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66ers Rally Back Behind Gowens Late Inning Homer

August 12, 2012 - California League (CalL) Inland Empire 66ers

Down 4-0 entering the 8th inning, Inland Empire (55-63, 24-24) battled back for a 5-4 win over the Visalia Rawhide (57-61, 26-22) to help the 66ers gain a game in their wild card chase. Brennan Gowens tied the game by homering on the first pitch of the ninth inning, and once again the 66ers bullpen came up big, delivering three scoreless innings.

Unsuccessful despite several scoring chances in the game's first seven innings, Inland Empire finally got on the board in the 8th when Kaleb Cowart bounced an RBI single over the Rawhide third baseman's head to get the 66ers on the board. Then C.J. Cron smacked a two run double down the left field line to make it a one run game.

It was still 4-3 entering the ninth when Brennan Gowens, who one night earlier had smacked a double off the left field wall on the first pitch thrown to him by Visalia closer D.J. Johnson, hit the first pitch of the inning out to right to tie the game at four. Jean Almanzar singled in the next at bat and was moved to third on a Taylor Lindsey double, although an out was recorded on the play. Almanzar was still at third with two out when a wild pitch brought him home to put the 66ers in front for the first time in the game.

After six innings from Drew Smith where the Rawhide scored four and two less than stress free innings from relievers Manuel Flores and Ty Kelley, the 66ers were hoping for an easy ninth, but a walk and an errant pick-off throw allowed the tying run to get to scoring position against Eric Cendejas. The right hander from Corona did buckle down and get a ground out to end the game and seal a 66ers victory.

The win plus a loss for Lancaster in San Jose reduces the gap between the 66ers and a playoff spot to five games. Inland Empire will try for a sweep of Visalia Sunday with the season finale between the two squads beginning at 6:00 pm. The game can be heard on the home of 66ers baseball KCAA 1050 AM beginning with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Pre-Game show at 5:50. For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909)888-9922, or check out the website 66ers.com.

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California League Stories from August 12, 2012


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