BlueClaws salvage split of series with Hoppers
Published on July 18, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Lakewood BlueClaws scored four runs in the top of the 12th inning to beat the Greensboro Grasshoppers 6-2 Tuesday afternoon at First Horizon Park.
The win enabled the BlueClaws, who lead the Northern Division of the South Atlantic League, to gain a split of the four-game series. The Hoppers, who won the first two games, slipped to 5½ games behind, the same place they were when the series began.
It was a pitchers' duel for most of the hot afternoon. Hoppers starter Chris Volstad, bidding for his fifth straight win, left with a 2-1 lead with two outs in the sixth. Travis Talbott got the final out in the sixth and retired the side in the seventh.
Mauro Zarate breezed through the eighth and the Hoppers went to closer Blake Jones in the ninth. But Lakewood's Michael Spidale walked with one out, stole second and came home on a double by John Urick to tie the game 2-2.
Jones pitched the 10th and 11th innings without incident. In the 12th, against Rafael Galbizo, the BlueClaws struck. Greg Golson singled in one run, Urick drew a bases-loaded walk to force in another and Clay Harris singled in two more with his third hit of the day.
Brett Harker (1-3), who came in with one out in the 11th, retired the Hoppers in order in the 12th to end the game. Four Lakewood pitchers combined to limit Greensboro to six hits.
Matt Kutler's two-run double in the second inning provided all the Hoppers' scoring. Greensboro threatened to win it in the 11th, with Greg Burns on third and one out. Gary Roche lifted a fly to shallow center field for the second out. When Burns tried to score, Golson's throw to catcher Louis Marson caught Burns on a close play.
The Hoppers continue their home stand with four games against the Delmarva Shorebirds, with the first game Wednesday at 7 p.m.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 18, 2006
- Rojas' 10th inning sacrifice fly wins it for Charleston, 7-6 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Greenville drives past Rome, 6-4 - Greenville Drive
- Greenville puts heat on Braves 6-4 - Rome Emperors
- Power score five in the fourth to defeat Lexington - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Hiser leads Captains to 3-1 victory - Lake County Captains
- Lake County defeats Suns 3-1 - Hagerstown Suns
- 'Birds Stop Hottest Team in SAL, Beat 'Dads 8-3 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- BlueClaws Ultimate Baseball Camp - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- BlueClaws salvage split of series with Hoppers - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Gnats team with Toys for Tots for Christmas in July - Savannah Sand Gnats
- GreenJackets Take Series from Catfish with 7-4 Win - Columbus Catfish
- Savannah Burns Intimidators Late - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Shorebirds Snap Hickory Eight Game Winning Streak - Hickory Crawdads
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.
Other Recent Greensboro Grasshoppers Stories
- Late Greensboro Push Falls Short in 4-3 Loss to Asheville
- Grasshoppers Secure Extra-Inning Victory with Walk-Off Walk
- Grasshoppers Cancel Postgame Fireworks Shows Due to Statewide Burn Ban
- Tourists Top Grasshoppers 8-7, Hand Greensboro First Loss of Season
- Grasshoppers Edge Tourists, 1-0, on Opening Day
