Arlis Delivers Game Winning Hit

Published on July 3, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers used extra innings to walk off with the 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Cracker-Cats at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. Edmonton tied the game in their final at-bat but after a scoreless extra inning the Snakes were able to spilt the double-header against the Cracker-Cats in dramatic fashion. The victory improves Calgary's record to 22-13 with a 3.5 games lead on Edmonton with nine games remaining in the first half of the season.

Edmonton started the scoring in the game in the top of the second inning with a leadoff single by Chris Van Rossum. After a passed ball and a fly ball to move Van Rossum to third base, Carlos Arroyo hit a groundball that was fielded by second baseman Jorge Mejia and he caught Van Rossum in the pickle between third base and home plate. The Vipers were eventually able to tag out Van Rossum but Arroyo went all the way to third base with his fielder's choice and he later scored on a wild pitch. Kevin House followed with a walk, Jordan Lundberg doubled, and Jonathan Castro also walked to load the bases. Marcus Nettles made the score 3-0 with a two run double.

Calgary responded right away in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff walk to Felix Jose. After two outs were recorded Colin Moro hit a double and Jorge Tang smacked a clutch two run single to get the Snakes in on the scoring. Following a Mejia walk, Darryl Brinkley hammered a two run double off the centerfield wall for the 4-3 lead.

In the top of the seventh inning the Cracker-Cats tied the game with a leadoff bloop double off the bat of Castro. After a Nettles bunt, Ruddy Yan scored Castro with a RBI base hit.

The Vipers won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning thanks to a leadoff walk to Jose. With Kevin Price pinch running, Nelson Castro laid down a sacrifice bunt and Patrick Arlis delivered the game winning run with a single to left field.

Geoff Freeborn (2-1) picked up the victory coming into the ninth inning with a runner on first and nobody out and not allowing a run. Dallas Mahan started for the Snakes and went 5.2 innings giving up five hits and the three runs while striking out four. After the three run inning which did all the damage against him Mahan was able to retire nine batters in a row before leaving the game in line for the victory. Jon Huizinga threw 2.1 innings out of the bullpen allowing one run while not walking a batter.

Brinkley reached base for the 25th game consecutively. Arlis ended the night going three-for-five with the all important game winning RBI.

Thursday July 3rd at 7:05 PM (MDT) the series concludes with Joe Sergent (0-0) taking the ball against Joel Schmal (0-3).

The Vipers then head out onto the road for a ten day road trip which will see the Snakes play 11 games. Calgary starts by making their first ever appearance in Long Beach against the Armada Friday July 4th, Saturday July 5th, and Sunday July 6th. Next the Vipers will play the St. George RoadRunners with a double-header on Monday July 7th, regular game Tuesday July 8th, and another twin-bill Wednesday July 9th. After a day off the road trip concludes against the Edmonton Cracker-Cats Friday July 11th, Saturday July 12th, and Sunday July 13th.

On Tuesday July 15th Mike Busch will lead the 20-man Golden Baseball League All-Star squad as they take on the United League's All-Stars in a battle of two of the top independent leagues in San Angelo, Texas.

Calgary returns home to Foothills Stadium Friday July 18th to open a six day home stand which will feature seven games against the Chico Outlaws and the Yuma Scorpions.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from July 3, 2008


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