Sounds Fall To Stingers In Series Opener, 2-1
July 28, 2004 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release
NASHVILLE — The Nashville Sounds lost another close game on Tuesday evening at Greer Stadium, falling 2-1 to the Salt Lake Stingers in the opener of an eight-game homestand. The loss was the 26th in games decided by two runs or less for Nashville (48-53).
The Oak Ridge Boys, whose membership includes Sounds season ticket holder Richard Sterban, were on hand to sing “God Bless America” prior to the contest. Nearly 150 of the 4,940 fans in attendance wore Eddie George jerseys as part of the Sounds’ salute to the former Tennessee Titans running back.
Sounds leadoff batter Rich Thompson wasted no time extending his season-best hitting streak, ripping a single up the middle to make it a Nashville season-high 14 in a row. The speedster then swiped his team-leading 29th stolen base and moved up to third on a throwing error by Salt Lake catcher Tom Gregorio. Luis Figueroa, NashvilleÂ’s best hitter with runners in scoring position (.409, 27-for-66), came through with an RBI single to plate Thompson with the gameÂ’s first run.
The Stingers even the contest at 1-1 in the second when Shane Halter drew a four-pitch walk from John VanBenschoten, moved to third on a single by Alex Pelaez, and scored on a groundout by Jake Thrower.
Salt Lake pulled out to a 2-1 lead an inning later. Leadoff batter Zach Sorensen ripped a double to right and scored on a one-out RBI single by Stingers All-Star outfielder Adam Riggs.
After the first inning, the Sounds moved a runner into scoring position only twice the rest of the evening. Scott Sheldon fanned with runners on first and second to end the sixth, and Nashville lost a golden scoring opportunity when Luke Allen overran third base after advancing to load the bags with only one down. Thompson grounded out to end the threat one batter later.
Stingers starter Jake Woods (4-1) allowed one run and fanned five over seven innings to earn the victory, while VanBenschoten was tagged with a tough-luck loss after allowing just two runs and striking out six. Franklin (TN) High School graduate Derrick Turnbow recorded a perfect ninth to pick up his fourth save of the season for Salt Lake.
The teams continue the series with a 7:00 p.m. meeting on Wednesday. Right-hander Nelson Figueroa (10-6, 4.27) will take the hill for Nashville to face right-hander Chris Bootcheck (6-6, 5.13).
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