This One's Ugly, Folks

Friday's night's Aeros game isn't even over yet, and already I'm ready to call it a night.

It's the top of the seventh inning at Canal Park and the host is trailing 9-1. The Aeros lose their share of games, but rarley do they look this bad doing it. Did I mention first place in the Southern DIvision is on the line?

Anyway, starting pitcher Scott Lewis couldn't locate any of his pitches, resulting in giving up three early runs on seven hits through just FOUR innings.

Reliever Joe Ness wasn't any better, dishing up six runs over the next three innings - including a three-run home run to Clete Thomas. It wasn't until Rich Rundles came on with out in the seventh that the Erie bats settled down. Rundles joined the team last weekend from extending spring training when closer Bubbie Buzachero was called up to Triple-A Buffalo.

Honestly, a blow out here and there is expected at this level. But a blowout with the bullpen struggling as much as the Aeros' is can quickly turn into a losing trend.

Consider that over the past 11 games, Aeros relievers have allowed 25 runs over the final two innings. Ouch.

Moves have already started with right-hander Kyle Collins being sent down to Class-A Kinston before the game and right-hander Randy Newsome joining the team from Kinston.

Who's next? One guess is the struggling Joe Ness (a converted starter) if he doesn't figure out a way to better handle throwing out of the pen.