Blackbirds pick up first Tucson MSBL win

The Mountain Blackbirds collected 12 hits - including three triples and two doubles - as they routed the Beantown Bombers 12-3 last night at Reid Park in a Tucson MSBL game. It was the first win of the season for the Blackbirds, who once again received an exceptional performance from right hander Hector Iglecias.

Iglecias struck out nine and helped himself at the plate with three hits - including a triple. Newcomer Sean Rollins also tripled as did Sean Flynn, while David Delk and Paul Smith added to the Blackbirds' extra base out put with two key doubles in the middle innings -- Delk's blast split the gap in left center field and Smith's hit was of the opposite field variety, a screamer over the bag at third base.

The Blackbirds had their best defensive effort of the season, and offensively, they scored  most of their runs with two-out, banging out 12 hits to increase their team batting average, after four games, to a respectable .333.  The Blackbirds Allen Gillespie continues to take it on the chin for the team. He was hit by pitch again last night, one of four errant throws by the Bombers' pitching staff. Gillespie has been hit by a pitch three times this season and leads the team in that category. Seven times this season a Blackbirds player has been hit by a pitch.

The Blackbirds will take a 1-3 record into next Thursday's game against the Mountain Yankees.

Price watch: As for the old timer, I went 1 for 4 last night, but did reach base for the second time in my final at bat when I ripped a pitch through the legs of the first baseman. An unearned run scored on the play. I'm now 4 for 16 on the season. Still batting a cool .250.