Lancaster Barnstormers down Sugar Land Skeeters, 3-0

Fans of all sizes were on hand to support the
Sugar Land Skeeters at Constellation Field.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2015 TexSport Publications

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (July 24, 2015) The Sugar Land Skeeters could not get the hits to turn into runs and as a result, dropped a 3-0 decision to the Lancaster Barnstormers at Constellation Field in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas on Friday, July 24, 2015. The loss was their second straight to Lancaster and dropped the Skeeters’ record to 7-8 for the second half of the Atlantic League season. They are currently 36-35 overall for the season and will face the Barnstormers two more times on the current home stand.

Lancaster struck first with a solo home run by shortstop Lance Zawadzki in the second inning. He connected on a 3-1 pitch for his second round tripper of the season. They added two additional run in the fourth inning. First baseman Brian Cavazos-Galvez send left fielder Kent Matthes home from third base. Later in the inning, designated hitter Mike McDade scored on an error by Skeeter shortstop Amadeo Zazueta.

Sugar Land connected for six hits, but could not get anyone home and with the loss, gave Lancaster starting pitcher Shunsuke Watanabe his fifth win of the season. Roy Merritt received the loss for the Skeeters, dropping his record to 3-3.  Barnstormer relief pitcher was credited with the save, his third in 2015.

Sugar Land second baseman Renny Osuna went 2-of-4 at the plate while left fielder Kevin Russo was 2-for-5. Both teams committed two errors in the match. The Skeeters left 11 runners on base, while Lancaster stranded four.

Their Saturday, July 25 matchup is scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. CDT start with right-hander Matt Wright (5-3 3.97 ERA) scheduled to take the mount for Sugar Land. The Barnstormers have listed right-hander Ray Hanson (1-0, 1.80 ERA) as their starter.