Alvarez 10th-Inning Blast Nets 4-2 Win For Sounds
Published on May 12, 2004 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release
NASHVILLE -- Tony Alvarez's two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning lifted the Nashville Sounds to a dramatic, come-from-behind 4-2 victory over the PCL-leading Tacoma Rainiers on Wednesday afternoon at Greer Stadium.
Alvarez's blast snapped Tacoma's eight-game winning streak and gave the Sounds their second last at-bat victory of the season. It was the second dramatic longball for Nashville on the afternoon.
In the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and Nashville trailing 2-0, Luke Allen hit his seventh home run of the year, a two-run shot over the right field wall, to score Rich Thompson, who drew a walk just before Allen came to the plate. The home run, which came against Rainiers reliever Randy Williams, tied the game at 2-2 and sent the contest to extra innings.
Sounds reliever Mark Corey successfully retired the side in the top of the tenth inning to give the Nashville offense the chance to garner a win. Alvarez came through by hammering Rainiers' reliever Scott Atchison's pitch over the left field wall to give the Sounds a 4-2 win.
Both of the Rainiers' runs were scored in the top of the fourth inning against Sounds starter John VanBenschoten. Bucky Jacobsen drove in the first run of the game when he doubled to score Jamal Strong. Mickey Lopez scored the Rainiers' final run of the game during the very next at-bat when Jose Lopez's sacrifice fly to left field drove him home from third.
VanBenschoten (0-5) turned in his best performance of the season during his eight-inning stint, allowing only three hits and two runs on 104 pitches. He received a no-decision but lowered his ERA down to 6.81. Tacoma starter Clint Nageotte pitched lights out in his seven innings of work, allowing just two hits and no runs, but took a no-decision after the Sounds' late comeback.
Atchison (2-2) was charged with the loss for Tacoma, as the PCL's winningest club took their first defeat in their last nine outings. Corey (1-1) picked up the win for the Sounds following his two scoreless frames.
The Sounds and Rainiers continue the series with a 7 p.m. meeting on Thursday evening at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Nelson Figueroa (3-3, 4.34) will take the hill for Nashville and face Tacoma southpaw Craig Anderson (0-2, 3.78).
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 12, 2004
- Puffer promoted to San Diego - Portland Beavers
- Grizzlies launch new and improved web site - Fresno Grizzlies
- Gall homer lifts Redbirds to 4-3 win over Beavers - Portland Beavers
- Roy Corcoran placed on disabled list - Edmonton Trappers
- Alvarez 10th-Inning Blast Nets 4-2 Win For Sounds - Nashville Sounds
- Redbirds, Haren thrifty in 1-0 victory over Beavers - Portland Beavers
- Sidewinders hold on for 11-10 victory - Tucson Sidewinders
- Trappers come back to down Sky Sox, 5-3 - Edmonton Trappers
- Royals nip River Cats in series opener - Omaha Storm Chasers
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