CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

Alvarez Goes Distance as Sixers Rock 'Hawks

Published on August 1, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The 66ers opened up a homestand against the Lancaster JetHawks in impressive fashion Friday night, scoring five runs in the first inning, while Sixers starting pitcher Mario Alvarez threw a complete game to punctuate a 14-0 win.

Alvarez (3-4, 4.58) allowed just 5 hits in his 9 innings of work, striking out a career-high and team season-high 12 hitters in the first complete game for the 66ers since Marlon Arias' no-hitter May 9, 2007.

Alvarez loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, but induced a pop up before striking out Jordan Comadena looking to end it. Alvarez struck out 11 over the final six innings.

The 14 runs scored is also the largest offensive output at home by Inland Empire since June 20, 2006.

Inland Empire came out firing on all cylinders in the first inning, batting through the entire lineup on JetHawks starting pitcher Leandro Cespedes (6-7, 5.66). After Elian Herrera led off the inning with a strikeout, the 66ers had the next seven hitters reach base. Joe Becker was the first baserunner of the game after he drew a walk, and moved to second on a Trayvon Robinson single. Scott Van Slyke, batting fourth, then hit a double to left field that scored Becker for the first run of the game.

With only one out in the first and runners on second and third, Steven Caseres was intentionally walked by Cespedes to load the bases for catcher Alex Garabedian. Garabedian proceeded to clear the bases with a three-run triple and give Inland Empire a 4-0 lead. The Sixers made it a 5-0 lead after the next batter, Jaime Ortiz, singled home Garabedian with a hit to right field.

Scott Van Slyke went 3-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, and 4 runs batted in.

The 66ers' offense continued to pour on the runs, adding three runs in the third on Christian Lara's home run, two in the sixth, and four in the seventh to seal the 14-0 victory.

The 66ers will play the second game of the series against Lancaster Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. as RHP Josh Wall (1-5, 5.96) squares off against the JetHawks and RHP Thomas Fairchild (0-0, 7.11). Legendary former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda will be inducted into the Inland Empire 66ers Hall of Fame prior to the game. The Saturday night game will also feature a free postgame fireworks display, the best promotion in Minor League Baseball, so be sure to reserve your seats as soon as possible. Tickets are available at www.66ers.com or by visiting the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino. For questions or more information, call the 66ers at (909) 888-9922.

Check out the Inland Empire 66ers Statistics

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California League Stories from August 1, 2009


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