Beavers Rally Not Enough as Memphis Gets 4-2 Win

Published on July 5, 2002 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - On Thursday, Portland held Memphis to just four hits, but saw the RedBirds come-from-behind for a win in the ninth. So when the Beavers managed six hits against Memphis on Friday night at AutoZone Park, conventional wisdom suggested the favor would be returned to Portland with a win.

Not so, as the RedBirds, behind a home run from CF So Taguchi, held on after a late Portland rally for the 4-2 victory.

RHP John Snyder struggled early against the RedBirds, but came on strong to pitch 6.1 innings. However, he got the loss, his eighth loss of the season. LHP Les Walrond earned his sixth win of the season with 6.2 solid innings pitched, allowing just two runs and four hits. RHP Gene Stechschulte worked a scoreless ninth for the save.

Memphis jumped out to an early lead, putting three runs on the board in the second. Taguchi, SS Kevin Nicholson, and 2B Warren Morris all came through with run-scoring singles in the inning.

Taguchi's blast, a left-field shot off Snyder, came in the fourth and gave the RedBirds more breathing room en route to the win.

CF Darren Blakely, in just his second game with Portland after being promoted from Class-AA Mobile on Thursday, homered in the seventh off Walrond. RF Rich Gomez, who had opened the inning with a single, also scored on the round-tripper.

2B Alex Pelaez led the Portland offensive attack with two singles.

Portland sends RHP Dennis Tankersley (1-0, 1.50 ERA) to the mound Saturday against Memphis' LHP Jason Jacome (4-4, 4.60). First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. PST.

BEAVERS NOTES: Before the game, CF Trenidad Hubbard had his contract purchased by San Diego and joined the team in Colorado ... to make room for Hubbard on the team's 40-man roster, 1B Kevin Barker was designated for assignment by the Padres ... C Wil Nieves threw out 2B Warren Morris on an attempted steal in the seventh ... Nieves has now thrown out 29 percent (13-of-45) of attempted basestealers this season.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 5, 2002


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