Boulders Crumble Rox in Historic Opening Night 3-1
Published on June 16, 2011 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New York Boulders News Release
RAMAPO, New York - The Rockland Boulders took down the Brockton Rox (12-8) in the first ever Can-Am League game played at Provident Bank Park. In a tight matchup, the Boulders snapped their eight-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Rox at their brand new home.
"It's easy to play baseball, the hard part is filling the seats," said coach Dave LaPoint. "The atmosphere was great out there and it was a great way to open this park."
Bobby Blevins, a local star from Briarcliff, NY, started the game like a man on fire for the Boulders. In front of the sold out Rockland crowd, Blevins retired the first eleven Brockton batters. He threw eight brilliant innings for the second straight outing, giving up just one run on three hits with four strikeouts.
"I have so much confidence in this team and it was great to win this for the hometown fans," said Blevins. "I'm glad to be able to do this in front of family and friends as well."
Defense was key for the Boulders in this one. Left fielder Vic Buttler made an outstanding sliding catch for the second out, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Boulders and the Rox were locked in a pitchers duel, as both teams were held scoreless through the first four and a half innings. Rockland put runners on the corners with nobody out in the bottom of the fifth after a Norm Hutchins double and a beautiful bunt by Todd Jennings.
Tommy Giles put one through the wickets of shortstop Mike Torres, plating Hutchins for the first ever run scored at Provident Bank Park. Eric Flynn quickly followed with a ground-rule double for the Boulders' second run of the inning. After loading the bases with two outs, Vic Buttler took a pitch off the end of the bat, bringing Flynn in from third to give Rockland a 3-0 lead.
Brockton's Chris Valencia led off the top of the sixth with a deep shot to right center for the first home run hit at Provident Bank Park, bringing the Rox within two runs. They threatened again in the inning after Torres doubled down the left field line, but that is where he would remain.
Adrian Martin came in and pitched a perfect ninth for the Boulders to secure the 3-1 victory.
The Boulders finally found their stride, breaking their eight-game losing streak in front of the 6,137 fans at Provident Bank Park.
Rockland (6-11) begins a new series with the New Jersey Jackals tomorrow evening at Provident Bank Park with first pitch at 7:05 pm. The Boulders' Roger Lincoln (1-1) gets the nod as he takes on the New Jersey's Ryan Kulik (0-0) in Can-Am League Action.
Catch all the action live at rocklandboulders.com and follow @CanAmBoulders on Twitter for more Boulders updates.
Great tickets are still on sale for Rockland Boulders home games, and can be purchased online at www.rocklandboulders.com or by calling 845-364-0009.
Canadian American League Stories from June 16, 2011
- Boulders Crumble Rox in Historic Opening Night 3-1 - New York Boulders
- Can-Am League Game Recaps - Can-Am
- Blevins Outduels Smith, Boulders Win Opener 3-1 - Brockton Rox
- Colonials Fall In Series Finale - Pittsfield Colonials
- Rockland Boulders Announce Parking Procedures - New York Boulders
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