Bell's Blast Lifts 'Winders at Bricktown

Published on June 18, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Mike Bell drilled a two-run, ninth inning home run Wednesday night to break a tie game and provide Tucson with a 5-3 lead and eventual victory over Oklahoma at Bricktown Ballpark.

Bell extended his hitting streak to 11 games with the homer and has now driven in eight runs in his last three games. The home run came off Redhawks stater Colby Lewis. Lewis was pitching into the ninth in his first Triple-A start of the year after being sent down from the Texas Rangers.

Oklahoma scored first against Tucson starter Matt Henrie in the third inning.. Marcus Thames produced the game's first run with a double, plating Ryan Ludwick. Thames scored with two outs on a single from Jason Hart.

Tucson responded with three runs in the fourth to take the lead. Brian Gordon tied the game with a two-run triple. Mike Bell drove in Gordon with a groundout to put the Sidewinders ahead 3-2.

The Redhawks tied the game in the last of the fifth with an unearned run. Jason Jones reached on a two-out error by first baseman Steve Neal. After a hit batter, Cole Liniak singled to center to score Jones.

Ricky Bottalico threw two perfect innings, striking out four to earn his first win of the year. Brian Bruney struck out the side in the ninth for his first Triple-A save.

The Sidewinders improved to 33-38. Tucson and Oklahoma will meet in game three of the series Thursday night. Paul Abbott (1-1 2.70) will make his third start for the Sidewinders. C.J. Nitkowski (1-1 4.05) will throw for Oklahoma. THE GAME WILL BE TAPE DELAYED ON AM 990 KTKT AT 6:00 P.M.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 18, 2003


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.

OurSports Central