Broncos lose series finale to RGV

The Laredo Broncos’ offense could only muster two hits on Thursday, as the Broncos fell to the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, 2-0, at Veterans Field.

The Broncos remained in last place in United League Baseball by dropping to 17-31 and 2-2 on the current eight-game homestand.

The WhiteWings improved to 23-25.

The first five innings of the game were dominated by the starting pitchers of both clubs, as the game was scoreless heading to the sixth.

The Broncos’ Luis Arroyo gave up four hits, walked no one, and struck out four in his first five.

Rio Grande Valley’s Juan Peralta was just as good for the WhiteWings, as he gave up two hits, walked two, and struck out five in his first five.

Peralta left the game after those five innings for an unknown reason, as Juan Diaz came into the game.

The WhiteWings were the first team to score as they put all the runs they needed in the seventh inning, courtesy of Sandy De Leon’s RBI single and Casey Allen’s groundout RBI.

Arroyo left the game for Laredo after seven solid innings, though he was tagged with the hard-luck loss.

He gave up two runs, none of them earned, on seven hits.

He walked no one and struck out six.

Broncos reliever Julio Pinto pitched two scoreless innings, but it was not enough.

The Broncos tallied one error, while the WhiteWings scored two runs on eight hits, with no errors.

Laredo will start a four-game set against Coastal Bend Friday. First pitch is slated for 7:35 p.m.

Ninth Inning

Fernando Rijo is taking over on the mound for the Broncos in what they hope will be the last half-inning of the game.

Septimo grounded out to first to open the inning, then Rodriguez hit a solo shot to left field to cut the lead to 7-4. Santana then grounded out to Rijo, then Nichols reached first on a wild pitch strikeout. Baez followed up with a two-run shot. Allen sent the ball past a diving Flynn to put the tying run on base. Allen took second on a wild pitch to move into scoring position with Reyes at the plate. Reyes struck out to end the game.

Broncos win 7-6.

Eighth Inning

Jason Herman has come into the game in relief of Martinez, who is in line for the win after allowing two runs on five hits and three walks and striking out nine in seven innings. 

Nichols was the first batter Herman would face, and he lined out to center for the first out. Herman then retired Baez before walking replacement right fielder Allen. Reyes followed with a base hit up the middle, then Cabrera singled to bring Reyes home and cut the lead to 6-3. Herman then struck out Holloway to end the top half of the inning.

Todd Lutz entered the game on the mound for the WhiteWings in the bottom half and faced Cardona to lead things off. Cardona popped out to first, then Mendez came to the plate and hit a weak infield single right up the line. He was caught stealing with Nunez at the plate to empty the bases, but Nunez made sure the Broncos' scoring streak kept up with a solo shot to center field. Sanchez followed with a bloop single, but Santos ended the inning by popping out to the catcher.

Broncos lead 6-3.

Seventh Inning

After getting Holloway out to lead off the inning, Martinez earned his ninth strikeout of the game against Septimo to bring Rodriguez to the plate.  He made it on base for the third time in the contest, prompting manager Ricardo Cuevas to visit the mound. Santana popped out to Flynn on the first pitch he faced to end the top of the inning. 

Nunez led off the bottom half with a walk, putting the leadoff runner on for the Broncos once again. Sanchez followed with a single to left field to bring Santos to the plate with two men on. He blooped a single into left center to drive in a run, making it six straight innings that the Broncos have scored. Moron singled to load the bases for Morales with no outs. Morales forced the infield fly rule with a shallow popout, bringing Flynn to the plate. He popped out to shallow center to give Ugueto the Broncos' third straight bases-loaded chance. He struck out to end the inning.

Broncos lead 6-2.

Sixth Inning

Rodriguez led off the top of the inning with a single, which was then just the third hit allowed by Martinez in the game. Santana followed with an RBI double that hit the wall in left center to put the WhiteWings on the board. Nichols then blooped a single to a similar spot, scoring Santana and cutting the Broncos' lead to 4-2 with no outs. Martinez walked Baez to put men on first and second for Cruz, who struck out on a foul bunt. Reyes followed with a fly out to left field, bringing Cabrera up with two on and two out. He popped out to center field to end the WhiteWings' half of the inning.

Juan Jimenez came in to replace Vasquez in the bottom half of the inning, and Casey Allen took over in right field. Morales came to the plate and got his second hit of the night, a single up the middle, then stole second to move into scoring position for Flynn, who popped out to Septimo, who had to run pretty deep into center to make the catch. Morales made it to third, though, eventually, then scored on a RBI double by Ugueto. The Broncos have scored runs in five straight at this point.

Cardona then grounded out to Septimo, advancing Ugueto to third for Nunez, the DH, who grounded out to short to end the inning.

Broncos lead 5-2.

FIfth Inning

Martinez got another out streak started as Reyes grounded out to second to start the inning, then added to it as Cabrera grounded out, too. Holloway broke that short streak with an infield single to shortstop, the first hit for the WhiteWings since the first inning, prompting Sanchez to go chat with his pitcher. Septimo then grounded out to Morales, who took the play at second instead of throwing to first to end the top of the inning.

Leading off the bottom, Mendez singled to right field then stole second on a strike against Nunez, who followed with an RBI single over the head of WhiteWings left fielder Cabrera. The Broncos have scored a run apiece in four innings straight. Sanchez came to the plate with Nunez on first and struck out on a passed ball. Due to Nunez being on base, Sanchez could not try for first, but Nunez made it to second on the play. Santos came to the plate with a man in scoring position and grounded out to Septimo to move Nunez to third. Moron then struck out swinging to end the inning.

Broncos lead 4-0.

Fourth Inning

Martinez retired his ninth straight WhiteWing to lead of the inning as Santana popped out to center field. Nichols made it 10 with  groundout to Flynn, who got the ball to Ugueto just in the nick of time. Baez walked on a wild pitch and stole second to snap Martinez's streak and put himself in scoring position. Cruz struck out to end the inning, giving Martinez his seventh of the game.

Santos led of the bottom of the inning with a home run, his fourth of the season,  to give the Broncos a 3-0 lead and a run scored in three straight innings.

Moron followed with a groundout to first baseman Nichols, then Morales blooped a single into center to bring Flynn back to the plate with one on and one out. Morales took second base on a wild pitch to move himself into scoring position, but Flynn drew Vasquez's fourth four-pitch walk to negate the steal and put men on first and second and start a session at the mound. Vasquez remained in the game, though, 

Ugueto came to the plate for the third time in the game and struck out to bring Cardona to the plate with two out, two on. Cardona gave Vasquez his third strikeout of the game to end the inning.

Broncos lead 3-0.

Third Inning

Martinez got his fifth strikeout of the evening on WhiteWings catcher Justin Holloway, who had to be thrown out at first, to lead off the inning, then Septimo grounded out to the shortstop, and Rodriguez went down on Martinez's sixth K of the game in an 1-2-3 inning.

Flynn came back to the plate to lead off the bottom of the inning and flew out to shallow left center, where Septimo made the catch. Ugueto then took Vasquez's third four-pitch walk of the game to put a man on for the Broncos for the third straight inning. Ugueto stole second on a slightly wild throw with Cardona at the plate.  Cardona then drove in Ugueto with a single right up the middle.

WhiteWings shortsop Rodriguez then commited his second error of the game to allow Mendez to reach first and send Cardona to third, putting runners on the corners for Broncos DH Nunez. Nunez didn't make much of it, popping out to first baseman Nichols to keep Mendez and Cardona where they were. Sanchez grounded out to second to end the inning.

Broncos lead 2-0.

Second Inning

WhiteWings right fielder Alberto Cruz led off the inning with Martinez's fourth strikeout of the game. Designated hitter Angel Reyes gave Martinez his first non-strikeout out of the game with a choppy 5-3 groundout to third baseman Andres "EL Monkey Santos." Left fielder Juan Cabrera made it a 1-2-3 inning as he grounded out to birthday boy Ryan Flynn for a 4-3 play.

Broncos DH Argelis Nunez led off the bottom of the inning with a four-pitch walk would appeared to be rather intentional. Sanchez came up next and hit a lazy single into left field to advance Nunez to second. Santos then hit a high fly ball that was easily caught by left fielder Cabrera. Moron came to the plate and grounded to Rodriguez at shortstop who bobbled the ball on a bad hop and let it fly into center field, scoring Nunez and advancing Santos to second.

Morales came to the plate with men still on first and second and grounded the ball back to the pitcher who tried for a 1-4-3 double play that couldn't catch the batter. Flynn, who turns 24 today, came to bat with runners on the corners but had his at-bat cut short as Morales was caught in a rundown, then Sanchez attempted to score while the WhiteWings were distracted and was called out on a questionable play.

Broncos lead 1-0.

First Inning

After a 13-minute delay due to the clumpy status of the pitcher's mound, the game began with Broncos starter Martinez facing WhiteWings second baseman Agustin Septimo.

Septimo fouled off a few pitches before being called out on a check swing, then shortstop Joaquin Rodriguez singled to left field after initially being called out on a check swing of his own (the base umpire negated that call). WhiteWings center fielder Rico Santana then hit a ground ball to Broncos shortstop Jaime Morales that appeared to be a surefire double play until Morales bobbled the ball allowing both runners to reach base safely. First baseman Brian Nichols came to the plate and struck out on a foul tip that was caught by Broncos catcher Luany Sanchez. WhiteWings third baseman Welinson Baez fell behind in the count then hit a foul ball that Broncos right fielder Robert Moron had a chance at but missed before striking out.

Martinez struck out the side, allowing two baserunners on one hit and one error.

In the bottom of the inning, Vasquez struck out Broncos first baseman Luis Ugueto to lead off then walked slumping center fielder David Cardona on four pitches. Unlike their counterparts, the WhiteWings were then able to turn a double play on a ball hit to shortstop Rodriguez. The 6-4-3 DP ended the inning with no score.

Broncos vs. WhiteWings, Game 3

The Broncos will host the WhiteWings in Game 3 of their four-game series in a matter of minutes here at Veterans Field.

Starting pitchers are Gregorio Martinez for the home team and Sendy Vasquez for the visiting Wings.

The teams have split the series so far, with the Broncos winning 8-3 in dramatic fashion last the night and the WhiteWings winning 8-2 on Monday.

Laredo enters the game in last place in the United League at 16-30, while Rio Grande Valley is trying to hold onto third with a 22-24 record.

Broncos win

Broncos win 8-3 after an electric 8th inning that saw them post six runs on four hits, including five combined RBIs from Mario Mendez and Andres "El Monkey" Santos.

Into the 8th

The Broncos trail 3-2 into the 8th.

RGV regains lead

RGV regains the lead in the 6th, when Rico Santana steals home off a double steal with two outs.

2-1 WhiteWings.

Into the 6th

Same score into the 6th as a quality pitcher's duel has broken out.

Into the 5th

Each club goes down in order in the 4th.

1-1 into the 5th.

Broncos tie the game

The Broncos tie the game 1-1 into the 4th after O.J. Garza scored on a passed ball with one out in the 3rd.

Hitless

Broncos still have not registered a hit as RGV still leads 1-0 into the 3rd.

Into the 2nd

The WhiteWings lead 1-0 after Joaquin Rodriguez scored on a fielder's choice in the 1st inning.

Cruz struck out the side, so it's not looking like a strong start for the ailing Broncos offense.

Round 2, RGV vs. Laredo

We are here for round 2 of Broncos-WhiteWings.

The Broncos enter the game last in United League baseball at 15-30.

The WhiteWings enter on a roll, moving from 5th place to 3rd place quickly after winning 6 of their last 10 games.

Laredo will send Jeff Jamnik to the mound. Jamnik is 0-0 with a 4.05 ERA.

RGV will give the ball to Reymond Cruz (4-3, 3.96).

Broncos lose

Broncos lose their fourth of five, 8-2.

Into the 9th

The WhiteWings scored three runs on four hits in the 8th to push their lead to 8-1 before Mario Mendez's RBI single cut the deficit by a run.

RGV leads 8-2.

Into the 8th

Broncos still trail 5-1 into the 8th.

Into the 7th

Broncos go 3 up, 3 down for the 2nd straight inning as RGV still leads 5-1 into the 7th.

Into the 6th

WhiteWings now lead 5-1 into the 6th following Rico Santana's one-out, two-run single in the 5th.

Broncos' offense have done nothing all game long, managing just five hits through five innings.

Into the 5th

Same score into the 5th, 3-1 WhiteWings.

Nichols puts RGV ahead by 2

Brian Nichols' two-out blast to right field puts the WhiteWings ahead 3-1 heading into the 4th.

Whitewings still lead

Same score into the 3rd as both teams went down quietly in the 2nd.

2-1 WhiteWings.

RGV leads into the 2nd

The WhiteWings lead 2-1 into the 2nd inning, following a RBI single from Rico Santana and a sacrifice RBI from Welinson Baez.

Argelis Nunez's two-out RBI double cut the Broncos' deficit in half.

Brito fills in

Also, thanks go out to Broncos Director of Media Relations Ray Brito, who updated this blog while the team was on the road.

For the rest of the team's road games, Brito should be updating the blog so that fans can follow the team on the road.

Broncos vs. WhiteWings

The Broncos enter this eight-game homestand still in last place in United League Baseball at 15-29 overall.

They are six games behind for the fourth and final playoff spot with 36 games remaining. One of those teams in fourth place, Rio Grande Valley, is one of the teams they're chasing.

RGV is 21-23.

Tano Tijerina (1-2, 4.32 ERA) is on the mound tonight for the Broncos. He'll be up against Carlos Artiles (1-0, 9.00 ERA).

No new roster moves for the Broncos, surprisingly enough.

It's a pretty desolate and frustrated mood around the ballpark right now. The Broncos are coming off three losses in their last four games, and six of their last 10.

Broncos come home after losing 3 of 4 on road

The Laredo Broncos gave up eight runs in the eighth inning as they lost to the Amarillo Dillas, 9-5, at Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa on Sunday.

The Broncos fell to 15-29 as they start an eight-game homestand Monday against Rio Grande Valley at Veterans Field.

First pitch is slated for 7:30 p.m.

The Dillas improved to 24-20.

The starters were in control early on in the game as it was scoreless through the first four innings.

Broncos’ starter Will Palmer allowed five hits through his four innings.

He did not walk a batter and struck out two.

Justin Phillips only allowed one hit through his four. He walked three batters and struck out two.
The Broncos finally got to Phillips in the fifth, building a 2-0 lead on Jaime Morales’ RBI single and Ryan Flynn’s groundout RBI.

Palmer was taken out of the game after six innings of work, giving up no runs on seven hits.
He walked one and struck out two.

Jason Herman came in and allowed a Keanon Simon RBI single to cut Amarillo’s deficit in half.

The Broncos responded with a three-run eighth inning, highlighted by Argelis Nunez’s two-run double and Andres “El Monkey” Santos RBI single, to build a 5-1 lead.

But it all fell apart for the Broncos in the Dillas’ half of the eighth.

Amarillo flustered the Broncos bullpen of Fernando Rijo, Franklyn Gracesqui and Julio Pinto for eight runs in the inning, earning a dynamic come-from-behind win.

The Broncos scored five runs on nine hits and had three errors, while the Dillas scored nine runs on 14 hits and committed no errors.

Broncos fall to 15-28

Three Laredo Broncos, including manager Ricardo Cuevas, were ejected from Saturday’s game as they lost to the Amarillo Dillas, 6-3 at Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa.

The Dillas (23-20) scored in the first inning for the third straight game as Keanon Simon scored.
The Broncos (15-28) tied the game up in the second inning when Argelis Nunez scored on an error.

Laredo took the lead on a RBI single by Luis Ugueto before Amarillo responded with a bases-loaded walk by Andrew Wong to tie the game, 2-2.

The Dillas regained the lead in the fifth on Terrance McClain’s solo home run.

That set-up a testy stage by the Broncos.

During the top half of the sixth, Nunez was called out on a questionable strike three call.

In the middle of the sixth, reliever Franklyn Gracesqui was ejected from the game. Cuevas then came out to defend his player and was also ejected.

Later on, Broncos reliever Fernando Rijo was also ejected from the game.

Amarillo took advantage of Laredo’s melt down, extending its lead to 5-2 on Simon’s RBI single and then an error by the Broncos’ Mario Mendez that allowed Simon to score.

Broncos starter Luis Arroyo was taken out during the sixth inning.

He went 5.1 innings, giving up five runs, four of which were earned, on nine hits.

He walked six batters and struck out three.

The Dillas made the score 6-2 in the seventh off Bryan Bueno’s sacrifice fly.

The Broncos scored the final run of the game in the eighth on a RBI single by Luany Sanchez.

The Broncos scored three runs on 10 hits and had two errors, while the Dillas scored six runs on 10 hits and had one error.

Broncos Lose

Broncos lose by a score of 6-3.

Top of the 9th

Broncos down 6-3 after a Luany Sanchez RBI single in the 8th.

heading to the 8th

Broncos now down 6-2 after a sacrifice fly by Brian Bueno.

End of 6th

Broncos now down 5-2. Before the bottom of the 6th. Broncos manager Ricardo Cuevas and relievers Franklyn Gracesqui and Fernando Rijo were ejected from the game. They were arguing a called third strike to Argelis Nunez.

End of 5th

Dillas back on top 3-2 on a solo home run by Terrance McClain.

End of 4th

Broncos tied 2-2 heading to the 5th. In the 3rd inning, Mario Mendez hit a RBI single scoring Luis Ugueto. In bottom of 4th bases loaded walk to Andrew Wong tied the game.

End of 2nd

Broncos tie the game at 1. Argelis Nunez scored on throwing error.

End of 1st

Broncos trail 1-0 on a throwing error by Robert Moron that allowed a run to score.

Laredo Broncos @ Amarillo Dillas Game 3

The Broncos and Dillas do battle once again tonight at 7:05, after a marathon 13 inning game last night.

Luis Arroyo is on the mound for the Broncos. He is making his 6th start of the season, and is 1-4 with a 5.45 ERA. Richard Jessup toes the rubber for the Dillas, making his 9th start. He is 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA.

BRONCOS FINALLY WIN!

Broncos score 3 more runs in the 13th and win by a score of 12-9. Carlos Alvarez picked up the win 1-1. The loss went to Andy Noonan 1-1. The save to Edgar Soto, his 1st.

Into the 13th

Still tied at 9

Hard to believe

We are now in the 12th tied at 9. Both teams with 3 run innings.

End of 10th

Still tied at 6.

Heading to Extras

3 run bottom of the 9th for Dillas against Broncos Closer Franklyn Gracesqui. Tied at 6.

Heading to the 9th

Broncos still leading 6-3.

Broncos extend lead

Laredo now leads 6-3 after 7 innings. a RBI single by Argelis Nunez and a solo home run for Andres Santos. It is his 3rd home run of the season.

End of 6th

Broncos still up 4-3.

Broncos take lead

Broncos now lead 4-3 heading to the top of the 7th. Luany Sanchez hit a 2 run double scoring both OJ Garza and Mario Mendez.

End of 4th

Still 3-2 heading to the 5th.

End of 3rd

Broncos back in the ballgame as they now trail 3-2. RBI groundout by OJ Garza and RBI single by Mario Mendez.

End of 2nd

Broncos now trail 3-0. Dillas scored on a throwing error by catcher Luany Sanchez.

End of 1st

Broncos trail 2-0 on a RBI double by Carlos Figueroa and a bases loaded RBI walk by Eric Brown.

Laredo Broncos @ Amarillo Dillas Game 2

Broncos look to even up the series against the Dillas tonight at 7:05.

Broncos send Gregorio Martinez to the mound while the Dillas send Dustin Taylor.

Game Final

Broncos battle back but lost to Dillas 5-4. David Cardona hit a 2 run game tying home run in the top of the 9th. However, Trent Lockwood hit a sacrifice fly to win the ball game for the Dillas.

Into the 9th

Broncos trail 4-2 heading into their last at bat. Jaime Morales, Ryan Flynn, and David Cardona are due up.

End of 7th

Still 4-2 in favor of Amarillo. Broncos have heart of the order due up with Luany Sanchez, Argelis Nunez, and Robert Moron.

End of 6th

The Broncos now trail in the game by a score of 4-2. Laredo tied the game on a RBI single by Andres Santos. However RBI singles by Willie James and Keanon Simon. That chased Broncos' starter Jeff Jamnik from the game. He went five and two-thirds of an inning. He gave up 4 runs, 3 of which were earned on 11 hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out 4.

End of 5th

Still 2-1 Amarillo over Laredo. Jeff Jamnik is pitching well in his 1st start. He has wiggled in and out of some jams to keep the game close.

End of 4th

Broncos cut the lead in half to 2-1. Argelis Nunez hit a solo home run, his 8th of the season.

End of 3rd

RBI single by Carlos Figueroa give Amarillo a 2-0 lead over Laredo.

End of 2nd

Still 1-0 Broncos trailing the Dillas.

End of 1st

Broncos trail 1-0 after Terrance McClain's RBI single.

Laredo Broncos @ Amarillo Dillas Game 1

Broncos kick off the start of the 2nd half of the ULB schedule tonight VS. the Amarillo Dillas at 7:05 in Amarillo.

Starting Pitching Matcup is Jeff Jamnik for the Broncos and Taylor Allen for the Dillas. This is the first start for Jamnik and his 2nd apperance of the season. For the Dillas, Allen is 3-2 with a 3.91 ERA. This will be his 9th start of the season.

ULB at the halfway mark

United League Baseball will begin its second half of the 2009 season tonight, with the San Angelo Colts holding onto first place, where they have been most of the season, with a 27-13 record.

Still, the league shows it is evenly matched.

In the last 10 games of the first half, the second-place Coastal Bend Thunder (21-19) and Amarillo Dillas (21-19), the fifth place Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (18-22) and the last place Laredo Broncos (14-26) all had five wins and five losses.

The Colts won six of their 10, while the fourth-place Edinburg Roadrunners (19-21) were 4-6.
The WhiteWings accomplished something that no other club had been able to do, defeat San Angelo’s previously unbeaten Chandler Barnard, who had been 7-0, and former major leaguer Ezequiel Astacio, who was 5-0.

The WhiteWings handled both Colt hurlers with ease.

They scored six earned runs off 12 hits in five innings against Barnard, and then in a battle between former major league pitchers Jesus Sanchez (3-0), of Rio Grande Valley, and Astacio, they scored seven runs in the second inning, chasing him from the mound.

However, Barnard could be on his way to breaking the ULB’s all-time best winning record. His 7-1 record is tops in the league.

The league record is 12 wins, held by Alexandria’s Adam Cox, in 2007, and tied by Amarillo’s Logan Williams last season.

However, both of those marks were achieved in more games than the league is playing this year.
Dating back further, and involving clubs that are now, or were, in ULB through last year, Amarillo’s Michael Leach won 16 games in 2000, in the Texas-Louisiana League, and Amarillo’s Darren Brown and Alexandria’s David White each had 15, in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Barnard, 23, played for Trinity College of Connecticut, graduating in 2008, when the school won the Division III national championship.

He was named a first-team All American and went on to play pro ball last year for the Worchester Tornadoes.

San Angelo may have the best hurling staff, including two former major league pitchers – Astacio, who played for the Houston Astros, including in the 2005 World Series, and newcomer Tom Martin, who played for seven clubs, including the Astros and Rockies. He last played for the New York Mets.

The Colts also have Brian Henschel, who is second in the league in ERA at 2.48.

(The WhiteWings’ former major league pitcher’s, Jesus Sanchez, tours of duty include the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds.)

The Colts also have the best hitting average at .303. Second is Amarillo (.288), followed by Laredo (.280), Rio Grande Valley (.276), Edinburg (.264) and Coastal Bend (.252).

The Broncos have the best record of the clubs against the Colts, having won five and lost seven.
The Colts also have the best hitter in Brian Frichter (.448), who is back playing after being out with a broken nose.

Other top hitters include:

Terrance McClain, Amarillo (.366); Jason Landreth, San Angelo (.364); Argelis Nunez, Laredo (.350); Trent Lockwood, Amarillo (.347); Santeil Smith, Amarillo (.339); Brian Nichols, Rio Grande Valley (.338); and Agustin Septimo, Rio Grande Valley (.329).

Lockwood leads in RBIs, with 46, and Landreth has 43.

Lockwood and Landreth lead in home runs, with 10 each.

San Angelo’s Jason Diaz leads in stolen bases with 19 and Frichter is second with 18.

Amarillo’s Ralph Roberts has the lowest ERA among the pitchers, at 2.32. Henschel is second at 2.48.

WhiteWings closer Julio Santana has 10 saves and San Angelo’s Chase Vacek has seven.

Broncos lose

Broncos fall, 3-1.

Into the 8th

Still 3-1 Roadrunners into the 8th.

Into the 7th

Broncos now trail 3-1 into the 7th.

Carlos Hereaud drilled a one-out RB single in the 6th, and then scored on an error by shortstop Ryan Flynn.

Tano Tinjerina is out of the game.

He threw 5.1 innings and surrendered three runs -- one earned -- on three hits.

He struck out five and walked four.

Into the 6th

The Broncos tied the game on Jake Wells' RBI single with two outs in the 5th.

He scored Luany Sanchez, who had led off the inning with a single.

1-1 into the 6th.

Into the 5th

There have been a combined two hits through 4 innings as each team went through a 1-2-3 frame in the 4th.

Flores has pitched well all game long, while Tijerina has pitched flawlessly the last three innings.

Looking like a textbook baseball gem tonight.

Pitching shines

Tijerina pitches his second straight 1-2-3 inning, but the Broncos also get their second 1-2-3 in three innings.

1-0 Roadrunners into the 4th.

Into the 3rd

After a rough first inning in which he left the bases loaded, Tano Tijerina responded with a 1-2-3 second inning.

Andres Santos got Laredo's first hit of the game, a two-out rocket single.

Still 1-0 Edinburg into the 3rd.

Edinburg strikes first

Edinburg's on top, 1-0, after Byron Smith's one-out RBI single in the 1st.

Broncos vs. Roadrunners, Game 4

The finale of the Broncos' eight-game homestand is tonight against Edinburg.

Laredo can get within two games of the fourth and final playoff spot with a win tonight.

The Broncos will have Tano Tijerina (1-1, 5.03 ERA) on the mound tonight. The former Nixon High great and Latin Sports Hall of Famer will go up against Edinburg's Pedro Flores (1-3, 4.29 ERA).

Broncos win

Broncos win 6-4.

They're now four games out of the last playoff spot, and have won four of their last seven games.

The finale of their eight-game homestand is tomorrow at Veterans.

Into the 8th

Broncos now lead 6-4 into the 8th after Argelis Nunez scored off a throwing error.

Edinburg within a run

The Roadrunners creep within a run after consecutive two-out RBI singles from Robert Matlock and Eric Gonzalez.

5-4 Broncos heading into the 7th.

Sanchez boosts Broncos' lead

Luany Sanchez's two-out, RBI single in the 5th pads the Broncos' lead to three runs, 5-2.

Broncos still lead 4-2, heading into the 5th.

The pitching has picked up considerably the last two innings. Four of the six runs have come from the home-run variety.

Edinburg creeps closer

The Roadrunners cut their deficit in half on Eric Gonzalez's one-out, two-run blast in the 3rd.

4-2 Broncos into the 4th.

Into the 3rd

Broncos still up 4-0 into the 3rd.

Quick lead for the Broncos into the 2nd

After a lethargic offensive night on Sunday (no runs, three hits), the Broncos slugged their way to a quick 4-0 lead into the 2nd inning.

David Cardona started things with a leadoff home run to left field on the first pitch he saw from Roadrunners starter Miguel Martinez.

Two batters later, Mario Mendez joined in on the home run derby with a solo shot of his own.

The Broncos added two more runs when Luany Sanchez and Andres Santos scored off an error by Roadrunners right fielder Eric Gonzalez, who misplayed a hit by Robert Moron.

Broncos vs. Roadrunners, Game 3

The Broncos and Roadrunners square off for Game 3 of their four-game set tonight at Veterans.

Laredo enters at 13-25, last in United League Baseball. Edinburg is in the fourth and final playoff spot, at 18-20.

The Broncos will have Will Palmer (0-0) on the mound tonight. Palmer has had one start for the Broncos, a no-decision, which he threw 6.2 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits.

Opponents are batting .231 against him.

The Roadrunners will hand the ball to Miguel Martinez (3-2, 6.18 ERA). Opponents are batting .320 against him.

Broncos fall as offense fails in 3-0 loss

Tim Haines pitched a complete shut out game to lead the Edinburg Roadrunners over the Laredo Broncos 3-0 Sunday night at Veteran’s Field.

Haines (4-3) got his fourth win of the season while scattering three hits and striking out a season high 13 hitters in nine innings pitched.

The Roadrunners (18-20) got the only runs of the ball game in the top of the first inning with Robert Matlock leading things off with a single to left field then moving to second base on a walk to Vincent Blue. Bryon Smith followed with an RBI double to right field that scored Matlock from second, followed by Carlos Hereaud driving in Blue from third with an RBI ground out for the second run of the inning. Osiel Flores capped the inning off with an RBI single to left field that scored Smith from third for the 3-0 lead.

The Broncos (13-25) could not get a base runner past second base against Haines eventually taking the 3-0 loss.

Luis Arroyo (1-4) suffered the loss on the mound after allowing three runs while giving up seven hits in six innings of work.

The Roadrunners and Broncos will play the third game of this four-game series Monday night at Veteran’s Field. Miguel Martinez (3-2) is expected to face Will Palmer (0-0) with the first pitch scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

Broncos Bits

Some notes of interest for Broncos fans:

- The team is now four games out of the fourth and final playoff spot. If the Broncos can sweep against Edinburg, they will be one game out.

- Former Broncos closer Tristan Crawford was signed to the Philadelphia Phillies' Triple A club on Saturday. Crawford was traded from the Broncos to Grand Prairie of the American Association last weekend. In 10 games for the Broncos, he went 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA.

- Broncos GM Jose Melendez hopes to know by Aug. 1 whether to expect Tano Tijerina, the former Nixon High great and Latin Sports Hall of Famer, as a consistent part of the rotation. By all accounts, it looks that Tijerina will in fact be that, but we will see.

- Remember John Odom? Er, "Batman"? The former Bronco who came to Laredo via a trade for 10 maple bats is featured in the ESPN Magazine that will hit stores soon. Odom died of a drug overdose in November 2008, yet full details of his death weren't revealed until months upon months later.

Here's the link to ESPN's story for those who are interested.

Broncos win

Broncos win, 4-3, on Luany Sanchez's walk-off single with one out in the 10th.

Into the 10th

Going into extras here at Veterans.

Still 3-3.

Into the 9th

Into the 9th, still 3-3.

What was a smooth-sailing game has turned into quite the nail-biter.

Announced attendance tonight is 1,026. Actual attendance is about 600.

Tied game into the 8th

The Broncos and Roadrunners are now tied, 3-3, into the 8th.

The Broncos got back in the game on David Cardona's sacrifice RBI and Ryan Flynn's score on a passed ball.

Edinburg 3-1 into the 7th

Edinburg loaded the bases with no outs in the 6th but came away with nothing when it was all said and done.

Martinez is beginning to struggle with his location and getting ahead of hitters after a flawless first few innings.

He has walked four batters in the last two innings.

Roadrunners up into the 6th

The Roadrunners now lead into the 6th, 3-1.

After loading the bases with one out in the 5th, Edinburg tied the game on a suicide squeeze bunt attempt by Hunter Owen that scored Eric Gonzalez.

Moments later, Robert Matlock's two-out, two-run single to center field pushed the Roadrunners ahead by a run.

All runs were unearned for Gregorio Martinez.

Into the 5th

Broncos still up 1-0 into the 5th.

So far, Laredo has compiled one run on five hits to Edinburg's no runs on one hit.

Into the 4th

Still 1-0 Broncos into the 4th.

Gregorio Martinez is rollin'. He's allowed just one hit and has struck out four through 3 innings.

Sanchez puts Broncos on top

Luany Sanchez's leadoff home run to deep left field puts the Broncos ahead 1-0 heading into the 3rd.

It was Sanchez's second of the season.

Into the 2nd

Neither team has a hit after one inning of play. So far, looks like the Broncos pitching and defense has picked up from last night.

Broncos vs. Roadrunners, Game 1

The Broncos continue their eight-game homestand as they welcome Edinburg for the start of a four-game set tonight.

So far, Laredo is 2-2 on this homestand, still in last place in United League Baseball. But it is coming off a solid, all-around 3-0 win against Rio Grande Valley last night.

Edinburg comes in 4th in ULB, with a 17-19 record. The Roadrunners have lost two in a row, and 6 of their last 10.

At the moment, Laredo is five games out of a playoff spot.

Tonight pits Laredo's Gregorio Martinez (2-3, 5.52 ERA) versus Edinburg's Danny Rondon (1-0, 4.50 ERA).

Broncos win

Broncos win, 3-0.

Into the 7th

Still 3-0 Broncos into the 7th.

Into the 6th

Still 3-0 Broncos into the 6th.

Broncos expand lead

The Broncos now lead 3-0 into the 5th inning after Argelis Nunez's one-out, two-run homer.

Laredo has now scored in the last two innings.

Broncos lead 1-0 into 4th

The Broncos are on the board first, courtesy of O.J. Garza's one-out solo blast to left field in the 3rd inning.

The shot was Garza's first of the season.

The two clubs have combined for five hits through the first 3 innings.

Into the 3rd

Still 0-0 into the 3rd. Good pitching performances so far.

Into the 2nd

0-0 into the 2nd.

Broncos vs. WhiteWings finale

The Broncos and WhiteWings are playing the series finale tonight. It's already started.

Here are the pitching matchups:

Laredo's Ryan Harris (2-3, 4.17 ERA) vs. Rio Grande Valley's Reymond Cruz (4-2, 3.42 ERA).

The Broncos come into the game 14 games out of first place in ULB; six games out of a playoff spot.

ULB standings (heading into July 17 action)

1. SAN ANGELO 25-10 .714
2. AMARILLO 19-16 .543
3. EDINBURG 17-18 .486
4. COASTAL BEND 17-18 .486
5. RGV 16-19 .457
6. LAREDO 11-23 .314

Where to go from here?

It has not been a pretty season for the Broncos.

Thursday's 10-8 loss to Rio Grande Valley was Laredo's 24th in 35 games. They are last in United League Baseball, approximately eight games out of a playoff spot with 45 remaining.

The Broncos are a solid offensive club. They can hit and light up the scoreboard at any given moment.

That's it. That's all they are.

They are a horrendous defensive club. The pitching has been poor, the fielding has been downright deplorable.

"It's been tough, especially on the road," Manager Ricardo Cuevas said prior to Thursday's game. "We push and push but can't come through. We have guys coming in and out often and it's hard to mend the team together."

The heavy-local emphasis management took this offseason? A failure, so far.

Only O.J. Garza, who is hitting around .280 and is a spectacular defensive player, has paid off.

Andres "El Monkey" looks done. He came in as a hitter and hasn't even done that. He's a poor defensive player.

Tano Tijerina has been so-so as a starter, but has needed far more rest than a rotation player should need.

His return to baseball is commendable and admirable and his positive energy is desperately needed these days.

But his greatest impact has been at the box office, where his fans and family flood to each and every outing of his, which has been few and far between unfortunately.

Nothing has been enough for the Broncos.

Overall, there have been too many unearned runs. Too many dropped balls. Too many mental mistakes.

General Manager Jose Melendez expected a 6-2 record over this homestand, against subpar clubs RGV and Edinburg.

They are 1-2 at the moment, and Cuevas knows things have to start falling in place sooner than later.

"It has to start now," he said. "We're at home, we have to take advantage. It's hard. I see the guys and they play hard and they want to win. I have to make these guys believe they can win, and I do think we can start winning."

Let's not get this confused. The Broncos' performance has been lethargic this season, but this is a good-natured and professional team.

They're genuinely good guys who like being around each other and enjoy playing in Laredo and being a part of this team.

That's what makes this even harder. You couldn't ask for a better group of guys.

But the baseball gods couldn't care less about that. They have been anything but kind to the Broncos.

Late following Thursday's game, Melendez sat on a bench, staring out into the empty field and wondered why the team seemed so cursed.

The hometown flavor this year hasn't worked; the Broncos are still last in the league in attendance.

Two players have had changes of heart after saying they'd come to play for the Broncos; one even went as far as to retire.

They emphasized defense and pitching in training camp; they're last in the league in both.

It's been one of those years for the Broncos. Fortunately there are 45 games remaining, so not all is lost.

But 35 games in, the Broncos are lost. Desperate. Frustrated. Unknowing.

A genuinely good group of guys is getting the short end of the stick.

Broncos lose

Broncos fall, 10-8.

Into the 9th

Into the 9th, still 9-8 RGV.

The Broncos will have their 1-2-3 hitters up in the 9th.

Into the 8th

Still 9-8 into the 8th. It's been a quiet last few innings.

Into the 7th

Same score into the 7th, 9-8 RGV.

Through 6 innings, there have been a combined 22 hits and 17 runs.

Into the 6th

Same score into the 6th, Broncos still trail, 9-8.

Into the 5th

After trailing 9-3 after 3 1/2, the Broncos scored five runs on six hits and trail 9-8 into the 5th.

Broncos get closer

The Broncos are now within a run, 4-3, thanks to Mario Mendez's two-run single in the 3rd.

Maximo de la Cruz, the former Bronco, is now out of the game. He threw 2.1 innings and allowed three runs - two earned - on two hits. He walked three and struck out none.

Into the 3rd

Still 4-1 RGV into the 3rd as the pitching was not as atrocious in the 2nd inning.

Soto struggles and leaves

Given a spot start, Edgar Soto, normally a late inning reliever, struggled in his new temporary role on Thursday.

He lasted just four batters, surrendering three walks and a single.

He gave up four runs as the WhiteWings are ahead 4-1 into the 2nd inning.

Jason Herman is in now and did not fare too much better, allowing two hits, one of which was a two-run single, though both runs were credited to Soto.

The Broncos got a run in their frame as Luis Ugueto scored on an error with two outs.

Forrest gone

Logan Forrest is no longer with the team. His Bronco tenure was one day.

Forrest was signed by the team yesterday, but after re-evaluating his baseball future, decided he wanted to go back to school.

He played in last night's game, going 0-for-4. He reportedly told General Manager Jose Melendez, after the game, that he had lost his passion for baseball after not being drafted in this year's MLB draft after being told he would be.

Broncos fall in 11

The Laredo Broncos’ two-game winning streak was snapped in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday night, as they fell, 7-6, in 11 innings to the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings.

The Broncos fell to 11-23 overall as the WhiteWings improved to 15-19.

Rio Grande Valley’s Jonathan Potorson hit his first home run since June 21 to give the WhiteWings an early 1-0 lead against Broncos newcomer Will Palmer.

The Broncos responded against Eric Domangue in the third.

Jaime Morales reached on an error to lead off the inning.

Luis Ugueto followed by getting hit by a pitch. David Cardona laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing the runners, but no one covered home plate on the score, allowing Morales to score.

One out later, Argelis Nunez hit his fifth home run of the season to make it 3-1, Broncos.

The WhiteWings cut into their deficit by a run on Agustin Septimo’s RBI single in the fifth.

The WhiteWings regained the lead in the sixth on Welinson Baez’s two-run homer.

Nunez’s bat showed up once again in the sixth, however, as he gave the Broncos the lead back with a two-run home run of his own.

In the bottom of the sixth, Mario Mendez hit a leadoff single and Nunez hit his second home run of the game to make it 5-4, Broncos.

The lead wouldn’t last long, as the WhiteWings scored to tie the game in the seventh, setting up a dramatic final four innings.

Sandy DeLeon led off the 11th with a single against another Bronco newcomer, Fernando Rijo (0-1).

Allen tried to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but DeLeon was thrown out at second base. One out later, Denys Lantigua singled and Angel Reyes hit a two-run double to make it 7-5.

Juan Diaz (4-2) pitched four hitless innings, striking out six for the win.

Julio Santana picked up his seventh save, but not without drama.

With one out, Luany Sanchez walked and Robert Moron hit a pinch-hit single.

Andres “El Monkey” Santos followed with a RBI single, but O.J. Garza grounded into a double play to end the game.

The two clubs will play Game 3 of the four-game series tonight at Veterans Field.
First pitch is slated for 7:30 p.m.

More new guys

After inking a pair of pitchers yesterday, the Broncos added a few more new guys today.

Incoming is infielder Logan Forrest and pitchers Fernando Rijo and Jeff Jamnik.

Outgoing is outfielder Anthony Bennett (released), and Miguel Ortiz and Gustavo Vasquez have been placed on the disabled list.

One of the Broncos' new guys, Will Palmer, is slated to be the starting pitcher for tonight's game. It'll be interesting to see how he does.

Forrest is also expected to be in the lineup.

I won't be able to cover the game tonight since duty calls on the desk, but you can listen to the live broadcast through the Laredo Broncos web site -- www.laredobroncos.com. -- through sportsjuice.com.

Same ol', same ol'

Same score into the 8th as neither team made any noise in the 7th.

Into the 7th

The Broncos now lead 9-5 after Jaime Morales scored off a double-play in the 6th.

Into the 7th we go. Juan Jimenez is out of the game for RGV. He threw five innings and allowed eight runs -- five earned -- on 10 hits.

Broncos push lead to 3

The Broncos lead 8-5 into the 6th as Luany Sanchez and O.J. Garza each drilled RBI singles.

RGV cuts into deficit

By way of the worst defensive inning in minor league baseball history -- OK, I may be exaggerating -- the Broncos now only lead 6-5 into the 5th.

The WhiteWings scored five runs on four hits in the 4th but were aided by three Broncos errors, two by David Cardona.

Cardona committed his miscue on the same play, on Allen Casey's at-bat in which Casey easily made his way all around to score as the Broncos batted the ball around.

Casey was credited with a two-run double on the play.

Also contributing for RGV in the inning were Angel Reyes (RBI single).

Broncos add 3 more

The Broncos now lead 6-0 after scoring three runs with two outs in the 3rd.

Argelis Nunez drilled a RBI single and Andres Santos followed with a two-run double.

For the second time in this game, Arroyo pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

Broncos lead into the 3rd

The WhiteWings loaded the bases with two outs in the 2nd but came away with nada.

The Broncos went down in order.

3-0 Broncos into the 3rd.

Broncos take quick lead

The Broncos jumped on RGV early, taking a 3-0 lead into the 2nd.

Mario Mendez (groundout RBI) and Argelis Nunez (RBI double, run scored) led the way for Laredo.

Broncos vs. WhiteWings

Tonight's game is starting 15 minutes later so we're about minutes away from first pitch.

We have the two worst teams in the league squaring off. Rio Grande Valley is 14-18 and the Broncos are 10-22.

Luis Arroyo (0-3, 6.16 ERA) is on the mound for the Broncos, who are expecting significant roster moves tomorrow.

There are already a couple of noticeable absences, as the Crawford brothers (Nathan and Tristan) are no longer here, having been traded to Grand Prairie of the American Association.

The Broncos are also sporting new home uniforms - white with maroon lettering.

Broncos snap five-game skid

AMARILLO — The Laredo Broncos got a timely bloop hit as they beat the Amarillo Dillas by a score of 3-2 at Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa on Monday.

The Broncos tallied the games first run in the third inning when Ryan Flynn walked with one out, then scored on a double by David Cardona.

The Dillas answered in the fourth inning. Keanon Simon singled to start off the inning, then stole second base. Andrew Wong followed with a triple, which scored Simon. Carlos Figueroa knocked in Wong with a sacrifice fly, giving Amarillo the 2-1 lead.

The Broncos tied the game in the sixth inning when Argelis Nuñez hit a solo home run, his fourth of the season.

The Broncos then took the lead in the eighth inning as Mario Mendez singled, then Nuñez hit a towering fly ball that landed just fair to allow Mendez to score all the way from first.

Broncos’ starter Gregorio Martinez had one of his best outings of the year, going seven strong innings and giving up two runs on six hits while striking out five. Carlos Alvarez came in to pitch the eighth.

Jason Herman came out to pitch the ninth inning and looking for the save. The Dillas put runners on first and second with one out, but Herman got out of the jam. The Broncos picked up the victory by a score of 3-2.

The Broncos scored three runs on six hits and had no errors, while the Dillas scored two runs on seven hits and had no errors.

The Broncos are now 10-22 on the season, while the Dillas are 17-15.

The Broncos will next be in action tonight as they open up a four- game series against the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Field.

Broncos lose their 4th in a row

The Broncos lost their fourth consecutive game in blowout fashion on Saturday night, falling 14-3 to the Amarillo Dillas.

The league’s second-best offense only managed six hits off Dillas starter Ralph Roberts, who pitched a complete game.

The Broncos are 9-21 heading into the third game of a four-game set in Amarillo.

The Dillas, in second place in United League Baseball, are 16-14.

Laredo scored three runs on six hits and committed two errors. Amarillo battered Broncos pitching for 14 runs on 20 hits.

The Dillas led 4-0 before breaking the game open by scoring four runs in the fourth inning, aided by Terrance McClain’s RBI single and Trent Lockwood’s RBI double.

That ended the night for Broncos starter Nathan Crawford, who went 3.1 innings and allowed seven runs – five earned – on seven hits.

He walked three and struck out one.

The Broncos trailed 9-1 after Jaime Morales’ RBI single in the sixth, but the Dillas poured it on again in the eighth, scoring five more runs.

Laredo’s other two runs came in the ninth inning, as Argelis Nunez blasted a two-run homer.

Broncos fall in pitcher's duel

The Broncos’ pitching, inconsistent and shaky all season long, was on top of its game on Thursday, but it made no difference.

Laredo lost for the third time in the last four games, falling to the San Angelo Colts, 4-2, in a pitcher’s duel at Foster Field.

The Broncos are 9-19 heading into the start of a four-game set in Amarillo tonight.

The Colts, first place in United League Baseball, improved to 19-9.

Again, a Broncos opponent struck first as the Colts took a 1-0 lead in the first inning off Josh Callazo’s RBI single.

The Broncos tied the game in the second off Jaime Morales’ RBI single before the Colts regained the lead in the third on Hunter Jobes’ RBI double.

Laredo’s offense had problems getting into a groove against Colts starter Chandler Barnard, but that would change in the eighth inning, when, trailing 3-1, the Broncos got within a run on Miguel Ortiz’s RBI single.

But the Broncos never could get over the hump.

The league’s second-best offense managed no more runs the rest of the night, and San Angelo added an insurance run in the eighth on Bradley Goldsmith’s RBI double.

The Colts’ Chace Vacek pitched a scoreless ninth as San Angelo won for the fifth time in the last eight games against the Broncos.

Laredo starter Luis Arroyo pitched seven innings, surrendering three runs on 12 hits .

He struck out seven and walked one.

The Broncos scored two runs on five hits to the Colts’ four runs on 14 hits.

Broncos fall to Colts in 10

The Laredo Broncos used a five-run ninth inning to take a late lead on Wednesday night against San Angelo, but it would not be enough.

The Colts tied it in the ninth before prevailing with a 8-7 win in the 10th inning.

San Angelo, in first place in United League Baseball, improved to 18-9. Laredo fell to 9-18.

The Broncos’ offense, the second best in ULB, struggled against the Colts’ Drew Coffey for the first five innings, being held scoreless.

But that would change in the sixth, as, trailing 1-0, Mario Mendez’s two-run home run, his fifth of the season, gave the Broncos a 2-1 lead.

Broncos starter Gregorio Martinez, who pitched a fine first six innings, ran into trouble in the seventh as he loaded the bases with none out and allowed the Colts to tie the game.

In the eighth, San Angelo came through to take the lead, scoring three runs on Josh Callazo’s three-run double to force Martinez out of the game.

Martinez ended up going 7.1 innings, surrendering five runs on 10 hits and walking three.
He struck out one.

But the Broncos put together an inspiring ninth inning, scoring five runs to take a 7-2 lead.
Anthony Bennett walked with the bases loaded before Luis Ugueto drilled a two-run single.

Miguel Ortiz followed with a RBI single before Mendez added a RBI double.

The Colts, eventually, tied the game off reliever Edgar Soto, getting a pair of runs on Bradley Goldsmith’s two-run single.

That set up another heroic stage for Goldsmith in the ninth, as his walkoff RBI single handed the Broncos another heartbreaking loss.

Laredo scored seven runs on 10 hits to San Angelo’s eight runs on 15 hits.

The Colts totaled five errors to the Broncos’ one.

The finale of the four-game series is tonight in San Angelo. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Update on new stadium

Here's the latest on the new voter-approved baseball stadium that is slated to be built next to the Laredo Entertainment Center.

The bolded text provides news of particular interest.

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

By ZACH LINDSEY
LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Three nationally based companies have responded to the city’s request for proposals for the construction of a voter-approved baseball stadium next to the Laredo Entertainment Center.

The three companies presented their qualifications, without specific plans for a stadium, to City Council during a Monday workshop. The three companies interested in the stadium are Kansas City-based HOK Sport, Dallas-based HKS and Crafton Tull Sparks of Tulsa, Okla.

All three have experience in the stadium construction business, such as Crafton Tull Sparks, which built the QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, ranked 2008’s best new ballpark by Ballpark Digest.

HSK was involved in the construction of the Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, a 350,000-square-foot stadium with 6,500 seats, and HOK Sports was involved in the construction of the Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla., which has nearly 8,000 regular seats.

“We just need to find out exactly how much we really want to invest,” said Councilman Johnny Rendon. The ballpark will be in his council district.

Rendon has long been a proponent of the new baseball stadium.

“I really believe the City of Laredo is a baseball town, and if we can just bring those types of amenities to Laredo, the quality of life for our citizens will be improving,” Rendon said.
At least one council member considered local cooperation with the project to be one of the most important aspects of picking a firm.

“Two groups (had) very strong local presentation,” said Councilman Gene Belmares. “One was kind of weak on (what) they had locally in terms of who they were involving upfront on those projects.”

HKS recommends Humphries and Sanchez Architects as its associate architect. Juan Homero Sanchez of Humphries and Sanchez has worked with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct its Laredo District Headquarters, and also helped design the Webb County Justice Center and the Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Park.

The engineering team HKS envisions is Puig Engineering, also a local company.

Crafton Tull Sparks also recommends Humphries and Sanchez in an architectural role and Puig Engineering as civil engineering consultants.

HOK Sport worked in the past on a study for the possible convention center, and did tour the site, but has not completed any projects in the Laredo area. HOK proposes the locally based Architects Plus as subconsultant, but the rest of the team consists of out-of-towners.

The baseball stadium will likely be funded by revenue from the sports venue tax, created to pay for the LEC.

The larger the amount of money the City Council is willing to spend on a baseball stadium, the less money will be available for future projects that can also be financed with the sports venue tax money, such as a planned downtown convention center.

“It’s how much money I can spend on one without affecting the other one,” said City Manager Carlos Villarreal.

Villarreal said he will draft a few scenarios after meeting with the city’s financial advisers. He expects to have a plan by either the July 20 council meeting or the following one.

The convention center is still a long way off. It must go before voters, in either a special election in November 2009 or the regular November 2010 election. Voters could say no to the referendum.

“We might just put up half of (the money) and finance the rest,” Villarreal said. “I need to take a look at all the variables and come back to council.”

Also, the sports venue tax money is used for the maintenance of the LEC.

“I want to make sure that council is aware of a possible dilemma if we spend it all at one time for a baseball stadium,” Villarreal said.

The city spends about $750,000 a year on maintenance for the LEC, according to Villarreal.

“The challenge is going to be, now, making that selection and coming back with the programming which is what is going to tell us the size of the facility and an estimated budget for that type of facility based on inputs of council, the community and an operator of the baseball team,” Belmares said. “Staff’s got a pretty hard task on their hands.”

Other unknowns in the baseball stadium equation are who will be the operator of the stadium and what team the stadium will host. At first, the Laredo Broncos seemed like the shoo-ins for the stadium, but Ventura Sports Group, owner of the El Paso Diablos and the Grand Prairie AirHogs, also has put forth a proposal for the operation of the stadium.

Staff still needs to make a formal recommendation to council regarding which would better serve the interests of Laredo.

“That’s a decision council will make, and that will complete the package,” Belmares said.

Broncos win

After a devastating, 10th-inning loss on Monday, the Broncos’ offense responded in full force on Tuesday, belting 13 hits en route to a 7-1 win over the San Angelo Colts at Foster Field.

The Broncos improved to 9-17 on the season as the Colts fell to 17-9.

The win was the Broncos’ sixth in their last 10 games. They boast the second-best offense in United League Baseball.

The first-place Colts lost for the third time in their last six contests.

Laredo wasted no time in jumping on San Angelo, scoring five runs in the third inning.

Miguel Ortiz ignited things with a solo home run, his first of the season.

David Cardona followed with a RBI single before Anthony Bennett capitalized with a RBI double.
Cardona then scored on an error, and Jaime Morales reached base on a fielder’s choice that enabled Bennett to score.

San Angelo’s lone run came in the third inning on Ronnie Gaines’ two-out RBI single.

The Broncos boosted their lead to 6-1 in the fourth on Luany Sanchez’s RBI single before putting the finishing touches on the win on Morales’ RBI single in the seventh.

Broncos ace Ryan Harris (2-3) pitched brilliantly, throwing the team’s first complete game all season.

He gave up one run on six hits, striking out six and walking three.

The Colts’ Brian Henschel (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season.

Overall, the Broncos had seven runs on 13 hits with no errors.

The Colts mustered one run on six hits and committed four miscues.

The teams play their third game of the four-game set tonight in San Angelo.

The Broncos will play again in San Angelo on Thursday before heading to Amarillo for a four-game set against the second-place Dillas.

Laredo will return to the Gateway City for an eight-game homestand beginning Tuesday.

All Bronco road games can be listened to through the team Web site - www.laredobroncos.com — through ww.sportsjuice.com.

Broncos fall to Colts in 10

MONDAY -- After having just finished a four-game set in Laredo, the Broncos and San Angelo Colts started another four-game series in West Texas on Monday.

After splitting their last series, the Colts won the opener of their latest set, 8-7, in 10 innings.

The Colts, who are in first place in United League Baseball, improved to 17-8. The Broncos, who are in last place, fell to 8-17.

The Colts scored six runs in the first inning, highlighted by Josh Collazo’s two-run single and Blake Shaffer’s RBI single.

Broncos stareter Tano Tijerina lasted just two-thirds of the inning, surrendering six runs – four earned – on two hits.

He walked three and struck out one.

Fortunately for the Broncos, that would be the worst of the Colts’ damage.

The Broncos got on the scoreboard in the second inning on O.J. Garza’s sacrifice fly, and then scored two more in the third when Ryan Flynn scored on a throwing error and Luany Sanchez followed with a RBI single.

The Colts tacked on another run in the third before the Broncos struck again, scoring three more runs in the fourth.

Garza scored on another San Angelo error and Miguel Ortiz drilled a two-run single to cut the Broncos’ deficit to one run.

The Broncos, however, came through when it mattered most and tied the game in the ninth inning on Luis Ugueto’s sacrifice fly.

But the strong rally would not last long.

The Broncos threatened in the 10th, putting two on with one out, before failing to capitalize on the opportunity.

San Angelo did, however.

In the Colts’ half of the frame, Shaffer’s game-winning double scored Hank Lanto to end things.
The Broncos scored seven runs on nine hits to the Colts’ eight on 10.

Interesting indeed

Here are some interesting tidbits on the Broncos, who are in last place in United League Baseball with an 8-16 overall record, courtesy of some stat digging by ULB Media Relations Director Jerry Deal.

* The Broncos are second in the league in hitting with a .298 mark. That is second to San Angelo at .317 and ahead of Amarillo - .275, Edinburg and Rio Grande Valley, each at .263; and Coastal Bend at .245.

* The Broncos have three hitters in the top 10 -- Dave Cardona at .357; Miguel Ortiz at .354; and Mario Mendez at .340.

Mendez is third in stolen bases with 10 and second in number of hits, 32. Ortiz leads in doubles with 10.

* The Broncos are 5-5 in their last 10 outings. That is as good as Coastal Bend and Edinburg, and better than Amarillo and Rio Grande Valley, both at 4-6.

Broncos win

Broncos win 14-5.

It's their fourth victory in 6 games, and their fifth in the last nine.

Into the 8th

Same dealings into the 8th, 12-4 Broncos.

Broncos lead 12-4 into the 7th

The Broncos are up big, 14-4, heading into the 7th.

After scoring seven runs in the 4th, they added five more in the fifth and two in the sixth.

The Colts have compiled five errors and have displayed shoddy and apathetic defense. Colts pitching has given up nine free passes.

Huge 4th for the Broncos

Trailing 4-0, the Broncos scored seven runs in the fourth off two hits and forced Colts starter Brad Lester from the game.

O.J. Garza started things with an RBI single before Jaime Morales followed with a sacrifice RBI. Moments later, Mario Mendez added a groundout RBI, and the final four runs of the Broncos' frame were scored off errors.

Laredo leads 7-4 into the 5th.

Lester is in line for the loss. He threw 3.1 innings and allowed six runs -- four earned -- on six hits. He walked six and struck out two.

Same ol'

Nothing of interest to note in the 3rd, although the Colts did get their third double play of the game.

1-0 Colts into the 4th.

Colts lead 1-0 into the 3rd; Frichter out

The Colts got on the board first on Hank Lanto's one-out RBI single in the 2nd.

Colts infielder Bryan Frichter, who led the league in hits and stolen bases entering today’s game, was removed from the game in the inning when a hopper off the bat of Andres Santos took a big leap and apparently hit him in the face. Frichter struck out in his only at-bat.

Into the 2nd

Broncos load the bases with one out before a double play kills the threat.

Fortunately, the Colts did not score in the first inning for just the second time in the last seven games.

0-0 into the 2nd. Very sparse crowd here at Veterans.

Broncos vs. Colts, Game 4

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. Been busy, busy, busy, but we're a go for today so here's what's up.

The Broncos are 7-16 overall heading into today's series finale against the Colts, who are 16-7 and in first place in United League Baseball.

The problems for the Broncos, 23 games in, are: pitching, defense and an inability, lately, to execute routine plays.

Their lone strength is offense, as they are still the second best offensive club in the league.

They are last in attendance (1,461 per game) and in pitching (5.44 team ERA).

And the issues get worse: Gustavo Vasquez, the No. 4 starter, is out indefinitely with pendicitis. Travis Parker (1-1, 16.20 ERA) is the spot starter tonight.

The Broncos will embark on an eight-game road trip to San Angelo and Amarillo following tonight's game.

Broncos win 3rd in a row

The Broncos nipped the San Angelo Colts in a thriller on Thursday night, claiming a 5-4 win in the 10th inning before a crowd of 971 at Veterans Field.

It was the third consecutive win for the Broncos (7-14), as the Colts, who are in first place in United League Baseball, fell to 14-7.

Game two of the four-game series is slated for tonight at Veterans Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Colts jumped out to the early lead in the top of the second inning, leading 1-0 after Hunter Jobes’ sacrifice fly.

The lead was extended in the third to 3-0 on Ronnie Gaines’ RBI single and Jason Landreth’s sacrifice fly.

But the Broncos would counter in the fourth when Miguel Ortiz scored to make it 3-1.

The Colts tacked on another run in the seventh inning on Jason Diaz’s RBI double, setting up a late rally from the Broncos.

In the eighth, Mario Mendez and Argelis Nunez each drilled RBI singles to cut the team’s deficit to one.


That set the stage for O.J. Garza, who then tied the game with a chopper to first base that eluded the fielder.

In the 10th, it was Robert Moron’s time to play hero, as the wily veteran’s sacrifice fly scored the fourth, and final, run for the Broncos in the final three innings of play.

Broncos starter Ryan Harris was tagged with the no-decision, after seven innings of work.

He gave up four runs – one earned – on eight hits and struck out one and walked one.

Tristan Crawford (2-1) came on in the 10th, after a strong performance in relief by Julio Pinto, to secure the win.

Broncos win 2nd straight, rout WhiteWings 11-4

HARLINGEN — The Laredo Broncos sent 13 men to the plate and scored eight runs in the fifth inning to help lead them to a 11-4 victory over the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings at Harlingen Field on Wednesday.

With the game tied at one, Luis Ugueto led off the fifth with a walk against Maximino de la Cruz (0-2). Miguel Ortiz followed with a single. One out later, Argelis Nunez hit a two-run double and moved to third on a balk. David Cardona then hit an RBI-single to knock out de la Cruz.

Todd Lutz came in and gave up a single to Rafael Ozuna, who moved to second on the throw to third to try to get Cardona. O.J. Garza hit a grounder to short, but Joaquin Rodriguez’s throw to the plate was not in time as Cardona scored. Robert Moron followed with an RBI-single and Jake Wells hit a two-run single, moving to second on the throw to the plate. After an infield single by Ugueto moved Wells to third, Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to cap the inning with the Broncos up 9-1.

That made a winner of Tano Tijerina (1-1), who gave up one run on four hits in five innings while walking seven and striking out five. The WhiteWings stranded a runner at third base in four of Tijerina’s five innings. The only inning in which they didn’t was the third, when Agustin Septimo led off with a walk and moved to third on a wild pick-off attempt before scoring on a one-out single by Alberto Cruz. That tied the game 1-1 at the time.

The Broncos started the scoring against de la Cruz in the second when Garza hit a two-out single, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a double by Moron.

The WhiteWings had a chance to answer in the bottom of the second with Welinson Baez on third Rodriguez on second with nobody out, but Tijerina struck out Justin Holloway, Casey Allen and Stephen Ward to end the inning.

They added two runs against Lutz in the top of the eighth. Ugueto led off with a walk and moved to third on a double by Ortiz. Mendez hit a sacrifice fly and Nunez hit an RBI-double to make it 11-1.

In the bottom of the eighth against Nathan Crawford, Allen reached on an infield single. With one out, Septimo walked. One out later, Cruz walked to load the bases. Brian Nichols followed with a bases-clearing double to make it 11-4.

The Broncos will begin a four-game series against the San Angelo Colts tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Field.

Updated stats

The Broncos' lone bright spot this season has been their offense. They rank second in United League Baseball in hitting.

Here are the team's top hitters entering tonight's series finale against Rio Grande Valley:

Mario Mendez (.361, 14 RBIs, 3 HRs, .569 slugging, .419 OBP)
Dave Cardona (.349, 10, 3, .540, .382)
OJ Garza (.333, 6, 0, .361, .392)
Miguel Ortiz (.328, 6, 0, .443, .339)