The Brazos Valley Bombers made up their June 25 rainout with the Coppell Copperheads Wednesday night, but in the end might have rather seen it rain again. The Copperheads scored three early runs, then broke the game open late to take an 8-1 decision from the Bombers at Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark.
The loss drops the B’s to second place in the Speaker Division, just a half-game behind the Copperheads for the division lead. The top two teams in each division advance to the TCL playoffs.
The Bombers opened the game with confidence, sending their ace, Casey Whitmer, to the hill. Wednesday was not Whitmer’s night, though, as he struggled with command and went deep into counts early. The Copperheads posted an unearned run in the first inning, then a run each in the second and the third.
Trying to overcome an early deficit, the B’s put runners on base, but they were unable to convert them into runs. The Bombers left ten runners on base for the game and managed just one run.
That lone run came in the home half of the eighth, when catcher Chris Wallace registered a two-out single, stole second, then scored on a Blake Walker single to right.
By that time, though, the Copperheads had already hung another four runs on the board to make the score 7-1. Newcomer Garrett Duff, a relief pitcher who joined the Bombers Wednesday, was rudely welcomed by Coppell, giving up four hits and three runs in an inning of work. Will Currier, making a rare relief appearance, and Tyler Davis each pitched one inning and surrendered a run.
At the plate, the Bombers posted nine hits, led by Will Basom’s 2-for-2 outing. Basom roped a pair of doubles, giving him 11 on the season and moving into a tie for the league lead. Ryan Weber went 2-for-4 on the night as well.
The Bombers will be back in action Thursday night at Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark, taking on the Rusty Greer and the Colleyville LoneStars. Thursday also marks the final Thirsty Thursday of the Bombers regular season. Fans will be able to enjoy one dollar draft beers and 50-cent small soft drinks throughout the game, courtesy of Jack FM.
Friday might just be the biggest blockbuster to date. After setting the league single-game attendance record on Opening Night, the Bombers have seen the mark taken back by the McKinney Marshalls. The B’s have vowed to write a new record in the books on Friday, July 20, and need the help of Bombers fans everywhere. The team wants to pack the park and has booked not one, but two big promotions to make it possible. Friday will be Fireworks Friday, so the game will be followed by a spectacular fireworks show. During the game, Reggy! The Entertainer, the biggest, baddest, purplest party dude on the planet, will visit to make it a night to remember.