Game 1 saw the O’s fall behind in early spotting the Dbacks 4 unearned runs in the top of the first inning. The lead was cut to 3 on an rbi double by Heath Bishop in the bottom of the first, but the Diamondbacks added on w/ 2 more runs in the 4th inning. The Orbitz climbed back into the game though, scoring 2 runs in the bottom half of the 4th led by an rbi single by Michael Palascak (2-3 on the day). The O’s cut the lead to 6-5 in the 5th with an rbi single by Dennis Martin (2-2, hbp) and a sacrifice fly by Bishop, but the bats were silenced the last 2 innings and the Orbitz dropped game 1.

In game 2, the Orbitz sent former Diamondback Todd Zasadil to the bump. After a few bush league comments by his former teammates, Zasadil pitched a gem throwing a complete game, striking out 8, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits. The game was an old fashioned pitchers duel as each team went scoreless the first 3 innings. The O’s got the scoring started in the top of the 4th with consecutive 1 out singles by John Ernser and Michael Palascak. After a ground out that moved both runners up a base, Tim Dykes launched a perfectly placed ball that dropped between the centerfielder, shortstop and second baseman to drive in 2 runs. The Diamondbacks answered with 2 runs of their own to tie it in the bottom half of the same inning. They may have run themselves out of the inning getting a runner thrown out at the plate after a runner was picked off of first base (shortly after he announced to the entire infield that he was going). Both teams went down with out scoring in the 5th and 6th innings, and the Orbitz had the first 2 batter’s retired in the 7th before Brian McCormick reached on an error. The next two batters Billy Arthurs and Dennis Martin were plunked on consecutive pitches to load the bases. Heath Bishop then came up and fouled off a few 2 strike pitches before drawing a walk to drive in the go-ahead run. Zasadil retired the Diamondbacks in the bottom half of the inning to seal the victory.

Up next the Orbitz will take on the Mammoths, 10 am Pleasantdale Park, Burr Ridge, IL

In game one, the O’s sent Andy Smith to the bump to make his team debut, going the distance, while striking out 6, and pitched out of bases loaded jams a few times limiting the Indians to 3 earned runs. On the offensive side of things, the Orbitz were overmatched by Indians pitcher Mike Eifel who struck out 11 in 5 innings of work. The O’s threatened in the 7th loading the bases with 1 out, but were unable to push across any runs.

Game two was a completely different story as the Orbitz pounded out 13 hits, including 5 doubles, enroute to picking up their first victory of the season. Brian McCormick started and looked strong all day, striking out 6, allowing 3 earned runs. He received some nice defensive plays behind him including a groundball in the 4th inning that was ticketed for centerfield but was snagged by Eric Lewitke, did a full 360 and threw a bullet to get the runner at first.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Orbitz scored their first run of the game after Matt Dillard drew a 2 out walk, stole second and scored on a line-drive single to left center by Jim Wolbers. A four spot went up in the 3rd inning after a walk to Heath Bishop, a double by Eric Lewitke, rbi single by Andy Smith, 2 rbi triple by Mike Palascak, and an rbi single up the middle by McCormick. In 4th inning Heath Bishop added a 2 rbi double to extend the lead to 7-2. After going down quietly in the 5th, the O’s put the game away scoring 7 runs in the 6th, highlighted by a 2rbi single by Smith, a double by Palascak, and 2 rbi doubles by McCormick and Dennis Martin.

On the offense side, the Indians gave Eifel the early lead in bottom of the first. Luis Calderon started the inning with a single, Gary Ward came up and smacked a double to right. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Eifel steps up and hits a double to center giving the Indians the 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 4th the Indians gave Eifel some additional run support, with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Calderon smacks a single down the left field line to drive in two runs and the 3-0 lead to the Indians.

The Orbitz would threaten in the bottom of the 7th loading the bases, however Gary Ward coming in relief in the 6th inning saves the game with a great performance under pressure to record his first save of the year.

Players of the game go to Mike Eifel for his great performance on the field. 5IP, 11Ks, and going 2-2 at the plate with a RBI. Sharing with Mike, was Luis Calderon, who was 2-4 with 2RBI and run scored.

In Game two, the Indians were sim