Toros Lose First At Home

TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (May 29, 2008) Bay Area Toros starting First Baseman Ben Burum summed up Thursday evening's 9-2 loss to the Texarkana Gunslingers with only a few words, “We just couldn’t get the key hits we needed.”

Unfortunately, Burum was right on in his assessment. The Toros appeared lackluster at the plate striking out swinging and placing easily played hits. Collectively, the team managed a meager .151 average while the Gunslingers were true to their name, connecting nearly at .300. The two lone bright spots for the Toros were Greg Plecki and Jose Suncar who both scored runs and tied with the most hits at two.

Texarkana continued to exhibit their strength near the middle of their order as Third Baseman Gene Crimoli led the team with three hits out of four at bats. He would also score two runs while knocking in one. Defensively, Gunslinger pitcher Ryan Williams would give the Toros fits as he pitched into the sixth inning only allowing one run and striking out eight. His relief, William Jackel would nearly match his totals in slightly less than three innings. Five Bay Area batters struck out under his watch.

Toro starter Keegan Laycock looked to record his first win in two outings but was harassed by batters in the Second Inning after throwing expertly in the First. Facing a total of eight batters in the Second, Laycock surrendered two hits and walked three. A passed ball by Catcher Corey Thrush allowed the first score while a double by Erik Lingren would bring home three more.

Bay Area’s only response came during the Sixth Inning, ignited by Shortstop Jose Suncar’s triple. He would find home plate with a Greg Plecki single and Plecki would follow suit on an error by Texarkana Second Baseman Dane Peavy.

The mood in the home team clubhouse was somber to say the least following the game. Not only had the Toros given Texarkana their first win in franchise history, but the offense had seemed to disappear.

“We have to hit better, period,” Burum would sigh. “There is so much potential on this team, it is painful to go out and feel like we could have done better.”

The Toros will have to manage to rejuvenate their batting and fielding since the reigning champions McKinney Blue Thunder make their first visit to the Bay Area beginning Friday. The Blue Thunder and Toros will have a three game series with all games beginning at 6:35 PM.