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