Koshansky hits for cycle as Sky Sox win

First baseman Joe Koshansky became the fourth Colorado Springs Sky Sox player in franchise history to hit for the cycle Saturday during his team's 11-4 win over visiting Tacoma. Seth Smith, who was called up to play with the Rockies, did it last against Las Vegas on Aug. 17, 2007.
"I never have had one before, so this is a total surprise," Koshansky said. "I knew when I went up for my last at-bat that I still needed that triple, but I hadn't had one yet this season, and I think I had two last year, so I really didn't think it would happen."
Koshansky, who also homered Friday night against the Rainiers, belted his triple into center field in the bottom of the eighth to complete the cycle.
"He really doesn't hit too many triples, but he's really been making some big steps with his hitting," Sky Sox manager Tom Runnells said. "He's one of those big-time thumpers when he gets a hold of the ball, though."
After allowing eight hits in 27 batters, southpaw John Koronka picked up the win to move to 5-1.
"Johnny really gave us some great innings there," Runnells said. "He started out a little rocky, which usually happens when he gets behind (in the count), but he came back and got some consistency."
The Sky Sox didn't waste any time in getting started. After allowing an unearned run in top of the first inning, a double from Christian Colonel got the momentum going. Colonel, batting third in place of Smith, was driven in on a single from Koshansky, who was hitting fourth for the recalled Ian Stewart. Sean Barker drove in Koshansky to put the Sky Sox up by one at the end of the first.
"It always helps to come out that early and get on the scoreboard," Runnells said.
It was Colonel again who started things for the Sky Sox in the third. The left fielder doubled to right before coming home on Barker's triple down the right field line. Catcher Edwin Bellorin's second single brought Barker in to put the Sky Sox up 4-1.
Koshansky started the fifth with a stand-up double to center. Barker reached first on an error. Koshansky and Barker both made it in after sacrifice flies by designated hitter Rick Guarno and third baseman Eduardo Cornejo.
Fueled by Koshansky's triple, and a double from Colonel, the Sky Sox tacked on three more runs in the eighth.
Cory Sullivan was called up by the Rockies.