MWL1 Peoria Chiefs

Chiefs Squeeze Past Cougars in 14

Published on May 24, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release


Peoria, IL- After nine-and-a-half scoreless innings, the Peoria Chiefs broke through in the 14th inning when Gerwuins Velazco scored on a squeeze bunt by Alex Mejia to beat the Kane County Cougars 9-8 Thursday night. The victory improved the Chiefs record to 23-21 heading into the series finale Friday night as they go for the sweep.

The Cougars scored early on against Chiefs pitcher Silfredo Garcia plating two runs in the first inning. With runners on first and second Jeimer Candelario doubled to centerfield to driving in Pin-Chieh Chen and Dan Vogelbach.

Peoria responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning against Dillon Maples. Jordan Walton doubled to left field to score Breyvic Valera, and Patrick Wisdom tripled to score Jacob Wilson and Walton. Carson Kelly singled to score Wisdom putting the Chiefs up 4-2 after the first frame

The Cougars answered with a big second inning. With a runner on, Vogelbach singled to score Chen. Jeimer Candelario singled to right field to plate Albert Almora and Vogelbach to give the Cougars a 5-4 lead.

Kane County added to their total with three more runs in the next frame. With two outs and a pair of runners in scoring position, Chen singled to right field to plate Contreras and Marco Hernandez while moving to third on the Vargas throw home. Almora drove in Chen on a single to left to put Kane County up 8-4 after the third inning.

The Cougars lead didn't last long as the Chiefs tallied four runs in the fourth to tie the game. Mejia opened the inning with a double and Nick Martini followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Valera singled to score Mejia and push Martini to second. With Valera on third and Vargas on second a wild pitched scored the lead runner and Vargas came around to score when Contreras overthrew Maples covering home in an attempt to get out Valera tying the game at 8-8.

After nine-and-a-half scoreless innings the Chiefs finally closed out the game in the bottom of the 14th inning. Velazco led off the inning with the first triple of his career, and scored on a squeeze bunt by Mejia to complete the Chiefs 9-8 comeback win in the longest game of the Chiefs season.

Garcia pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing eight runs (five earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out one. Michael Aldrete tossed 2 1/3 innings while allowing no runs on one hit and fanning four. Joe Donofrio pitched two innings giving up two hits and no runs while striking out two. Zach Petrick pitched two scoreless innings while allowing one hit and no runs with six strikeouts. Thomas Lee tossed three innings and gave up no runs on one hit while striking out four. Chris Thomas (1-0) pitched two shutout innings without giving up a hit and striking out three

Notes: After the Chiefs and Cougars scored 16 combined runs in the first four frames, the game featured nine consecutive scoreless innings..The Chiefs have scored in the first inning in 10 of 21 home games Peoria has scored more than one run in eight of those including the last three They have 30 combined first-inning runs at home this season and 37 total, more than any other frameThe Chiefs have scored a combined 11 first-inning runs in their last three games...Velazco's triple was the first of his career Valera had his second four-hit game this seasonValera has 12 multi-hit game and he reached base six times in the game... Garcia allowed a career high in runs (8) and walks (4) Petrick struck out the side in back-to-back innings The Chiefs pitching staff fanned a season high 20The Chiefs struck out a season high 20 timesThe Chiefs were able to strand eight Cougars over the course of the game The Chiefs are 3-2 in extra innings..The game was the longest of the year for the Chiefs, clocking in at 4:44, the longest game since May 20, 2010 against WisconsinThe Chiefs host Kane County Friday at 6:30 p.m. with Flat Screen Friday where six different fans 18 and over will win a brand new Flat Screen TV Fans can purchase hotdogs for 25 cents and get a chance to meet former Cardinals great Jack Clark as part of Red Hot FridayAs part of Military Appreciation Weekend all past and active Military members with an ID will get free tickets to the game.. The Chiefs will start RH Tyrell Jenkins (3-2, 4.33) against RH Pierce Johnson (2-3, 3.32)The broadcast can be heard, starting with the pre-game show at 6:10 p.m. on www.peoriachiefs.com/listenlive which also has downloads for a free app on the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android.

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Midwest League Stories from May 24, 2013


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