Nashville Sounds’ offensive keeps clicking with 11-2 win over Colorado Springs Sky Sox

Nashville Sounds Baseball

Nashville’s Clutch Hitting Again Stars in Series Clinching Win

Nashville, TN – The first-place Nashville Sounds (30-26) clinched a series victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox with an 11-2 win at Greer Stadium Friday night.

Nashville’s offensive success came mainly from another night of clutch hitting, as the Sounds hit 8-for-14 with runners in scoring position. During their three-game winning streak, the Sounds are now 14-for-28 in those situations.

Lead-off man Jeff Bianchi started off the inning with a double, the first of five two baggers for Nashville on the night. Hector Gomez followed with a walk before Sean Halton knocked in two runs with a single to left.

Hunter Morris and Eugenio Velez reached base afterwards, and scored on Caleb Gindl’s double into the gap.

The double gives him 79 all-time with the Sounds, which surpasses Buck Showalter for fifth on the all-time list.

Colorado Springs answered with two runs of their own in the top of the third when Jason Pridie hit a two-run home run off of the foul pole in left field.

With the exception of Pridie’s blast, Sounds starter Ariel Pena (4-4) was efficient on the hill, logging a quality start after throwing six innings and allowing two runs while striking out four batters. He now has picked up wins in four of his last six starts.

It didn’t take long for the Sounds to answer, putting up a five-spot in the bottom of the third. A Velez double knocked in Halton who got the rally started with a double of his own, advancing Morris to third on the play. A Robinzon Diaz intentional walk loaded the bases and Jeremy Hermida took advantage with an RBI single to give Nashville the 6-2 advantage.

Pena helped his own cause with a two-run single in the third. It was the first RBIs for a Sounds pitcher during this season.

The five-run outburst by the Sounds in the third tied a season high for runs in a single inning.

Tom Gorzelanny continued his rehab for the Milwaukee Brewers and faced four batters in the seventh inning. He allowed a walk and a single, but struck out the last batter he faced. Dustin Molleken then came in to get the final out of the inning.

After entering the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh, center fielder Kevin Mattison put an exclamation point on the evening with a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. It was his fourth home run of the year.

The Sounds will begin a four-game series with the Iowa Cubs Saturday at 6:35pm. RHP Jimmy Nelson (5-1, 1.71) takes the hill for Nashville, opposite LHP Chris Rusin (3-6, 3.49). Broadcaster Jeff Hem has the call on 102.5 The Game.

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