Phoenix Desert Dogs defeat Mesa Solar Sox 4-3

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs snapped out of their losing streak by defeating the Mesa Solar Sox 4-3 on Saturday at HoHoKam Park. With the win, Phoenix improved to 11-6 and ended their two game losing streak.

The Desert Dogs jumped out to take the lead in the second inning. Brad Emaus hit a one out double to left to get things going. Corey Brown followed with an RBI double to right, scoring Emaus and giving them a 1-0 lead.

Mesa tied the game in the home half of the second inning. David Cooper led off the inning with a double to center. Copper then advanced to third on a single by Luis Exposito. PJ Phillips followed with a sac fly to score Cooper and tie the game at 1-1.

The score did not stay tied long as Phoenix regained the lead in the third inning. Jemile Weeks singled on a bunt. Weeks then stole second base and later third to move closer to home. Grant Desme followed with an RBI single to score Weeks and give Phoenix a 2-1 lead.

Both clubs exchanged runs in the fourth inning. Brad Emaus scored on a ground out by AJ Jimenez in the top of the inning for Phoenix. Then it was an RBI single by Ryan Mount to score PJ Phillips in the bottom of the inning for Mesa. But the Desert Dogs still held the lead 3-2.

The Desert Dogs added an insurance run in the fifth inning. Jemile Weeks hit an line drive triple to lead off the inning. Brandon Waring then drove him home with a sacrifice fly to left, giving them a 4-2 lead.

Mesa pulled within a run of the lead in the sixth. Luis Exposito and Casey Kelly delivered singles to put runners on the corners for the Solar Sox. Then Ryan Mount drew a walk to load the bases. Greg Burns drew a two out bases loaded walk to score Exposito. But the Desert Dogs rallied to get the third out and end the scoring chance. They kept the Solar Sox scoreless for the final frames to take a 4-3 victory.

Robert Ray earned his first victory of the season and Drew Storen his second save for Phoenix. Steve Hirschfeld was the losing pitcher for Mesa.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Brad Emaus; 4 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 1 for 5 with 2 K’s.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs (11-6) are off on Sunday. They resume play on Monday against the Surprise Rafters (8-9). Stephen Strasburg (2-1, 6.97) is scheduled to pitch against Matt Harrison (1-1, 6.00).