Can-Am Brockton Rox

Brachold Powers Rox Over Tornadoes, 10-2

Published on August 26, 2010 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


Worcester, Mass. - Rox RF Keith Brachold went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI to lead Brockton over the Worcester Tornadoes, 10-2, on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series at Hanover Insurance Park.

The Rox (22-14 second half, 49-34 overall), who clinched a playoff spot yesterday, jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. CF Chris Valencialed the game off with a double and 2B Shawn Williams reached on a fielder's choice. After 1B Melvin Faluwalked, Brachold knocked a two-run single with the bases loaded to put the Rox on top.

Worcester sliced the lead in half in the bottom of the inning as LF Ryan Crespi began things with a double, but was thrown out on a fielder's choice grounder by SS Boomer Blanchard. 3B Mark Minicozzi was able to score Blanchard with a triple to right field that stayed a fair ball by inches.

Brockton re-assumed a two-run advantage in the third inning on an unearned run as C Chris Grossman's grounder was misplayed by Blanchard, allowing Williams to score from second base. The Tornadoes (17-19, 36-47) were able to answer off Rox starting RHP Wayne Lundgren in the next half inning on a sacrifice fly by 1B Nick Salotti.

The Rox added a single run in the fifth and then five in the seventh inning. Brachold launched his 15th dinger of the year to the Holy Cross football field out beyond the right-field wall. His home run amount ties his career high set last year with the Rox.

Later in the seventh inning, SS Dominic Ramos plated a pair with a single and Valencia finished off the frame with his second double of the game, scoring Ramos. Valencia now has 23 doubles for the season which is tied for the most in the league with teammate Grossman. Grossman picked up his 23rd double in the eighth inning, driving in the tenth and final Brockton run.

Lundgren only pitched four innings for the Rox and did not qualify for the win, giving up two runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. RHP Jimmer Kennedy was the first one out of the pen and he went three hitless and scoreless innings, walking just one and striking out five. Kennedy (1-1) earned his first professional victory in the outing.

Worcester starting RHP Justin Knoff (3-3) took the loss after going 6.1 innings and surrendering seven runs (five earned) with nine hits, three walks and six strikeouts.

The Rox received three-hit nights from three players; Valencia (3-for-6), Williams (3-for-5) and Brachold (3-for-5). Ramos added a multi-hit game, while Falu, Grossman and 3B Phillip Cuadrado reached base multiple times.

The Tornadoes were led by Minicozzi's 3-for-4 night. Worcester's other four hits came from Crespi, Blanchard, Salotti and C Alex Trezza.

Game two of the series is scheduled for Friday night at 7:05 with RHP Mike Smith (11-3) on the mound for the Rox. Smith leads the league with a 2.94 ERA and he will try to become the first 12-game winner in the league. Twelve wins would also set the Rox single-season record. He will be opposed by Worcester RHP Chris Farley (5-5).

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Canadian American League Stories from August 26, 2010


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