Beavers on Short End of Pitchers' Duel

July 1, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


TACOMA, Wash. - Kenny Kelly coaxed a bases-loaded ninth inning RBI walk to lead the Tacoma Rainiers to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Portland Beavers.

The Beavers (43-42), looking for their third-straight win, took a 1-0 advantage into the ninth inning, but Courtney Duncan couldn't hold onto the lead. Duncan (2-6) lost for the fourth time in Portland's last 11 games.

Ruben Castillo started the rally with a leadoff walk and Jamal Strong followed with a double to center field. After Duncan struck out Chad Meyers, Portland manager Rick Sweet elected to intentionally load the bases for Pat Borders. The Tacoma catcher grounded out, but Castillo scored from third on the play.

With two outs, Duncan had a chance to end the frame and move on to extra innings with a 1-1 tie. But he then issued two walks, the second of which ended the game.

Scott Atchison (5-3) pitched 5.2 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win for the Rainiers (36-49). Atchison, who entered the game after starting pitcher Ken Cloude lasted just 4.1 innings, scattered four hits, struck out four and walked none.

Duncan's blown save wasted a masterful performance by the Beavers pitching staff. Until Duncan entered the game, Portland's pitchers had allowed only two hits - both bunt singles.

Clay Condrey, making a rehab appearance for the Beavers, threw five scoreless innings, allowing just the two singles. The right-hander, who faced just 16 batters, walked none and fanned four.

Following Condrey's stint, Jose Silva and Brandon Villafuerte and Cliff Bartosh each contributed a scoreless frame.

The Tacoma pitching was just as masterful, holding Portland to a lone third-inning unearned run. Khalil Greene started the rally with a one-out double and advanced to third on an error by Meyers. Greene then scored on a sacrifice fly by Tagg Bozied.

Greene went 2-for-4 on the night, with two doubles. Alex Pelaez also had a two-hit game for the Beavers.

Bernie Castro walked twice but didn't record a hit, ending his eight-game hitting streak.

NOTES: Before Monday's game, Alex Fernandez was named the Pacific Coast League's "Batter of the Week" for the seven-day period ending June 29 ... Fernandez, who didn't play Monday night, hit .367 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs during the month of June ... With Monday's game, Portland entered a stretch where it will play Tacoma 11 times in 14 days ...



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 1, 2003


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