EXL: Draci with a historically bad start after loss to Třebíč
After being swept in the series against Hluboká, Draci got a chance to stop a losing streak. But it didn’t go according to the plan and reigning champions are now going through the worst slump in the team’s history.
Draci starated with Gabriel Morao on the mound. But he didn’t pitch well and couldn’t remain on the mound for even 2 innings after he allowed 11 runs. It can be expected he will have no future in Draci team after the outing. Jan Nebenführ was then sent in to stop Třebíč offense. He allowed 2 runs in the following 3.1 innings.
Lukáš Hlouch, on the other side was doing much better as he added plenty of strikeouts to his statistics. He finished with 7 in 6 IP. First two times through Draci lineup went very well for him. Things started to grind a little the third time visitors saw him as they added 2 runs. But it was nothing in comparison to success home batters had, except for Dominik Doležal who still waits for his first hit of the season.
Třebíč won 13-2 after 7 innings, and improved their record to 6 wins and 4 loses, moving to the third place. Series will continue on Friday and Saturday with two games in Brno.
Draci continue with negative milestones
After a decisive defeat, Draci lost their 5th game out of 8 they played so far, which didn’t happen since at least 2007. Unfortunately data from earlier days are not available. Furthermore, since 2012 it is the first time the team with 23 Extraliga titles lost 4 games in a row.
One of the reason is the lack of quality of foreign players. Gabriel Morao pitched 12.2 innings, allowing 16 runs and his ERA is astronomical 11.37. Catcher Kleyder Sanchez currently has BA .182 and based on information we have, he won’t be a part of Draci roster anymore. Gabriel Mendoza entered the league well, with 3 hits against Tempo. However, he was unable to continue the trend and he currently only hits sporadically.
Next problem is the weak pitching. Juan Jaime is yet to pitch a game and other pitchers are below expectations. Neither of Draci pitcher currently has ERA below 5.00.
Currently, Draci are only 1 win ahead of 7th spot in the table and each loss makes their position more and more difficult. As Czech fans, the situation is not looking great, as both teams playing in Champions Cup started the season in a bad form. It will be interesting to watch how Draci roster changes in a month. Nevertheless, the end of May will see duo Jakub Winkler and Michal Šindelka return, and the two can hopefully improve the team for the remainder of the regular season.
