INSIDE THE DUGOUT

Blog move

2010-03-09T01:21:00.002-06:00

The "Inside the Dugout" blog has moved.

The blog moved from blogger.com to wordpress.com.

To access the blog, and its more user-friendly settings, go to insidethedugout.wordpress.com.

http://insidethedugout.wordpress.com/

Roadrunners-Colts make first trade of offseason

2010-01-07T15:36:00.003-06:00

The first trade of the 2010 season was made today, as the Edinburg Roadrunners traded RHP Bryan Heaston to the San Angelo Colts for OF Selwyn Langaigne and IF Richard Paz.

Both Langaigne and Paz joined San Angelo down the stretch drive in 2009, and helped the Colts to within one win of the United League Championship. Both are 16-year veterans.

Heaston joins the Colts after spending last season with the Edinburg Roadrunners. He's a six year vet who spent the last four years in the Valley.

I talked with Broncos GM Jose Melendez via email today, and he said he will be overhauling the roster. He said the team is about 3 weeks away from announcing a new field manager, and afterward a flurry of roster moves are expected.

Here's his thoughts on today's trade: "That was a great trade for Edinburg. San Angelo just gave them away. Paz and Langaigne are tremendous players. I just don’t know how both can fit in the salary cap for the whole season."

He did emphasize that he expects the Broncos to be active "very soon."

Broncos fall in doubleheader

2009-08-30T00:21:00.000-05:00

After Friday’s opener of a four-game home set against Coastal Bend was suspended due to poor weather, the Broncos and the Thunder played a doubleheader on Saturday.

The Broncos were swept, pushing their losing streak to eight games as they lost Game 1, 13-2 before falling in Game 2, 7-1.

The Broncos are 22-56 with two games remaining in their season.

The Thunder is 38-39.

In Game 1, Coastal Bend wasted no time grabbing a quick lead on Friday, taking an 8-0 advantage into the second inning, thanks in large part to Alex Fernandez’s three-run home run and Levi Ventura’s two-run single.

Broncos starter Luis Arroyo was taken out after one out in the inning.

He gave up eight runs on five hits. He walked three and struck out none.

When the game picked up on Saturday, it remained 8-0 until the fifth inning, when Amadeo Zazueta and Manny Mejia each drilled RBI singles off reliever Carlos Alvarez to make it 10-0.

Alvarez was done for the Broncos after 5.2 innings of relief work.

He gave up two runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out two.

The Broncos finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh, when Mario Mendez hit a solo home run, his eighth of the season.

Two batters later, Robert Moron also hit a solo home run, his second of the season, to make it 10-2.

But the Thunder got some more runs in the ninth, courtesy of Dustin Smith’s RBI single and two runs scored off an error and fielder’s choice.

Coastal Bend starter Frank James pitched a solid ninth to earn the complete game.

The Broncos scored two runs on seven hits, and had two errors, while the Thunder scored 11 runs on 15 hits and did not commit an error.

Game 2 was not much better, as the Broncos scored one run on three hits to the Thunder’s seven runs on 11 hits.

Broncos starter Edgar Soto Soto lasted two-plus innings, surrendering five runs – four earned – on five hits.

He walked three, struck out one and threw four wild pitches.

Mendez’s second homer of the evening was the Broncos’ lone run.

Game 3 of the four-game series will be played tonight at Veterans Field.

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

Broncos to make up canceled game with doubleheader today

2009-08-29T01:43:00.000-05:00

The first game of a four-game series between the Laredo Broncos and Coastal Bend Thunder at Veterans Field was suspended due to rain on Friday night.

The teams will make up the game in a doubleheader tonight, starting at 6:05 p.m.
Friday’s game was stopped in the middle of the first inning, with the Thunder leading 8-0.

The game will pick up where it left off and be played for a full nine innings tonight.

The second game of the doubleheader will start about 30 minutes after the first game’s completion and be a seven-inning game due to United League Baseball stipulations about doubleheaders.

The Broncos are the last-place team in the league with a 22-54 record.

The Thunder (36-39) is fighting for the fourth and final playoff spot with the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (36-40), who were scheduled to face the first-place San Angelo Colts in San Angelo on Friday night.

Coastal Bend is coming off a four-game sweep of Laredo in Robstown earlier this week.

Broncos lose again

2009-08-27T22:09:00.001-05:00

ROBSTOWN – The Broncos gave up three runs in the eighth inning as they lost to the Coastal Bend Thunder by a score of 5-3 at Fairgrounds Field on Thursday.

With four games remaining in their season, the Broncos fell to 22-54 on the season.
The Thunder improved to 36-39.

The Thunder started the scoring in the second inning, taking a 2-0 lead on Bryan Vickers’ RBI single and Alex Fernandez’s run scored on a fielder’s choice.

The Broncos cut into their deficit by a run in the third on Mario Mendez’s RBI single.

They then tied the game in the sixth on Robert Moron’s RBI single.

But the Thunder pulled away in the eighth off Broncos reliever Fernando Rijo.

Manny Mejia hit a two-run single, and then moments later, Carlos Rodriguez followed with a RBI double.

The Broncos inched closer in the ninth when Derek Beckman scored on a fielder’s choice, but it wasn’t enough as former Bronco Benny Cepeda pitched through to earn the save.

Broncos starter Aaron Jenkins left the game after seven strong innings of work.
He gave up two runs on three hits.

He walked five and struck out three.

The Broncos scored two runs on nine hits and had no errors, while the Thunder scored five runs on seven hits and had one error.

Laredo closes its 2009 season with a four-game home series against Coastal Bend starting Friday at Veterans Field.

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

Broncos fall to Thunder

2009-08-26T23:52:00.000-05:00

ROBSTOWN — The Laredo Broncos’ offense only managed four hits as they lost to the Coastal Bend Thunder by a score of 7-3 at Fairgrounds Field on Wednesday.

The Thunder (35-39) started the scoring in the first, pouring in three runs, but the Broncos (22-53) struck back in the second.

With one out, David Cardona singled then went to third when the right fielder dropped Mario Mendez’s fly ball. Andres Santos then hit an RBI groundout to scored Cardona and make the score 3-1.

Coastal Bend got that run back in the third, but Laredo scored again in the fourth.
Alejandro Martinez led off the inning with a double to left field, then Cardona reached on a throwing error by Amadeo Zazueta, allowing Martinez to score from second and make the score 4-2.

The Broncos made the game closer in the fifth. With two outs, Luis Ugueto was hit by a pitch, then Jaime Morales hit an RBI triple to score Ugueto and cut the Thunder’s lead to 4-3.

Coastal Bend chased Laredo starter Gustavo Vasquez from the game in its half of the fifth, taking a 7-3 lead before Julio Pinto took the mound for the Broncos.

Pinto ended up throwing two a third scoreless innings before being taken out for Franklyn Gracesqui, who pitched a scoreless eighth to keep Laredo trailing by three heading into the ninth.

Alex Gett came out for his second inning of relief and pitched a scoreless ninth to hand the Broncos their fifth straight loss.

The teams will close out their four-game series Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Broncos lose 15th in a row, fall to 0-9 in Edinburg

2009-08-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Broncos fell to 0-9 in Edinburg as they lost to the Roadrunners, 5-3, at Edinburg Baseball Stadium on Thursday.

But that’s not even their worst streak. It was the 15th consecutive lost for the Gateway Gang as it fell to 21-48.

Edinburg improved to 39-30.

The Roadrunners grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Carlos Hereaud hit a RBI single, and then he scored on a throwing error by the Broncos’ Jaime Morales.

Vincent Blue added another RBI single moments later.

Edinburg added to its lead in the second on Hunter Owen’s bases-loaded walk.

The Broncos scored two runs in the fourth to cut their deficit in half off Luis Ugueto’s two-run double.

Edinburg added another run in the sixth on Hector Garanzuay’s groundout RBI, and it would be more than enough.

The Broncos managed just one more run the rest of the way, on Morales’ RBI single in the eighth.

Broncos starter Will Palmer left the game after six innings of work.

He gave up five runs, two of which were earned, on 11 hits.

He walked four batters and struck out one.

The Broncos scored three runs on six hits and had two errors, while the Roadrunners scored five runs on 12 hits and had two errors.

Game 2 of the four-game series is Friday in Edinburg. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

WhiteWings eliminate Broncos from playoff contention

2009-08-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings completed the four-game sweep of the Laredo Broncos with a 12-1 victory Wednesday at Veterans Field, eliminating the Broncos from playoff contention.

The WhiteWings are now winners of five straight, while the Broncos are losers of 14 in a row.

Luis Arroyo (2-8) pitched in and out of trouble in the first two innings, but the WhiteWings (33-35) knocked him out in the third.

Agustin Septimo and Joaquin Rodriguez drew leadoff walks. Rico Santana followed with a RBI double. After a Brian Nichols single moved Santana to third, Juan Melo hit a sacrifice fly. Welinson Baez followed with a RBI-single. One out later, Juan Cabrera hit a RBI double.

Broncos reliever Carlos Alvarez entered the game and gave up a RBI single to Justin Holloway to make it 6-0.

Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to lead off the fourth inning. One out later, Nichols reached on a fielder’s choice. Melo followed with his first home run with the WhiteWings to make it 8-0.

In the top of the fifth inning, Broncos reliever Edgar Soto fell behind Jose Torres 3-0 and then hit him with a pitch. Torres moved to second on a passed ball and scored when Holloway reached on an error to make it 9-0.

Nichols and Melo led off the sixth inning with singles. Baez grounded into a fielder’s choice to move Nichols to third and Torres reached on a fielder’s choice to send Nichols home, making it 10-0.

The Broncos (21-47) finally broke through against Jose Cordero (1-0) in the bottom of the seventh.

With one out, Derek Beckman walked and moved to second on a groundout. Jaime Morales followed with an infield single, moving Beckman to third. Cordero threw the ball away, allowing Morales to score to make it 10-1.

That unearned run was the only blemish against Cordero, who scattered seven hits and three walks while striking out five in seven innings in his WhiteWings debut.

The Broncos brought first baseman/outfielder Robert Moron into the game to pitch the ninth.

Holloway led off the inning with a single. One out later, Rodriguez singled and Santana hit a RBI-double. One out after that, Mark Ramos picked up his first career RBI with a single to make it 12-1.

Broncos lose 13th straight

2009-08-18T23:01:00.000-05:00

The Broncos continued their downward spiral on Tuesday night, falling to the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, 2-1, at Veterans Field.

It was their 13th consecutive loss.

Laredo fell to 21-46 while Rio Grande Valley improved to 32-35.

The WhiteWings started the scoring in the second inning.

Welison Baez was on first base after a single when Jose Torres singled as well.

Baez headed for third base, and the throw by Argelis Nunez from right field missed everyone.

Baez ended up scoring to give Rio Grande Valley the 1-0 lead.

The WhiteWings added to their lead in the third, when Brian Nichols hit a RBI single that scored Augstin Septimo to make it 2-0.

The Broncos finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth.

Jaime Morales hit a solo home run, his second of the season.

Broncos starter Gregorio Martinez pitched seven solid innings.

He gave up two runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits.

He walked three and struck out six.

Fernando Rijo came in to pitch the eighth.

Rijo pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings as the Broncos trailed by one run heading to the bottom of ninth.

Wendy Rosa, who came into the game in the seventh for the WhiteWings, came in looking to close it out, and he did as the Laredo went down quietly.

The Broncos scored one run on five hits and had three errors.

The WhiteWings scored two runs on seven hits and had two errors.

The finale of the four-game series is tonight at Veterans Field.

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

Broncos lose 5th straight

2009-08-10T22:46:00.000-05:00

The Broncos lost their fifth consecutive game via a heartbreaker on Monday night, falling to the Edinburg Roadrunners, 5-4, on a walk-off score off a wild pitch in Edinburg.

Laredo is now 21-38 on the season, seven games out of the fourth and final playoff spot in United League Baseball.

The Roadrunners improved to 32-27.

The Broncos jumped out to an early lead when Luis Ugueto scored on Mario Mendez’s sacrifice RBI in the first inning.

Laredo pushed its advantage to 3-0 in the second on Jaime Morales’ RBI double.

After Osiel Flores drilled a RBI double in the second to cut Edinburg’s deficit to two runs, the Broncos got the run back in the third on Luany Sanchez’s RBI single.

That set the stage for Nick Aranda, who hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to bring Edinburg within 4-3.

The Roadrunners tied the game in the fifth off Vincent Blue’s sacrifice fly.
Broncos starter Will Palmer was taken out of the game after five innings.

He gave up four runs on five hits, walked four and struck out two.

The Broncos had a chance to take the lead in the top of the ninth when Ugueto doubled with two outs.

Robert Moron then singled into right field and Ugueto tried scoring on the play but was thrown out at home plate to keep the game tied.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Roadrunners loaded the bases with no one out off of reliever Julio Pinto.

The Broncos brought in Franklyn Gracesqui to try to get out of the jam.

On his second pitch, Gracesqui threw a wild ball, and Carlos Hereaud scored on the play for the walk-off win for Edinburg.

The Broncos scored four runs on eight hits and had one error, while the Roadrunners scored four runs on seven hits and had three errors.

The teams will play the finale of their four-game series tonight in Edinburg.

First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.
B

Broncos fall to Colts

2009-08-06T22:45:00.000-05:00

SAN ANGELO – The Broncos had a late rally but still fell short of the San Angelo Colts on Thursday, 6-3, at Foster Field.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak as the Broncos fell to 21-34.

San Angelo, in first place in United League Baseball, improved to 37-18.

The Colts struck first in the second inning, taking a 2-0 lead on Hank Lanto’s two-run single.

It would stay that way until the bottom half of the fourth inning, which provided some fireworks.

With one out and Josh Collazo batting, a check swing appeal was made and ruled not a swing.

The Broncos’ Argelis Nunez started to yell something from the Broncos’ dugout and was ejected.

Broncos Manager Ricardo Cuevas came out to argue and also was ejected.

Collazo, still at the plate, then delivered a solo home run, his third of the season, to make it 3-0 Colts.

The Broncos got on the scoreboard in the fifth as they cut their deficit by two runs on Jake Wells’ RBI single and Mario Mendez’s score off a wild pitch.

Laredo tied the game in the seventh, on Luany Sanchez’s RBI triple, off of reliever Douglas Brandt.

Broncos starter Gustavo Vasquez ended his night after six innings of work.

He gave up three runs, on three hits, walked three and struck out two.

Jason Herman came in to pitch the seventh.

The Colts got the lead back in the eighth, taking a 6-3 lead on Collazo’s RBI single and Nick Mahin’s two-run single.

Colts closer Chace Vacek pitched a scoreless ninth to secure the win.

The Broncos scored three runs on eight hits and had no errors while the Colts scored six runs on eight hits and had one error.

Broncos win third straight

2009-08-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

SAN ANGELO — The Laredo Broncos had a five-run eighth inning as they beat the San Angelo Colts 5-3 at Foster Field on Wednesday.
The Colts (36-18) scored first in the second inning. Travis Calloway hit an RBI single that scored Nick Mahin. Later in the inning, with runners on second and third, Charley Belew hit a two-run single that scored Calloway and Butch Ballez. That gave San Angelo the early 3-0 lead.
The Broncos (21-33) threatened to get on the scoreboard in fifth as Jaime Morales and Luis Ugueto hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. But David Cardona hit into a 5-4-3 double play, then Mario Mendez struck out to leave the score 3-0 in the Colts’ favor.
Laredo once again had a chance to get on the board in the eighth with Brett Lester in for the Colts as the third reliever the game for San Angelo.
O.J. Garza led off with a single and moved to second on a walk to Jaime Morales. Ugueto followed with a single to load the bases. Cardona hit a sacrifice fly to score Garza. Mendez followed with a walk to once again load the bases.
Jameson Maj came into the game for the Colts to try to get out of the jam. Argelis Nuñez came up and hit a two-run single that scored Morales and Ugueto to tie the game. Mendez advanced to third on the play, then scored on an infield single by Luany Sanchez to give the Broncos their first lead of the game.
After the second out, Moron hit an RBI single that scored Nuñez from second base to make it 5-3.
Laredo starter Will Palmer left the game in line for the win after seven innings of work. He gave up three runs, two of which were earned, on 10 hits and one walk while striking out seven.
Fernando Rijo came into the game to pitch the eighth and gave the Broncos a scoreless inning to keep their lead heading into the ninth.
Franklyn Gracesqui came into the game looking to close out the ballgame and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to give Laredo its third straight victory.
The Broncos scored five runs on 12 hits and had one error, while the Colts scored three runs on 11 hits and had one error.
The teams will play Game 3 of their four-game series tonight at 7:05 p.m.

Broncos top Colts

2009-08-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

SAN ANGELO — The Laredo Broncos started their 12-game road trip with a victory as they beat the San Angelo Colts by a score of 4-2 at Foster Field on Tuesday.

The Broncos (20-33) struck first in the second inning. With two outs, Andres “El Monkey” Santos smacked a solo home run, his sixth of the season. Robert Moron followed with a double and then scored on a double by O.J. Garza, giving Laredo a 2-0 lead.

The Colts (36-17) got on the scoreboard in the fourth, as Jason Landreth led off with a solo home run, his 14th of the season, to cut the lead in half.

The Broncos added to their lead in fifth. Jaime Morales singled with one out, then stole second base. Luis Ugueto then singled to move Morales to third base. Ugueto didn’t stay at first long, stealing second on the first pitch. David Cardona then hit a two-run single, scoring both Morales and Uguetoto make the score 4-1.

San Angelo scored again in its half of the fifth. With one out, Travis Calloway hit a solo home run, his first of the season, making the score 4-2.

Laredo threatened to extend its lead in the sixth. Argelis Nuñez doubled to start the inning, then went to third on a single by Luany Sanchez. Santos then drew a walk to load the bases and chase starter Chandler Barnard from the game.

Jacob Ramos entered for the Colts in relief and got out of the jam without allowing a run.

Luis Arroyo started the game for the Broncos and pitched seven solid innings. He gave up two runs on six hits and four walks and struck out six. Julio Pinto came out to start the eighth inning.

Pinto pitched a scoreless eighth, then Franklyn Gracesqui came in to close out the ballgame.

Gracesqui pitched a 1-2-3 inning to seal the win for the Broncos.

Laredo scored four runs on 11 hits and had no errors, while the Colts scored two runs on seven hits and had 0 errors.

The teams will play Game 2 of their four-game series tonight at 7:05 p.m.

Broncos win

2009-08-03T22:14:00.002-05:00

Broncos win, 9-3.

They're now 19-33 on the season, still five games out of the fourth and final playoff spot with 29 games remaining.

Into the 8th

2009-08-03T21:38:00.003-05:00

Argelis Nunez puts the Broncos up 9-2 with a two-run blast in the 7th.

Martinez is back out for the 8th.

He has thrown seven innings so far and has allowed just two runs on four hits.

He has struck out five and walked two.

Into the 7th

2009-08-03T21:23:00.002-05:00

Each team went down quietly in the 6th.

Still 7-2 Broncos into the 7th.

Martinez has pitched extremely well tonight. I'm sure GM Jose Melendez is very pleased with the performance.

Broncos lead 7-2

2009-08-03T21:05:00.001-05:00

The Broncos now lead 7-2 after Mario Mendez scored on a throwing error by shortstop Amadeo Zazueta with two outs in the 5th.

Into the 5th

2009-08-03T20:46:00.002-05:00

Everything is clicking for the Broncos.

Martinez went through another 1-2-3 inning, and Laredo's offense is having no problems with James.

The Broncos have compiled eight hits through 4 and still lead 6-2 into the 5th.

Broncos expand lead

2009-08-03T20:34:00.003-05:00

The Broncos now lead 6-2 after Argelis Nunez's one-out sacrifice RBI and Andres Santos' two-run double in the 3rd.

Martinez has pitched a heck of a game so far for Laredo. He's allowed three hits and has struck out four through 3.

Broncos lead 4-2 into the 3rd

2009-08-03T20:18:00.002-05:00

It was a fun-filled second inning, as six runs were scored between the two clubs.

After Chris Lewis' one-out, two-run solo slam to left field put the Thunder up 2-0, the Broncos responded quickly, scoring four runs on four hits in their half of the inning.

With the bases loaded and two outs, Jaime Morales and Luis Ugueto drilled consecutive two-run singles up the middle to put the Broncos on top.

4-2 Broncos into the 3rd.

Into the 2nd

2009-08-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

Neither team has a hit after the first inning as defense and pitching ruled the early start.

Into the 2nd we go. By the way, Martinez is working VERY quick. Possibly has a hot date tonight. I guess we'll find out sooner than later.

Series finale of Broncos-Thunder

2009-08-03T19:11:00.002-05:00

The Broncos' eight-game homestand comes to a close tonight with the finale of the four-game set against Coastal Bend.

Laredo is 3-4 on the homestand so far. The Broncos are six games out of a playoff spot, at 18-33.

The Thunder enters in fourth place at 24-27.

Gregorio Martinez (3-3, 4.43 ERA) is on the mound for the Broncos tonight. The Thunder will go with Frank James (3-2, 3.46).

Into the 9th

2009-08-02T22:29:00.001-05:00

Broncos trail 12-7 into the 9th.

Only highlight for the Broncos this game have been back-to-back one-out solo bombs by Luany Sanchez and Andres "El Monkey" Santos in the 6th.

Other than that, it's all Thunder, who have compiled 16 hits and appear on cruise control.

Thunder still on top

2009-08-02T21:24:00.003-05:00

Coastal Bend now leads 10-2 after 5 innings after scoring three runs on four hits in the 5th to keep their scoring-per-inning streak alive.

The inning was highlighted by a solo homer from Bryan Vickers.

The Broncos got their second run of the game on David Cardona's RBI single with two outs.

The Thunder have now scored in five consecutive innings. The ULB record, held by the Broncos, is seven.

Thunder leads 7-1

2009-08-02T21:05:00.001-05:00

The Thunder boosted its lead to 7-1 in the 5th on Manny Mejia's RBI single in the 4th.

Coastal Bend has 10 hits through four innings, Laredo has 3.

The Broncos' ULB record of scoring in seven consecutive innings may be in jeopardy. The Thunder have scored in all four of tonight's innings.

Thunder improves lead to 6-1

2009-08-02T20:48:00.001-05:00

The Thunder score four runs on four hits in the 3rd to take a 6-1 lead into the 4th.

Broncos starter Brandon Melvin is out of the game. He threw 2.1 innings and allowed six runs - five earned - on six hits.

He walked three and struck out none.

Thunder takes lead

2009-08-02T20:21:00.001-05:00

The Thunder leads 2-1 into the 3rd following Bryan Vickers' two-out RBI single in the 2nd.

The Broncos went down in order in their half of the inning.

Tied into the 2nd

2009-08-02T19:57:00.001-05:00

We're knotted 1-1 heading into the 2nd.

Coastal Bend's Michael Lewis led off the game with a triple, before scoring on an error by Broncos shortstop Jaime Morales.

The Broncos evened things up on Argelis Nunez's two-out RBI single.

Broncos vs. Thunder, Game 3

2009-08-02T19:06:00.002-05:00

Tonight is Game 3 of Broncos-Thunder.

I know I haven't done a great job of updating this blog lately, but hold still. It's been busy and hectic since high school football officially starts tomorrow.

Here's what to know heading into tonight's game:

The Broncos are still in last place in United League Baseball at 18-32. They are five games out of a playoff spot with 30 games remaining.

They come into tonight's contest having lost 6 of their last 10 games. They're 3rd in ULB in offense (.280 average) and next-to-last in pitching (5.01 team ERA).

You can follow tonights game at www.laredobroncos.com, and follow the broadcast at www.sportsjuice.com.

I'll be busy with editing and other duties that work calls for, so I may not be able to update the blog as consistently as I'd like tonight.

Broncos lose series finale to RGV

2009-07-30T22:28:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T22:30:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-29T22:10:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-29T21:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T21:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-29T19:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-28T22:12:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-28T21:34:00.001-05:00

The Broncos trail 3-2 into the 8th.

RGV regains lead

2009-07-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

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

Into the 5th

2009-07-28T20:35:00.001-05:00

Each club goes down in order in the 4th.

1-1 into the 5th.

Broncos tie the game

2009-07-28T20:23:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-28T20:08:00.000-05:00

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

Into the 2nd

2009-07-28T19:54:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-28T19:42:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-27T22:20:00.000-05:00

Broncos lose their fourth of five, 8-2.

Into the 9th

2009-07-27T21:55:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

Broncos still trail 5-1 into the 8th.

Into the 7th

2009-07-27T21:15:00.002-05:00

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

Into the 6th

2009-07-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-27T20:43:00.001-05:00

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

Nichols puts RGV ahead by 2

2009-07-27T20:28:00.001-05:00

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

Whitewings still lead

2009-07-27T20:09:00.001-05:00

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

2-1 WhiteWings.

RGV leads into the 2nd

2009-07-27T19:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-27T19:20:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-27T19:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-25T23:49:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-25T22:02:00.001-05:00

Broncos lose by a score of 6-3.

Top of the 9th

2009-07-25T21:52:00.000-05:00

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

heading to the 8th

2009-07-25T21:31:00.001-05:00

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

End of 6th

2009-07-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-25T20:38:00.001-05:00

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

End of 4th

2009-07-25T20:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-25T19:39:00.002-05:00

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

End of 1st

2009-07-25T19:26:00.003-05:00

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

Laredo Broncos @ Amarillo Dillas Game 3

2009-07-25T18:39:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-07-24T23:44:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-24T23:20:00.001-05:00

Still tied at 9

Hard to believe

2009-07-24T22:47:00.000-05:00

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

End of 10th

2009-07-24T22:20:00.001-05:00

Still tied at 6.

Heading to Extras

2009-07-24T22:10:00.002-05:00

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

Heading to the 9th

2009-07-24T21:39:00.001-05:00

Broncos still leading 6-3.

Broncos extend lead

2009-07-24T21:23:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-24T21:06:00.001-05:00

Broncos still up 4-3.

Broncos take lead

2009-07-24T20:53:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-24T20:33:00.001-05:00

Still 3-2 heading to the 5th.

End of 3rd

2009-07-24T20:11:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-24T19:53:00.002-05:00

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

End of 1st

2009-07-24T19:30:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-24T18:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-23T22:12:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-23T21:36:00.002-05:00

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

End of 7th

2009-07-23T21:17:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-23T21:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-23T20:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-23T20:13:00.002-05:00

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

End of 3rd

2009-07-23T20:00:00.002-05:00

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

End of 2nd

2009-07-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

Still 1-0 Broncos trailing the Dillas.

End of 1st

2009-07-23T19:21:00.000-05:00

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

Laredo Broncos @ Amarillo Dillas Game 1

2009-07-23T18:33:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-22T23:25:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-21T22:42:00.001-05:00

Broncos fall, 3-1.

Into the 8th

2009-07-21T22:04:00.001-05:00

Still 3-1 Roadrunners into the 8th.

Into the 7th

2009-07-21T21:38:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-21T21:05:00.002-05:00

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.