Cesar Delgado got the Game 1 start for the Kodiaks today and would pitch seven strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5 and walking 2 batters. He left with a tied 1-1 game after Will Alvarez singled and Lorenzo Moreno doubled.
Despite the solid effort by Delgado he would get a no decision. Keith Hahn would take over and pitch a scoreless eighth. The ninth was a little bit of de ja vu with Jason Browning coming in to the game with the score tied. Browning was 4-4 this year with 36 saves and a 2.17 ERA as our new closer. Tonight he gave up a home run to Roberto Hernandez to give the Rockies a 2-1 lead.
The Kodiaks would need to score to avoid going down in the series, and Aurelio Sanchez would come off the bench to draw a walk. He moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ambrose Whitley. A single by Flint Reed would tie the game at 2.
Alonso Navarro would come off the bench and deliver a pinch hit single to put runners on first and second with one out. Tomas Flores would draw a walk to load the bases, and the Kodiaks would send another pinch hitter into the game, Tony Price. Price has hit .266 this year with 5 home runs as our fourth outfielder, outperforming AC Bancroft who we traded to acquire Price.
I was worried we made a mistake originally making the deal, but even discounting his regular season performance, Price made the deal worth it tonight after Price delivered a pinch hit walk off single to give us the 3-2 win and take a 1-0 series lead.
