8/14/2017-08/14/2017 10:25 PM - GRAND PRAIRIE -- The Texas AirHogs scored a dramatic opening win in the 3-game set vs. Salina Monday, walking off the Stockade on a game-winning single by Casio Grider. His clutch base hit helped the AirHogs to overcome a 5-3 9th frame deficit and walk away as 6-5 winners. TJ Bozeman turned in another brilliant performance on the mound as the Texas starter, going 7 innings while scattering 5 hits and allowing just an unearned run. He struck out a season-high 11 in the no-decision, becoming the 5th Texas pitcher this year to strike out 10 in a ballgame.

An RBI single by Roche Woodard put Salina on top in the top of the 3rd before Trevor Sealey evened the score in the bottom half by scoring on a wild pitch from Salina starter Josh Hodges. Hodges would end up going 7.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs (2 earned). He also took a no-decision.

After Salina tagged Josh Blanco for an unearned run in the top of the 8th, the AirHogs launched their 2nd comeback of the evening, earning the lead on an RBI sacrifice fly by Levi Scott and an RBI infield single by Denis Phipps. Salina struck right back in the top of the 9th, tying the game at 3 before a throwing error by Grider led to 2 runs and gave them a 5-3 advantage.

Ryne Willard knocked home Charley Thurber with 1 out vs. Tyler Herr in the top of the 9th to get Texas back within 1. After Willard and lead runner Alvaro Rondon combined for a daring double steal, Grider took a 3-2 Herr offering to left for a 2-RBI base hit that would win the game. The walkoff was the 1st of the season for the AirHogs.

Tasin improved to 1-1 with the win. The loss moved Herr to 1-2 on the season. The AirHogs (32-48) and the Stockade (14-66) meet again tomorrow at 3:05 pm. RHP Scott Firth (2-5, 5.36 ERA) is expected to start for the AirHogs. LHP Troy Mannebach (2-5, 4.81 ERA) is expected to start for Salina. A live stream of the game will be available at mixlr.com/TXAirHogs and American Association Baseball TV.

Tickets for the AirHogs current 10-game homestand are available. Email info@texasairhogs.com for more details. For the latest news on the AirHogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter @TXAirHogs.