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Blanks Homer Highlights 4-3 Win Over Grizzlies

April 19, 2009 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Kyle Blanks hit a three-run home run and the Portland Beavers later broke a tie game in the seventh inning to beat the Fresno Grizzlies 4-3 before 4,078 Saturday night at PGE Park.

With the win, Portland (6-4) improved to 5-1 against the Grizzlies in 2009 and 69-49 over nine seasons. Fresno, meanwhile, dropped its fourth straight and fell to 2-8 to start the campaign.

The Beavers, who have won their first two home games and three of their last four overall, broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the seventh when Josh Alley scored from third on a passed ball with two outs.

Jon Ellis (1-0) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings to get the win for the Beavers; Greg Burke logged his second save, striking out the side in the ninth.

Starting pitcher Chad Gaudin, who was making his debut for the Beavers after recently signing, retired the side in order in the first before getting into a jam in the second, loading the bases with two walks and a single for Steve Holm, who grounded into a 1-2-3, inning-ending double play. Gaudin was taken out after 60 pitches in his first start of the season, holding the Grizzlies to no runs, two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Following a one-out single from Peter Ciofrone and a walk to Will Venable in the first, Blanks hit a line-drive home run just inside the foul pole in left, giving Portland a 3-0 lead. It was Blanks' second home run of the season, his first at PGE Park.

The Grizzlies, however, tied the game In the sixth, getting an RBI single from Scott McClain, a sac fly to center from Matt Downs that scored John Bowker and a two-out RBI single by Clay Timpner.

The loss went to Ramon Ortiz, who gave up one unearned run while striking out four in his two innings of work.

The series between the two clubs continues Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

NOTES: The Beavers will don their Vintage Sunday uniforms for game three of the series ... Sunday also features the team's new Kids-Eat-Free promotion. Kids 12 and under will receive a voucher that can be used between the time gates open and first pitch for a hot dog, chips and a drink ... before the game, the Beavers placed infielder Brett Dowdy on the disabled list with a right quadriceps strain and reinstated Alley from the disabled list ... Blanks has a five-game hitting streak ... the Beavers presented a check for $5,000 to Special Olympics of Oregon as part of their spring grant donations through the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community Fund.

Beavers Game File

SATURDAY'S GAME: Beavers 4, Fresno 3

WINNING PITCHER: Ellis (1-0)

LOSING PITCHER: Ortiz (0-1)

SAVE: Burke (2)

HOME RUNS: Blanks (2)

SUNDAY'S GAME: Fresno (Kevin Pucetas: 0-1, 6.30) at Portland (Mike Watt: NR), 2:05 p.m.; live audio broadcast on KKAD AM-1550 and www.portlandbeavers.com. Follow the Beavers on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PortlandBeavers.

SUNDAY'S PROMOTIONS: Portland wraps up Opening Weekend as it takes on Fresno on an American Family Insurance Kids Sunday. The first 1,903 fans in attendance receive a 2009 magnet schedule courtesy of PGE. Prior to the first pitch, kids can take advantage of the Beavers' new Kids-Eat-Free plan, play catch on the field and get player autographs outside the Beavers team store. After the game, kids are invited to run the bases at PGE Park, presented by Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant. Balloon artists, clowns and face painters will be on hand to entertain fans of all ages at PGE Park.



Pacific Coast League Stories from April 19, 2009


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