SANCHEZ PROVIDES WALKOFF 1O-INNING WIN FOR ZEPHYRS

METAIRIE - Gaby Sanchez provided the fireworks for the Zephyrs with a walk-off single with the bases loaded in the tenth inning to lift New Orleans past the Omaha Royals 4-3 Thursday night.

The drama began in the tenth inning when Manny Mayorson led off with an infield single off Omaha pitcher Victor Marte. John Raynor advanced him to second base with a sacrifice bunt, then Gookie Dawkins walked and Cameron Maybin singled to center before Sanchez came through with the game-winning hit.

Sanchez was 3-for-4 with two RBI on the night to lead the way for the Zephyrs, who have now won three in a row. Jai Miller and John Lindsey each added a double and a run scored for the Z's.

Jay Buente (2-0) got the victory by pitching a perfect tenth inning. Hayden Penn started and pitched well for four innings before allowing three runs in the fifth. Three Zephyr relievers, including Buente, combined to throw five scoreless innings to secure the win.

Omaha starter Heath Phillips allowed just two unearned runs over six innings. He also doubled, in the first at-bat for an Omaha pitcher in nine years. The starting catcher, John Suomi, left the game with an injury, and designated hitter J.R. House stepped behind the plate with Phillips taking the seventh spot in the batting order.

The two teams will meet again Friday night with Clay Hensley (RHP) taking on Kyle Davies (RHP) with the first pitch scheduled for 7 pm.



(neworleans.com)