Aviators outlast Cats in opener 6-4
Published on July 23, 2006 under American Association (AA)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
Jack Joffrion's sixth-inning three-run double was the difference in the game as Coastal Bend defeated Fort Worth 6-4 Sunday night in front of 3,059 fans at LaGrave Field.
The win extends the Aviators' lead to four games in the South Division as they take the opener of the four-game series. The loss ended the Cats' three-game winning streak.
The Cats led 1-0 going to the sixth when Brian Fryer led off with a double. The next batter, Ryan Lehr walked, and Matt Creighton singled to tie the game 1-1. After Bryon Smith was intentionally walked by reliever Danny Valentin, Joffrion smacked Valentin's first pitch into left-center and cleared the bases.
Trailing by three, the Cats scored twice in the sixth inning to narrow the deficit to just one. But on Adolfo's RBI single, Jordan Foster, the trailing runner was tagged out at home plate and the Cats stranded Adolfo at third at the inning's conclusion.
In the top of the seventh with two outs, Smith delivered an RBI single and Matt Creighton crossed the plate on a wild pitch to make it 6-3. The Cats scored again in the eighth but were retired in the ninth by closer BJ Litchfield who picked up his sixth save of the season.
Tim McGough (2-4) earned his first victory since May 26 as he went six innings and allowed three runs on three hits. Dan Grybash (4-6) took the loss as he permitted three runs on six hits in five innings pitched.
The series resumes Monday night at 7:05 p.m. with Ryan Weems on the mound for the Cats. He will be opposed by Ricky Stover.
American Association Stories from July 23, 2006
- Aviators outlast Cats in opener 6-4 - Fort Worth Cats
- American Association Recap - AA
- 7-4 win moves Birds back into First - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Sioux Falls takes opener at Phil Welch - St. Joseph Blacksnakes
- X's take game one from Shreveport - Sioux City Explorers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
