Beavers Stave Off Ninth-Inning Threat From River Cats

Published on August 16, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Paul McAnulty was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, and Tim Stauffer tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings, combining with three relievers in the Portland Beavers' 3-0, five-hit shutout victory over the Sacramento River Cats before 10,560 Thursday night at PGE Park.

Reliever Adrian Burnside, Scott Cassidy and Jared Wells closed out the shutout, the Beavers' first since May 6.

After singles from Mike Epping and Luke Carlin, McAnulty's two-run single up the middle broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Beavers (51-75) skirted potential trouble in the top of the seventh before McAnulty padded Portland's lead with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning, his first clout since May 15.

The River Cats (73-53) put runners on second and third with one out in the seventh, but Burnside coaxed a pair of fly outs to avoid damage.

A more pressing situation ensued in the top of the ninth. The River Cats loaded the bases and J.D. Closser sent a towering drive to the gap in right-center, but Epping, the Beavers' right fielder, made a leaping catch at the top of the wall to rob at least extra bases and preserve the shutout win.

Stauffer (7-4), who is 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA in six starts since the all-star break, limited the River Cats to three hits and two walks while striking out four. Wells worked out of the jam the ninth for his third save.

Dallas Braden (1-2), making his first start since being optioned to Sacramento on Tuesday, allowed three runs and nine hits over his 6 1/3 innings to suffer the loss.

The Beavers and River Cats conclude their series Friday night at PGE Park. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.

NOTES: Left-handed pitcher Matt Teague will be transferred to Portland from Class A Eugene on Friday to make a spot start, his second of the year for the Beavers ... the Padres recalled right-handed pitcher Clay Hensley and optioned left-handed pitcher Joe Thatcher to Portland on Thursday.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 16, 2007


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