendered four runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked three.

The Broncos’ meek offense scored one run on four hits. They committed one error.

The Coyotes scored four runs on eight hits and committed no errors.

Entering the three-game set, the Broncos trailed the Coyotes by two games.

But even with aces Santo Hernandez and Andy Schon pitching the first two games, they came away with nothing but an empty feeling as they made their return to the Gateway City.

The Broncos’ homestand against the Coyotes starting Tuesday will be their last of the 2008 season.

Broncos fall four games back of Coyotes

Barring some remarkable rally that defies the complete essence of this season, the Broncos' season will end in seven games.

There will likely be no playoffs for the Gateway Gang after they fell four games behind Edinburg for the fourth and final playoff spot courtesy of an 8-3 loss in Edinburg on Saturday night.

Edinburg has won seven of its last 10 games during the heat of its playoff push, while Laredo has lost four of 10.

The Broncos struggled offensively, mustering just three hits in spite of taking a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning.

The Coyotes eventually took the lead for good in the seventh inning on Eric Gonzalez’s RBI double and Amado German’s sacrifice RBI.

Edinburg added three more runs in the eighth on Gary Roche’s two-run single and Argelis Nunez’s RBI single.

Broncos starter Andy Schon was tagged with the loss.

He threw 6 1/3 innings and surrendered five runs on nine hits.

He walked two and struck out three.

The Coyotes scored eight runs on 12 hits and committed one error.

Laredo committed two errors.

The teams will conclude their three-game set on Sunday in Edinburg. They’ll take Monday off before another three-game set at Veterans Field starting Tuesday.

Coyotes best Broncos in the 9th on walk-off sac RBI

It was everything that a contest between two teams fighting desperately for a playoff berth is supposed to be.

It was dramatic, exhilarating and suspenseful. And the Broncos came away on the wrong end of it.

If any game this season will be deemed a "heartbreaker", Friday's 6-5 loss to Edinburg was it.

The Broncos trailed 5-0. They rallied to tie 5-5 in ESPN-like fashion, courtesy of Ben Tinius' two-run bomb in the seventh.

Then, when the pressure was at its peak, the Coyotes prevailed in the their final at-bat in the ninth, on Eric Gonzalez's sacrifice RBI with one out.

Broncos outfielder Edgard Clemente's throw was not in time as Daryl Jones, who had walked to lead off the inning, scored, capturing the Coyotes' fifth straight win, and, more importantly, giving them now a three-game lead over the Broncos for the fourth playoff spot.

Both clubs were efficient. The Broncos scored five runs on seven hits, the Coyotes six on eight. Each team homered. Each had their moments, both good and bad.

It was as even of a contest as you'd expect. But Edinburg prevailed when it mattered most.

Broncos ace Santo Hernandez had his third streaky consecutive outing.

After surrendering eight earned runs in 10 innings in his previous two starts (both losses), he was fortunate to come away with a no-decision tonight after surrendering four earned runs on seven hits in six innings.

He may lead the league in ERA and strikeouts, but where it matters most - the win-loss column - he is a mediocre 7-7.

The Broncos and Coyotes continue their three-game set with Game 2 slated for Saturday night.

Now only eight games remain for Laredo, which sits at 37-45, to try and squeeze into the playoffs.

Andy Schon (8-4, 4.46 ERA) is up tonight as the Broncos now have to win the next two for a series win.

For all intent and purposes, Saturday's game will decide the season. The Broncos cannot afford to fall four games back with seven games remaining, three of which will be against an Alexandria club that has done well against them all season.

Eighty-two games are in the books. But the only one that matters is Saturday's.

In control of their own destiny

This is what they needed.

This is what they desired and longed for.

On a night which the pitching surrendered two runs on five hits, on a night the offense met the challenge with nine runs on 15 hits...the Broncos got what they wanted most.

A win. A demonstrative win at that, courtesy of a 9-2 blasting of Amarillo on Thursday before 1,005 fans at Veterans Field.

"This team is capable of playing like that every single night," Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. "We dug ourselves a hole but now we've got to take care of business. We're very capable of going 9-0, 8-1, 7-2 the rest of the way. This team is just too talented to sit back.

"We've got to think positively and know that we'll win every game, take every series. We have to have the mentality that the worst is behind us and the best is still to come."

That's exactly what it is. The Broncos' mind set and confidence has been so down lately that they fell entrapped in a "woe is me" attitude.

But Thursday gave them perfect reason to scrap that nonsense.

Yes, they're still seven games under .500 (37-44) and two games behind Edinburg for the last playoff spot.

But the season has come down to nine games. HUGE games. Six monumental games against those hated Coyotes, starting tonight with a three-game set in Edinburg.

"We needed this (win) in the worst way," Broncos Manager Dan Shwam said. "This is for all the marbles now. I hope our guys are ready.

"We're the better team. Even without Luany (Sanchez), we're still the better team. But the bottom line is these six games will tell and we'll really see who the better team is."

Throughout the losing skid - five straight, and three of their last 10 - that preceded the win, the Broncos talked about needing a spark; anything that could send them on a roll.

Right-hander Mickey Callaway, after his strong start to earn a win against the Dillas on Thursday, could very well be that inspiration.

Fresh off Tommy John surgery, the five-year Major League veteran threw five shutout innings in his first start since God knows when.

He allowed three hits. He struck out five and walked one. And he's the one who got them off the skid.

"Mickey came up big," Melendez said. "That's what he needed to do, was to step up and show the guys we can win."

Added Callaway, "We definitely needed this. Now it's on to Edinburg, and these next three games will tell the tale and see what kind of team we are."

In regard to his performance, Callaway, who had entered the game 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in five relief appearances, smiled.

"I felt great. I was able to go through my routine, get ready and get my pitches where they need to be.

"Being able to go five innings at this point of my rehab is excellent. This is what I strived for. I feel like I've worked hard enough to where I can throw extended innings."

Now comes the Coyotes, who have rallied from six games behind Laredo to take a two-game lead for the fourth and final playoff spot.

For a team with its share of veterans, nothing needs to be said. No rah-rah speech is needed.

The Broncos will throw out their best pitchers in Edinburg, in Santo Hernandez, Andy Schon and Sean Donlin.

Even so, Shwam will be certain that his players have no confusion as to what exactly is at stake.

"We'll have a team meeting tomorrow to reiterate what we all already know," he said. "It's put up or shut up time. If they really want to be in the playoffs, they'll prove it. If not, it'll show. They've got six games against a team they're better than."

Asked if he's anxious or nervous, Shwam replied: "I'm anxious to see if we have spirit and heart. I know Edinburg will. They'll try and knock us in the teeth right from the start. They'll be in our face.

"We have to do our job and I'm anxious to see how we'll counter."

Melendez, too, was slightly worried as well.

But in a reflection of the positive attitude and aura that has all of sudden surrounded the team of late, he expressed confidence and optimism in a situation that just days ago seemed bleak and dreary.

"I'm worried, but we've always played well against Edinburg," he said. "In the games we've lost, it was either because one bad pitch, one bad error. But it's important to know that the clock is ticking.

"There's only nine more games left. There's always pressure in these situations but we'll be okay. We have the better team.

"When we come home Tuesday (for another three-game set against Edinburg), I hope we're tied or ahead. That way, we can clinch the playoffs at home.

"I mean, what better way to do it, right?"

Broncos win!

Broncos win, 9-2, snapping a five-game skid.

With Edinburg's win, the Broncos are still two games behind for the fourth playoff spot.

But hey, a win's a win!

More is coming later tonight. I got stuff from Shwam, Callaway and Melendez so there will be a lot to talk about.

The blog should be posted late tonight, if not early morning tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

Into the 9th

Into the 9th we go, Broncos still lead 9-2.

Into the 8th

Into the 8th we go, Broncos lead 9-2.

Foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrr

In what seemed like the longest half-inning in the history of Western Civilization, the Dillas come away with nada in their half of the 7th.

Into the bottom we go.

Broncos lead 7-2

The Broncos get the two runs back in the 6th on Matt Imwalle's RBI double and Dwayne White's RBI single.

9-2 Broncos into the 7th.

Dillas get on the board

The Dillas get on the board thanks to Andrew Wong's RBI single and Sam McLain's SAC RBI in the 6th.

7-2 Broncos into the bottom of the 6th.

Broncos lead 6-0

The Broncos' lead is pushed to 6-0 courtesy of a five-hit, four-run 5th.

Matt Imwalle, Arnoldo Ponce and Ivan Reyes all drilled RBI singles, and Josue Gonzalez added a sacrifice RBI.

Callaway is out of the game. He pitched five shutout innings and allowed three hits, striking out five and walking one.

Dillas starter Jesse Rodriguez is also out. He allowed six runs - five earned- in 4.1 innings and walked two and struck out one.

Maximo de la Cruz is in for the Broncos.

Callaway eligible for the win

Callaway tags his first walk of the game, but his 5th strikeout as well.

The Dillas come away with nothing in the 5th as Callaway is now eligible for the win.

Into the 5th

The Broncos get one hit and nothing else in the 4th.

Into the 5th we go, and Callaway is back out for the Broncos.

Down and out...again

Callaway gets the Dillas to go down in order for the second consecutive inning.

3-0 Broncos into the bottom of the 4th.

Edinburg update

The Coyotes lead the Aces 6-1 in the 4th.

Edinburg entered Thursday's action with a two-game lead on Laredo for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Coyotes were aided by a five-run first inning.

White boosts lead

Dwayne White gets a one-out RBI single in the 3rd to put the Broncos ahead 3-0 into the 4th.

Dillas go down in order

The Dillas go down in order as Callaway keeps rollin'.

Into the 3rd

The Broncos get the first two leadoff batters on in the 2nd but come away with nada.

2-0 Broncos into the 3rd.

Callaway goin' good

It's been a smooth run for Callaway so far. He's struck out two and allowed three hits through two innings thus far.

Into the bottom of the 2nd we go, 2-0 Broncos.

Broncos lead 2-0

For the third time in this series, the Broncos score first.

Laredo leads 2-0 into the second courtesy of a one-out, RBI double from Edgard Clemente. In the following at-bat, Dwayne White brought in Matt Imwalle on a sacrifice RBI.

Callaway escapes jam

Callaway puts two on with none out but escapes the jame by forcing a groundout, flyout and strikeout.

Pre-game for Broncos vs. Dillas, Game 3

The Broncos are coming off arguably their most disappointing loss all year, a 6-5 heartbreaker to Amarillo last night in which they surrendered a 5-0 lead in the eighth and allowed the Dillas to score six runs - all unearned - in the inning to take the win.

Yet there is still a sense of optimism from the Broncos. Starting at the top.

"It's gotten a bit negative around here but this is something can still be done," General Manager Jose Melendez said of a playoff berth. "We know we have a better team than this. I think a few wins in a row gets this team back on track and gets the attitude up."

The Broncos have even gone the superstitious route, with many officials growing mustaches to spur a late season rally toward the playoffs.

It shows unity and belief. Whether it will work is another story within itself.

The Broncos have lost five straight games, falling eight games under. 500. They're 3-7 in their last 10 games. 

Edinburg, the team the Broncos trail two games for the fourth and final playoff spot, has won six of its last 10 games to make a stirring run for the postseason.

"I think it changes tonight," Melendez said. "I think we'll win, (Mickey) Callaway will pitch awesome and then we'll go and take care of business in Edinburg. We'll get it done."

Callaway (0-1, 4.50 ERA) is making his first start since coming off Tommy John surgery a year ago. 

In five relief appearances - eight innings - he has surrendered  four runs on six hits, walking six and striking out five.

The anticipation for his first start has been thick, with everyone - from players to management - anxious to see what the five year Major League veteran can bring.

No doubt it's the storyline for today's game, which is much-needed since the Broncos will travel to Edinburg tomorrow for a pivotal three-game set against the Coyotes.

But tonight is tonight, and tomorrow can be worried about later. There is a great opportunity at snapping the five-game slide with Amarillo's Jesse Rodriguez on the mound.

Rodriguez has struggled this year, going 2-6 with a 5.60 ERA. He has struck out 51 and walked 30 in 62.2 innings.

Here's tonight's lineup:

DH   Sean Gamble

RF   Anthony Bennett

1B   Matt Imwalle

CF   Edgard Clemente

LF   Dwayne White

SS   Arnoldo Ponce

2B   Ivan Reyes

C    Josue Gonzalez

3B   Ben Tinius

Broncos fall again, 6-5

I was unable to attend tonight's Broncos game due to having to man desk duties. But I'll be back at Veterans tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here's a short story of tonight's loss - the ninth in the last 13 games.

**

The Broncos lost their ninth game of their last 13 in stunning fashion on Wednesday, surrendering a five-run lead in the eighth inning to fall 6-5 to Amarillo at Veterans Field.

The Dillas will be looking for the series sweep against a floundering Broncos (36-44) club, which has lost five consecutive games.

Game 3 is slated for tonight. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m.

The Broncos are now two games behind Edinburg, which defeated Alexandria earlier in the evening, for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Laredo led 5-0 before the Dillas stormed back, scoring six runs in the eighth against Broncos starter Gregorio Martinez, who dropped to 6-4 despite pitching brilliantly through the first five innings of the game.

Spurred by Danny Bravo’s two-run double and Stephen Douglas’ two-run single, the Dillas stormed back against Martinez, and Dave Wasylak, who came in with two outs to relieve Martinez.

Martinez pitched 7.2 innings, surrendering six runs – all unearned – on six hits.

He struck out eight and walked two.

Amarillo’s Taylor Allen earned the win.

He pitched seven innings and gave up five runs on eight hits.

He walked six and struck out three.

The Dillas took the same lead into the ninth, where the Broncos were unable to come away with a win.

Amarillo’s Ralph Roberts earned his eighth save of the season.

The Broncos scored five runs on nine hits and committed two errors.

The Dillas scored six runs on seven hits and committed one error.

Link 'em

Links from the Bronco stories that ran in today's paper.

Last night's 7-2 loss

Progress on the new stadium

Eleven games left as the clock keeps tickin'

Well, 11 games remain in the Broncos' season. An analysis of last night's loss is unnecessary since the same culprits are to blame - lack of effort and poor situational hitting.

Oh, and add this one: too many free passes. Thirteen walks in a game? Yikes. The five-run differential could have been a lot worse if the Broncos hadn't tallied five double-plays.

After leaving 12 on base in their series finale against the Colts on Monday, the Broncos left nine on Tuesday.

It's looking doubtful that the Broncos will ever right the ship. If they haven't done so by now, it may be too late.

With that said, Edinburg is - rightfully deserved - one game ahead of Laredo for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Broncos' best shot at winning a game of this series against Amarillo is likely tonight, with Gregorio Martinez on the mound.

Mickey Callaway, Thursday's slated starter, is unproven at this level so far, boasting a 4.50 ERA in relief.

I'm hoping he does well. Callaway is a good guy with great stuff and I'm anxious to see how he does in his first start.

I know he's been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time, and maybe his appearance will spark the team in some way.

The Broncos could use any sort of jolt of energy at this point.

I would love the chance to say anything positive about the team but it has done nothing to warrant praise.

With a new stadium on the horizon, you would think the Broncos' spirit would be up and they'd feel like they're playing toward a bigger and brighter future.

Nope.

Instead, they couldn't care less. And it shows with their play.

Anyway, in the meantime, between now and the first pitch of today's Game 2 of the series, send me your comments and thoughts or questions. I'll answer every one, and if there are enough inquiries, I'll even dedicate an entire blog post to it.

The email to submit those comments: densilva2@gmail.com. It'd be interesting to see what fans think of this enigmatic club.

A comment from a reader

A comment from a reader. I have the feeling that Sotero's thoughts are the same of every Broncos fan at this point.

Keep sending the comments in!

======================================

I will like to say that blog is awesome!!!! Keep up the good work.

I agree this team is very pitiful to watch. There is a bunch of talent on the team but no heart and desire. These guys have to realize that it is about winning not playing out the string. These guys have a golden opportunity to make it. To win a championship in the professional level. They are playing like if they are the Whitewings. Nothing to play for. WRONG!!!! All we need is a couple of wins to make the playoffs. And also to have the best pitching staff in a shore series is more motivation to win.

Veterans like Clemente, Luany, Reyes, Ponce, Santos are great to watch but there lack of leadership shows. They are the ones that need to step it up and show the young guys how to play. It seems they just worry about helping themselves. I think that Dan Shwam is doing a great job. He is a proven winner and he shows he cares as he argues the calls that need to argue and also defends his team. I think he needs to step it up and be more involved including coaching third base like every other manager. Shwam has been the best manager the team has had. he should do a tommy lasorda and hopefully that will change the luck of the team.

I hope we make it and win the championship to Laredo. I wish this talented team will play like it is, A TEAM. Instead of individuals.

Broncos fall

Broncos lose, 7-2.

It's their fourth straight loss, and eighth in their last 12 games.

Edinburg defeated Amarillo earlier tonight to take a one-game lead over Laredo for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Same score, bottom of the 9th

Into the bottom of the ninth we go, same score.

Into the 9th

The Broncos leave two on in the 8th but come away with - say it with me - nada.

Into the 9th we go, 7-2 Dillas.

Johnson boosts lead

A.J. Johnson's two-out RBI single in the 8th puts the Dillas ahead 7-2.

Into the 8th

The Broncos get a leadoff double from Jose Gonzalez and nothing else.

Into the 8th we go, 6-2 Dillas.

9 BBs for Bartlett

Bartlett gets out of the seventh but surrenders his ninth walk in the process.

Finally through 6

We are finally through six innings. It only took 2  hours, 10 minutes... 20 minutes short of a normal nine-inning game.

Into the 7th. 6-2 Dillas.

Bartlett gets out unharmed

Bartlett gets out of the 6th unscathed despite surrendering his eighth walk of the game.

Into the bottom of the inning we go. 

Same ol' into the 6th

The Broncos trail 6-2 into the 6th as they manage just Dwayne White's two-out hit in the fifth.

Dillas go down

The Dillas get a two-out hit in the 5th and nothing more.

Dillas lead into the 5th

Broncos go down weakly in their half of the 4th as the Dillas lead 6-2 into the 5th.

They have as many hits as strikeouts - four.

In other news, the Coyotes lead 8-0 against Alexandria into the 6th inning.

With a Broncos loss and a win, Edinburg can move a game ahead of Laredo for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Dillas pad lead

The Dillas get four runs on two hits in the 4th as they now lead 6-2.

Bartlett has seven walks through four innings. He's also surrendered six hits.

Into the 4th, 2-2

The Broncos get two on with one out but do nothing with it.

Same score into the 4th.

Bartlett escapes another jam

Bartlett allows two on with one out but again escapes.

2-2 into the bottom of the 3rd.

Still tied

Broncos go down in order as we head into the 3rd inning tied.

Dillas tie game

The Dillas tie the game after Bartlett loaded the bases with no outs.

Fortunately, he got away surrendering just the two runs. It could have easily been two or three more.

2-2 into the bottom of the 2nd.

Stop the presses, Laredo scores first

The Broncos loaded the bases with one out in the 1st and it paid off nicely.

For just the 37th time this season, the Broncos score first in a game as Matt Imwalle laced a one-out, two-run single to right field to put Laredo ahead 2-0.

The first inning lasted 33 minutes. If we can get done by Labor Day, I think I'd be a happy man.

Into the 2nd we go, Broncos ahead.

Firs-half forever

The first half of the first inning just finished. After 17 minutes.

To say Bartlett struggled with his control would be like saying Rosie O'Donnell struggles with diets.

He walked three in the inning but somehow, someway came away unscathed. No runs. Just one hit.

The Broncos are FINALLY up to bat.

Pre-game for Broncos vs. Dillas, game 1: Sanchez gone

It's a new day, and the start of a new series for the Broncos.

Amarillo (43-33) is in town for a three-game set.

The Broncos will send Richard Bartlett (2-4, 8.42 ERA) to the mound. His opponent will be Ron Lowe (6-1, 3.86).

The Dillas have split their last 10 games while the Broncos have lost six of their last 10.

But the real news came late this afternoon when it was reported that catcher Luany Sanchez is leaving to go play in the Mexican League tomorrow.

Sanchez is the Broncos' big slugger, having hit .319 with 18 homers and 71 RBIs in 77 games so far this season.

GM Jose Melendez was on the phone trying to find another catcher quickly. Once Sanchez is gone, that would leave Josue Gonzalez as the only true position player at that spot.

Melendez said it's pretty much official that Sanchez will be gone. As it is, he's not even in tonight's lineup, which was changed moments ago after he had been included in it earlier in the evening.

His absence will only provide a greater blow to an offense that has struggled desperately in its last five games, averaging 2.8 runs and hitting .231.

On that note, and a depressing one it is, here's tonight's lineup:

DH   Sean Gamble

2B   Ivan Reyes

LF   Dwayne White

CF   Edgard Clemente

1B   Matt Imwalle

SS   Arnoldo Ponce

3B   Johnny Lopez

RF   Anthony Bennett

C    Josue Gonzalez

Last night's game story; news on new stadium

Here's the game story from last night.

Also, I've been working all afternoon on a story on the progress on the bid for a new baseball stadium for Laredo.

Everything looks good to go, and the bid is expected to beat the Aug. 26 deadline and make the November ballot.

I won't give the full story, but here are a few comments from city officials:

City Manager Carlos Villarreal: “Yes, I’m confident we can get it done. All we want is a first-rate staidum for the city of Laredo.”

District II councilman Hector "Tito" Garcia: “You can’t run before you start walking. We’ve got to allocate the money first, then make sure the design is the right size for the community. After those things are done, we’ll worry about the Broncos or anybody else coming in. Cost and how we’ll build it is our priority right now.”

Also, I've been hearing that readers of the blog are having difficulty sending comments to the articles posted here.

I agree, it's a mess.

To make things easier, email me your comments at densilva2@gmail.com and I will post them and have comment articles every so often.

Send me any questions you may have as well and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

Lost for answers

It's back to square one.

With their loss and Edinburg's 12-11 win over Amarillo on Monday night, the Broncos are now tied with the Coyotes for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Broncos are 36-42. Edinburg is 34-40.

And there are still no answers as to why the Broncos have played lackadaisical and apathetic baseball of late, having lost seven of their last 11 games, and three straight, at a point of the season when they could least afford it.

"I don't know what to say anymore," Manager Dan Shwam said. "I don't know where else to look for answers. It is what it is. A true competitor doesn't give up or give in. I know it's a long, hot season, but there is still a job to do.

"This isn't a matter of talent. It's a matter of character, heart and pride. There are players taking baseball for granted. There are guys who've been in higher leagues, at higher levels, who feel they're owed something. It comes down to desire."

Twelve games remain in the Broncos' regular season - three against Amarillo, three against Alexandria and six against Edinburg.

The Broncos have put themselves in a precarious position to where each of those 12 games matter.

One slip-up or string of losses could end any hope of a playoff berth.

"I'm disappointed," Shwam said. "We've got 12 games to go and a key playoff situation. Not only that, but they're still getting paid to play. Any other job, with their kind of approach, and they probably wouldn't have that job anymore. Whether they like it or not, it's still a job."

Shwam pointed to the team's "support" behind right-hander Andy Schon on Monday.

Schon threw two bad pitches that cost him dearly - a two-run homer and a three-run homer - but otherwise pitched a stellar game, nothing new for team's most consistent pitcher and, arguably, its toughest competitor.

He allowed six runs on nine hits, striking out seven and walking two.

Offensively, the Broncos mustered three runs on 10 hits and left 12 on base.

"When your most consistent pitcher is on the mound, someone who's kept you in a lot of games, and you respond with a poor effort, that's not fair," Shwam said. "It's not fair to Andy, and as a true team, you should do whatever it takes for a guy who competes every single night. We have pitchers who decide when they'll pitch, and at what efficiency, but he's not one of them. Every night he takes the ball and gives 100 percent.

"These guys don't understand that their attitude and behavior is affecting 21 other guys. But if that's how they want to end their career, so be it. "

As of now, this is not a team worthy of a playoff berth. And it will be tougher to try and save face against Amarillo in its three-game series starting tonight, with Richard Bartlett (2-4, 8.42 ERA), Gregorio Martinez (6-3, 4.77 ERA) and Mickey Callaway (0-1, 4.50 ERA) slated to start the games.

For a team that boasts the likes of Luany Sanchez, Edgard Clemente and Dwayne White in its lineup, as well as Santo Hernandez, Gregorio Martinez and Schon in its starting rotation, struggling for a playoff spot seems laughable.

But that's the circumstances which it finds itself in. After all, talent can only get you so far, and the Broncos are finding out that the distance is even shorter than they imagined.

Colts finish series sweep

The Broncos fell despite adding another run in the 9th.

Colts win 6-3.

De la Cruz solid in first appearance

De La Cruz gets the Colts to go down in the ninth, surrendering just a double from Bryan Frichter.

Broncos down to their last three outs.

Broncos add a run

The Broncos get another run on Arnoldo Ponce's RBI single in the eighth, but no further damage is done despite the team getting the tying run to the plate.

Colts lead 6-2 into the 9th.

Newbie Maximo de la Cruz is in for the 9th.

Melendez "embarrassed" from city council meeting

The Colts get a two-out single from Wyn Diggs but nothing more in the 8th.

It looks like Schon will try and stay on to look for his fourth complete game of the season.

Jose Melendez is back from the city council meeting and said he was "embarrassed." He said he felt like the city didn't even want the Broncos there and that they showed disdain all evening.

Into the 8th

The Broncos put two on in the 7th and still didn't come away with anything.

Into the 8th we go, Colts still lead 6-1.

Schon collects lucky No. 7

Schon collects strikeouts No. 6 and 7 as he gets out of the 7th unharmed.

Into the 7th we go

The Broncos get a two-out single from Arnoldo Ponce but nothing else in the 6th.

Colts lead 6-1 into the 7th.

Schon tallies fifth K

Schon has totaled five strikeouts in the game as he gets out of the 6th unscathed.

Broncos down again

The Broncos go down in order in the 5th.

6-1 Colts into the 6th.

Schon escapes jam

The Colts put two on with two outs but Schon escapes the jam in the first half of the 5th.

All six of their runs have come with two outs tonight. In fact, the Colts' last 11 runs against the Broncos have come with two outs.

Melendez at City Council meeting

Apparently, Melendez is at the city council meeting to determine whether the Broncos' bid to get a new stadium gets on the city ballot.

The Broncos were scheduled to meet with the city at 5:30 p.m. It's now 8:55 p.m. and Melendez is still waiting.

Colts lead into the 5th

The Broncos get a two-out hit from Ben Tinius in the 4th and nothing more.

6-1 Colts into the 5th.

Shwam, Sanchez ejected

Manager Dan Shwam and catcher Luany Sanchez were ejected in the 4th for arguing a call with two outs.

After that, it was all Colts as they engaged in a three-hit, four-run inning to take a 6-1 lead into the bottom of the inning.

Sanchez puts the Broncos on the board

Luany Sanchez's two-out RBI single in the third cuts the Broncos' deficit by a run. 

2-1 Colts into the 4th.

In other news, Edinburg is leading Amarillo 7-3 in the top of the 4th.

Another interesting point is I don't see Jose Melendez anywhere. He usually watches the games while walking around amongst the fans; in fact, I cannot remember the last time I didn't see him watching the game.

All of the front office staff is out here, as is, interestingly enough, Melendez's father.

Down again

The Colts go down in order for the second consecutive inning, spurred by two alert defensive plays by Schon, who has settled down nicely after a rough first inning.

Into the 3rd

The Broncos put two on with two out in the 2nd but come away with nothing.

Into the 3rd we go, it's still 2-0 Colts.

Colts go down in order

The Colts go down in order in the 2nd.

Colts up into the 2nd

The Broncos go down in order in the 1st.

Colts lead 2-0 into the 2nd.

Rodriguez puts Colts ahead early

Andres Rodriguez's two-out, two-run home run to deep left field in the 1st inning puts the Colts ahead early, 2-0.

Pre-game for Broncos vs. Colts, Game 3

The Broncos look to get at least one win in their series against the Colts tonight.

But the big story, apparently, has been last night's blog, which has caused furor amongst Bronco players.

The players reportedly had issues with GM Jose Melendez accusing them of a lack of effort and passion on the field.

The players who did have issue were those who actually play hard and show effort. So yes, they may have a point of concern.

But those players are of the few on this team, and I've heard rumblings that most of the players are ready to get away from the season and are interested in padding their numbers as they head into winter ball.

Anyway.

Right-hander Andy Schon (8-3, 4.26 ERA) is on the mound tonight for Laredo. Chris Weast (1-0, 5.00) will be his opponent.

As a reminder, the Broncos are one game up on Edinburg for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Coyotes are in the final game of their series against Amarillo, which comes to Laredo to start a three-game series tomorrow.

Heading into tonight's contest, the Broncos have lost two straight games, and six of their last 10.

The Colts are on a three-game winning streak and have won eight of their last 10.

Here's tonight's lineup:

DH   Sean Gamble

2B   Ivan Reyes

C     Luany Sanchez

CF   Edgard Clemente

LF    Dwayne White

SS    Arnoldo Ponce

1B   Matt Imwalle

3B   Ben Tinius

RF   Anthony Bennett

Lack of effort, fire hurting Broncos

Thirteen games remain.

The Broncos, at 36-41, are desperately holding on to the fourth and final playoff spot. If they don't start taking matters a bit more seriously, the "most talented team in the league", according to ULB officials and managers, could find itself watching the playoffs from home.

After sweeping the lowly Harlingen WhiteWings earlier this week, the Broncos have crashed back to reality with two consecutive losses, and are facing being swept by San Angelo if the Colts prevail in the last game of their three-game series tomorrow.

"We didn't dominate the Harlingen series like we should have," Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. "We barely scrapped out of there with a sweep, and the momentum that I had hoped from it is not there. Now they've come back and lose two in a row. We could be three games up on Edinburg right now.

"I don't see the effort."

In a nutshell, the Broncos are inconsistent and boast poor work ethic and enthusiasm.

For a team with a playoff berth on the line, it would appear the Broncos are comfortable waiting for the season to end so they can go back home and get on with their lives.

"For the last three weeks, it's the same thing," Melendez said. "When we pitch, we don't hit and vice versa. This is the worst possible slump at the worst possible time. We're always finding ways to lose games."

The Broncos look scared and willingly fold under pressure.

The starting pitching has been stellar, the bullpen has been so-so and the hitting has been atrocious.

In the first half of the season, it was the complete opposite, and the bad luck is obviously taking its toll amongst the players.

This is a team that does not play well without a lead, wanting things given to it so it doesn't have to work hard to pad its stats. There's no fire or passion, and being on the wrong side of the scoreboard early during games only fuels its downtrodden morale.

There's no heart or grit. More importantly, there's no try.

When asked what manager Dan Shwam and players tell him of their concerns, Melendez points to one glaring reason.

"There's no leadership," he said. "We have everything in place but no one wants to step up. I can't have guys who are just here happy to play. We're in this to win, so we can hopefully get a new stadium and have an attractive product."

At 5 p.m. today, a lot will happen. The city council will meet on whether to put the Broncos' bid for a new stadium on its ballot. Two weeks from now is the deadline which to get them on.

If they do not get on, the Broncos cannot again bid until two years from now.

Asked if he could see the Broncos lasting until then, Melendez said: "No. We're very lucky to have even lasted these last three years. I'm really scared and worried about what the council will say or do."

Also at 5 p.m. is the league's deadline for final roster transactions. The Broncos will still be able to release players the rest of the season but they will not be able to add anyone.

Melendez confirmed late Sunday night that right-handed reliever Maximo de la Cruz is expected to be signed tomorrow.

De La Cruz pitched last year with Rio Grande Valley (now Harlingen), acquiring a 6-7 record with a 4.36 ERA in 18 appearances, 17 as a starter.

He pitched two complete games with the WhiteWings.

Overall, De La Cruz is 24-24 with a 4.38 ERA. He owns a 2.32 strikeout/walk ratio.

If anything, Melendez is hoping De La Cruz lends some stability, and that the team might relax knowing that the club that takes the field tonight will be the one that stands for the rest of the season.

Those who felt they were on the brink of being traded or released could be afforded a chance to relax and settle down.

"We need a spark, from somewhere or someone," Melendez said. "If it was up to me, I'd get rid of everybody. No one is performing like they should. I see no energy and it seems like they don't want it. This team looks scared. They have a golden opportunity in front of them and I've never seen a team play so flat.

"This team should be excited and hungry that they have a shot at the playoffs. I don't understand it and it's frustrating."

Broncos fall

Broncos fall, but make it interesting on Ben Tinius' RBI single in the ninth.

Colts win, 5-4

Colts go down; three outs left for Broncos

In spite of a leadoff single, Dave Wasylak gets the Colts to go down in the 9th.

Luke Massetti is in to look for his second save in as many nights.

Into the 9th

The Broncos go down in order in the 8th.

5-3 Colts into the 9th.

Colts down in order

Colts go down in order.

Broncos have two chances left to make all right.

Same score into the 8th

Broncos go down in order in the 7th.

5-3 Colts into the 8th.

Jones escapes jam

Jones gets the first two batters he faces to reach base before forcing a double play and a groundout.

5-3 Colts into the bottom of the 7th.

5-3 into the 7th

Arnoldo Ponce's one-out homer to deep left field cuts the Broncos' deficit to 5-3.

Into the 7th we go. 

Hernandez is out. He's in line for the loss. He threw six innings and allowed five runs on eight hits.

He struck out eight and walked three.

Lefty reliever Rusty Jones is in.

Frichter puts Colts back on top

Bryan Frichter's two-out, three-run homer to deep center field puts the Colts back on top, 5-2, in the sixth.

All five of San Angelo's runs have come with two outs.

Broncos go down weakly

The Broncos get a hit from Luany Sanchez in the fifth but nothing more.

2-2 into the 6th.

Hernandez gets seven Ks

Hernandez has seven strikeouts through five innings as the Colts go down without a threat.

Into the bottom we go, 2-2.

Coyotes fall

It's a final: The Coyotes fall to Amarillo, 20-6.

With a win, the Broncos have a shot at a two-game lead for the fourth playoff spot. At worst case scenario, a loss means just a one-game lead.

Broncos tie game

Dwayne White's two-out RBI single up the middle scores Luany Sanchez to cut the Broncos' deficit by one run in the fourth.

After Arnoldo Ponce singled, Matt Imwalle drilled a RBI single to shallow right field to tie the game and load the bases.

White's hit was the first for the Broncos all game. 

2-2 into the 5th.

Still 2-0 Colts

Hernandez allows a one-out walk and nothing else in the top of the fourth.

Same score into the bottom of the inning.

Broncos threatless

The Broncos go down in order for the second time tonight,

2-0 Colts into the 4th.

Colts get two in the 3rd

Andres Rodriguez's two-out RBI single in the 3rd, followed by Aaron Cone's RBI triple, puts the Colts ahead early, 2-0.

Another Edinburg update

Another Coyotes update:

Amarillo leads Edinburg 20-1 in the sixth inning.

Still scoreless into the 3rd

Dwayne White gets a one-out walk and gets all the way to third but nothing comes of it.

Into the 3rd, still 0-0.

Coyotes update

Edinburg is losing 9-1 in the bottom of the 4th.

The Coyotes entered tonight's action a game behind Laredo for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Diggs gets first hit of the game

The first hit of the game comes on Wyn Diggs' two-out single but the Colts get nothing of it as two are left on base.

Into the bottom of the 2nd, 0-0.

Into the 2nd

Broncos go down in order as we are scoreless heading into the 2nd.

Hernandez gets first two Ks

Hernandez strikes out two in the first inning as Jose Torres reached base on a dropped third strike. 

Into the bottom of the inning we go.

Pre-game for Broncos vs. Colts, Game 2

I'm here at Veterans after taking yesterday off to work desk at the paper while our reporter was covering the Heat playoff game.

It's Game 2 of a three-game series between San Angelo (44-27) and Laredo (36-40).

Santo Hernandez (7-5, 3.07 ERA) is on the mound tonight for the Broncos. His opponent is Frank James (4-5, 5.59).

Hernandez still leads ULB in ERA and strikeouts.

The Broncos are 5-5 in their last 10 games while the Colts are steaming hot, having won eight of their last 10 games.

Laredo is still one game up on Edinburg for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Coyotes fell to Amarillo, 14-6, last night.

There has been little roster movement of late for the Broncos, though a few moves might be made prior to tomorrow's 5 p.m. deadline for transactions.

So I'll keep you updated on that.

Here's tonight's lineup:

DH   Sean Gamble

2B   Ivan Reyes

C     Luany Sanchez

CF  Edgard Clemente

LF   Dwayne White

SS   Arnoldo Ponce

1B   Matt Imwalle

3B   Ben Tinius

RF   Josue Gonzalez

Colts snap Broncos' winning streak

The Broncos saw their three-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the San Angelo Colts on Saturday as they fell, 4-1, before a crowd of 1,003 at Veterans Field.

Game 2 of the three-game series is slated for tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Broncos fell to 36-40.

Edinburg, who was a game behind the Broncos for the fourth and final playoff spot heading into Saturday’s action, was trailing Amarillo 13-6 in the seventh inning late Saturday.

The Colts (44-27) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Broncos struck in the second, cutting their deficit by a run on Ben Tinius’ RBI single.

From that point, both starting pitchers – Bryan Henschel for the Colts and Sean Donlin for the Broncos – took over as neither team would score again until the eighth inning.

In relief for Donlin, right-hander Mickey Callaway surrendered a run by Bryan Frichter.

San Angelo would add an insurance run in the ninth on Joe Rhomberg’s RBI single.

Luke Massetti earned his first save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

Donlin fell to 2-5 despite pitching solidly, surrendering two runs on five hits in six innings of work.

He walked two and struck out two.

Henschel improved to 9-3 and surrendered one run on six hits in eight innings.

He walked one and struck out three.

Callaway ended up pitching three innings of relief as he gets closer to making his first start of the season.

He surrendered two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out one.

The Broncos scored one run on seven hits and committed two errors.

The Colts scored four runs on nine hits and committed one error.

Colts snap Broncos' winning streak

LAREDO MORNING TIMES

The Broncos saw their three-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the San Angelo Colts on Saturday as they fell, 4-1, before a crowd of 1,003 at Veterans Field.

Game 2 of the three-game series is slated for tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Broncos fell to 36-40.

Edinburg, who was a game behind the Broncos for the fourth and final playoff spot heading into Saturday’s action, was trailing Amarillo 13-6 in the seventh inning late Saturday.

The Colts (44-27) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Broncos struck in the second, cutting their deficit by a run on Ben Tinius’ RBI single.

From that point, both starting pitchers – Bryan Henschel for the Colts and Sean Donlin for the Broncos – took over as neither team would score again until the eighth inning.

In relief for Donlin, right-hander Mickey Callaway surrendered a run by Bryan Frichter.

San Angelo would add an insurance run in the ninth on Joe Rhomberg’s RBI single.

Luke Massetti earned his first save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

Donlin fell to 2-5 despite pitching solidly, surrendering two runs on five hits in six innings of work.

He walked two and struck out two.

Henschel improved to 9-3 and surrendered one run on six hits in eight innings.

He walked one and struck out three.

Callaway ended up pitching three innings of relief as he gets closer to making his first start of the season.

He surrendered two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out one.

The Broncos scored one run on seven hits and committed two errors.

The Colts scored four runs on nine hits and committed one error.

A not so minor issue in the minor leagues

Quite an interesting story that just popped up on the AP wire in regard to the image in minor league baseball.

You can read it here.

I've personally never seen the Broncos engage in a brawl. Then again, I cover mostly home games, though I can also say I've never once heard of the team involved in one in its three years of existence.

But it does seem to me that minor league franchises take themselves a bit seriously at times. Yes, the basis is athletic competition, but the bigger picture is how it can attract fans and if fans can relate to players enough to want to see them play every day.

Violent acts have no place in minor leagues.

The M.O. of minor league franchises should be to produce a quality, competitive product while being family-friendly.

A lot of franchises seem to have a hard time of grasping that, leading to acts such as the ones listed in the story.

Dwayne White feature; staying in

Here's my feature on Broncos outfielder Dwayne White that ran in today's paper.

White is a quiet and modest fellow, and you'll see that he was somewhat reluctant to talk about his own career and life. It didn't matter. He had plenty of other people who had nothing but glowing words about him.

In talking with Broncos management, everyone agrees he's the most talented on the team and has the best chance of moving up quickly.

He's had a remarkable year, and for a guy who hit .250 entering this season to be hitting mid-30s now shows his dedication and commitment to getting better each and every day.

Anyway, the Broncos are hosting San Angelo tonight for the start of a three-game series at Veterans.

Laredo (36-39) is a game ahead of Edinburg (33-38) for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Colts (43-29) enter the series having won seven of their last 10 games.

First pitch is slated for 7:35 p.m.

Edinburg coughs up tie with 18-2 debacle

The Coyotes gave up their tie with Laredo in astonishing fashion.

At 33-38, Edinburg is now a game behind the Broncos for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Laredo welcomes San Angelo (43-27) for a three-game set starting tonight as Edinburg is in Amarillo to face the Dillas (41-32).

Broncos back on winning track after sweep of WhiteWings

After losing seven of 11 games, the Broncos are very much back on the winning track after sweeping a three-game series against Harlingen.

The Broncos completed the sweep with a 2-0 win on Friday.

They now sit at 36-39 as they engage in a six-game homestand starting with Game 1 of a three-game series tonight against San Angelo.

Entering Friday’s action, Laredo was tied with Edinburg for the fourth and final playoff spot.
The score of the Coyotes’ contest against San Angelo on Friday was unknown as of presstime.

Harlingen fell to 18-52 and still sit in last place in United League Baseball.

Gregorio Martinez improved to 6-3, surrendering no runs on five hits in seven innings of work.
He struck out 10 and walked one.

David Watkins pitched the ninth to earn his third save of the season, and second in as many nights.

The Broncos scored on Luany Sanchez’s RBI single in the third inning, and Anthony Bennett’s RBI single with two outs in the fourth.

The WhiteWings’ lone threat would come in the eighth inning against reliever Dave Wasylak, who put two on with two out before getting Kevin Griffin to fly out to end the threat.

Harlingen starter Brock Nehls (0-2) got the hard-luck loss despite pitching a good game.

He gave up two runs on eight hits in seven innings of work.

Overall, the Broncos scored two runs on eight hits and committed one error.

The WhiteWings managed six hits and one error.

Laredo looks for similar success tonight against a San Angelo club that has done well against the Broncos all season.

First pitch is slated for 7:35 p.m. at Veterans Field.

Broncos win, but Coyotes' sweep of doubleheader forces tie

The Broncos snuck by Harlingen, 4-3, on Thursday but are still in a virtual tie for the fourth and final playoff spot after Edinburg swept a doubleheader against San Angelo earlier in the evening.

The Coyotes won the first game, 3-2, before finishing the Colts off in the second, 10-4.

Here's the game story from the Colts' website.

The Broncos, who scored four unanswered runs after Harlingen took a 3-0 lead heading into the third inning, got a gritty effort from Dan Sausville, who improved to 3-3 by allowing three runs on eight hits in six innings of work.

He walked two and struck out four.

Reliever Rusty Jones pitched two scoreless innings before David Watkins secured his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

The Broncos scored on Arnoldo Ponce's sacrifice fly in the third, before a three-run sixth inning that was aided by Matt Imwalle's two-run double and Ben Tinius' RBI single.

The Broncos scored four runs on eight hits. The WhiteWings scored three runs on 12 hits, and committed three errors.

Here's the full detailed game report from the Broncos' website.

Laredo now sits at 35-39 heading into the final game of its three game series against Harlingen on Friday.

Edinburg is at 33-37 as it concludes its series with San Angelo on Friday.

In other ULB action on Thursday, the Alexandria Aces downed the Amarillo Dillas, 8-1.

Luis Guance hit a grand slam in the second inning to boost the Aces, who are in first place in the league.

Broncos get back on the winning track

At least for tonight, the Broncos are back on the winning track.

Laredo claimed a 7-5 win over Harlingen tonight as righty Andy Schon went the whole distance, collecting his league-leading third complete game of the season to improve to 8-3.

The Broncos now sit at 34-39. Edinburg lost to San Angelo, 8-3, on Wednesday so the Broncos move back up a half-game for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Coyotes will play the Colts in a doubleheader Thursday. Edinburg currently sits at 31-37.

Schon surrendered five runs - three earned - on seven hits while walking two and striking out six.

He got plenty of help from a Bronco offense that produced 11 hits.

With the game tied at 2 into the fourth inning, the Broncos pulled away for good on Matt Imwalle's solo homer, and a two-run shot by Ivan Reyes moments later for a 5-2 lead.

It was Imwalle's second homer of the season, and Reyes' 11th.

Imwalle also added three RBIs in the game.

The WhiteWings managed just seven hits but were efficient with that total, scoring five runs. Amadeo Zazueta hit his third homer of the season, a two-run shot, in the second inning that tied the game at 2.

Todd Lutz fell to 2-6 after being tagged with the loss.

The Broncos will have Sean Donlin (2-4) on the mound on Thursday against the WhiteWings' Bryan Herrera (0-2).

Stuff, stuff and more stuff

I know I'm way late, but here's the game story from last night.

Obviously the blog below this one is a lot more telling and informative since I was unable to get quotes for the game story due to deadline.

Also, Edinburg swept its doubleheader against Amarillo last night, winning 9-4 and 3-1.

So the Coyotes are now in the fourth and final playoff spot, a half-game ahead of the Broncos. Edinburg has won two in a row and has won seven of its last 10 games.

To say it's peaking at the right time would be an understatement.

Edinburg is in San Angelo tonight while Laredo is in Harlingen.

I believe righty Andy Schon (7-3, 4.39 ERA) is on the mound tonight for the Broncos. He's had two blatantly poor starts this season - in 13 appearances - but he almost always gives the team a chance to win.

Here's ULB standings heading into tonight's play:

ALEXANDRIA 43-26
SAN ANGELO 41-25
AMARILLO 40-30
EDINBURG 31-36
LAREDO 33-39
HARLINGEN 18-50

Broncos still searching for answers with 18 games left

The Broncos are not a team of accountability. They shy away from responsibility.

They're not a team of the greatest work ethic, and they're not a team devoid of talent and potential.

They're also not a team to point fingers.

"I wish I knew what they were thinking," Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez told me prior to Tuesday's 6-5 loss, Laredo's seventh in its last 11 games. "But I get nothing. When I ask them what the problem is, they beat around the bush. I don't get direct answers. They don't point fingers, none of them do.

"Maybe if they'd talk to you, they'd be honest."

Only, they haven't.

In talking to players, I get probably what Melendez does. The standard responses of "We'll pick it up and things will turn around" or "This team has the talent to be good, we'll get there."

There's no hint of frustration or irritation. It's a "wait and see", shrugging approach. And perhaps that's where the issue stands.

No one seems to care.

Either the Broncos are truly afraid to reveal what's hindering them, or they're like the rest of us, with no idea as to what the problem is.

Veteran slugger Edgard Clemente said he felt the team was pressing... BUT ... that things will turn around and it wasn't a primary concern.

Pitcher Andy Schon said, more or less, the same thing. But he too stated the team is too talented and that it would eventually pick up its play.

Dwayne White, the Broncos' pure hitter, said there is no pressure at all and that the team is unaffected by the string of losses or Edinburg sneaking closer and closer to grabbing the fourth and final playoff spot out of the team's hands.

And then there's pitcher Richard Bartlett's take.

"I think we're a little tired," he said following Tuesday's loss. "We just need a break, we need something to go our way. Once that happens, I think it'll spark us. I've been on teams like this before and I know once we get that spark, we won't be stopped. That's all it takes. It's a matter of who's hot at the end, not the beginning.

"We've got a lot of veteran guys. We know what we're doing. It's not a matter of pressure, it's a matter of getting that something extra to boost us."

Bartlett's reasoning is sound. The Broncos have been up and down all season. In the first half, they were great hitters and poor pitchers. Now, they're great pitchers and poor hitters.

They've been derailed by injuries all throughout, making for roster moves and people being released and brought in.

As talented of a team as they are - and ULB officials and peers say they're the most talented in the league - the baseball gods have not been kind.

"It's not good," Manager Dan Shwam said of the team's vibe and morale. "We have some guys who are still fighting and others who have checked out and are playing for stats. We've got guys sore and tired. We're broken down."

An example, Shwam noted, is that he's scheming for four different rotations throughout the rest of the season, due to pitchers being hurt, wanting extra days of rest or just being flat-out exhausted.

"It's a rollercoaster ride," pitching coach/pitcher Mickey Callaway said. "We're still trying to figure out who and what we are. We should have hoped to have found out by now but it hasn't worked out like that. We're all still plugging along, hoping for answers."

***

Some other notes following Tuesday's game:

Shwam on Tuesday's effort following Monday's lethargic performance: "It was better. The pitching was okay, the bullpen guys gave it up. We got hits too late, as always. We made a rally in the ninth, it happens every game. We fell just a bit short, it happens every game. Same ol' Broncos."

Bartlett on his performance on Tuesday, a no-decision start in which he threw 5 2/3 innings and surrendered three runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking five: "My arm's starting to feel good finally. I was home for two months before I came here so I'm still rounding into shape. I had a good first start but my arm has felt tired since. Now everything's starting to feel good and things are looking up."

Callaway on Tuesday's performance, when he pitched 1/3 of an inning, surrendering two runs on two hits and earning his first loss of the season: "I didn't feel very good. You have good and bad days coming off this (Tommy John) surgery, and this was my first bad day. I was stiff and really couldn't extend through the ball. Everything was flat."

On whether he's ready to start: "I thought I was until (Tuesday). I think I may need a couple of more days off to keep the swelling down but I think I'll be ready soon. Hopefully I'll get a chance to start and then we'll see what happens."

Shwam on Harlingen, the league's worst team and the Broncos' next foe for a three-game series starting today: "This series scares the s*** out of me. It's scary. They're playing for nothing so they'll play loose. They finally get to go home (after staying out of the Valley for an extended time due to the hit of Hurricane Dolly on the area late last week) and that's going to be a relaxed and excited team. Harlingen will have a chip on its shoulder, playing with pride and heart because their people got hammered from the storm."