Phoenix Desert Dogs fall to Peoria Saguaros 3-2

The Game: A late game rally fell short as the Phoenix Desert Dogs fell to the Peoria Saguaros 3-2 on Wednesday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Peoria broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning as Chris Heisey delivered a solo home run to put the Saguaros ahead 1-0.

Peoria posted a second run in the fifth inning. Cedric Hunter singled to right to get things started. Hunter later stole second to move into scoring position. Brandon Hicks followed with an RBI single to score Hunter and increase the lead 2-0.

The Saguaros posted an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning. Lance Zawadzki double to center with one out to put a runner in scoring position. Zawadzki later scored on an RBI single by Carlos Rivero to give Peoria a 3-0 lead.

Phoenix rallied in the home half of the ninth. Brandon Waring singled to right to lead off the inning. Cory Brown and Darin Mastroianni then drew back to back walks to load the bases. Shawn O’Malley and Matt Angle were both struck by pitches to push across two runs and keep the bases loaded. But Jemile Weeks flew out to left to end the inning as the Desert Dogs fell short 3-2.

James Simmons suffered the loss for Phoenix, falling to 1-2 on the season.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Sam Demel; 1 no hit inning out of the bullpen.

Rays Organization Stats:
Matt Gorgen; 1 hit and 2 strikeouts in 1 inning on the mound.
Shawn O’Malley; 1 for 2 with an RBI and a walk.
Paul Phillips; 1 run on 2 hits allowed in an inning worked.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs head to Peoria to rematch the Saguaros on Thursday.