Robstown— In the first playoff game in Coastal Bend baseball history, the Thunder lost a pitchers duel when Selwyn Langaigne hit a three-run home run in the top of the ninth to give the Colts an eventual 3-0 victory.
In the ninth inning, Ronnie Gaines led off the inning with a walk. Hunter Jobes then reached base on a bunt single to put runners at second and third. Gaines was then forced out at third with Richard Baz batting. Bryan Frichter struck out for the second out of the inning. Langaigne then hit the go-ahead three-run home run.
Brian Henschel won the pitchers duel against his counterpart J.J. Trujillo, by throwing a complete-game shutout and allowing just six hits while walking none.
Trujillo also went the distance in the game, allowing three earned runs while striking out eight.
The Thunder threatened early in the ball game. In the first inning, with one out Amadeo Zazueta and Leivi Ventura hit back-to-back singles for the Thunder. Henschel then got Manny Mejia to ground into a double play to end the inning.
In the third inning, Hank Lanto singled with one out for San Angelo. Ronnie Gaines then bunted and Trujillo threw the ball away. On the play, Lanto took a big turn around third and Bryan Vickers threw him out for the second out. Trujillo then got Hunter Jobes to ground out to end the inning.
With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Dustin Smith reached base on an infield single. He then stole second base. Amadeo Zazueta singled to left field, but Dustin Smith was thrown out at the plate by Ronnie Gaines to keep the game scoreless. Henschel then retired Ventura for the final out in the eighth.
The Colts and Thunder compete in game two of the best-of-three tomorrow night at Foster Field. San Angelo sends left-hander, Richard Salazar (5-1, 3.16 ERA with Shreveport-Bossier-AA) to the hill while southpaw, Frank James (4-6, 3.94 ERA), hopes to keep Coastal Bends playoff chances alive. First pitch is set for 7:05 while the gates open at 6:05. The Kemps Ice Cream pre-game show starts at 6:50. For more information on Colts baseball, visit our website at www.sanangelocolts.com.
