Big Comeback Lifts Black Bears Over Monsoon

Published on July 21, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Berkshire Black Bears News Release


It was a dry night at Wahconah Park for 5 innings of play, as the Berkshire Black Bears and Les Capitales de Quebec began their 4-game series in Pittsfield. Then the rains came and after more than an hour of constant rain, the umpires called the affair. Quebec took an early lead, and capping their scoring with a three-run fourth inning.

After Carlos Rodriguez scored on an Eddie Lantigua double, Quebec left fielder John Ballon smashed a Chris Kelly fastball over the center fence, giving Quebec a 4-1 edge. The Black Bears returned one run in the bottom half of the frame when Brady Williams hit an RBI triple to the right-center gap, scoring Pete Paciorek.

With all the momentum on their side, and starter Kelly throwing a 1-2-3 top half of the fifth, Black Bears finally showed their counter attack abilities. Ryan Tash started the onslaught, hitting the first of three straight singles by himself, Jose Mateo and Mark Burnett to load the bases with nobody out. Tension mounted when Quebec starter Jason Cly struck out the next two batters, giving fans the impression that Berkshire might squander a golden opportunity. Right fielder Shane Hopper put an end to that negativity with a solid single to right, scoring Tash and Mateo to tie the game. Pete Paciorek followed by smashing a pitch down the right field line, allowing Burnett to score easily from third base.

Carlos Rodriguez came to the plate in the top of the sixth looking to bring Quebec square, when the clouds burst down over Historic Wahconah Park, sending the Black Bears' award-winning tarp crew into full gear. Battling gale-force winds and intense rain, the team-in-black pulled out the tarp in record time, saving the infield from being brutalized, and potentially unplayable for the rest of the series, by the torrential downpour. Even the crowd received further entertainment by the fine display put on by the Berkshire crew; fans and players alike vociferously applauded their unparalleled effort.

Black Bears starter, Chris Kelly (1-1) picked up his first win as a Black Bear, allowing four runs and six hits with four strikeouts over five innings. Quebec starter, Jason Cly fell to 4-4 with the loss, allowing five runs (five earned) and ten hits, with five strikeouts, over four and 2/3 innings.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 21, 2003


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