Bullpen Preserves Solid Start

June 3, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


Led by their pitching staff the Calgary Vipers (3-4) defeated the Edmonton Capitals (3-2) 6-5 at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. On the mound Stephen Whalen (1-0) threw a quality start with six innings and three runs allowed while tossing an economical 78 pitches. Out of the bullpen Dan Morari came into the game into a two run game in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and was able to induce a double-play followed by Rob Naegele who recorded the final out of the inning to keep their team up by two. Claudio Galva (1) meanwhile recorded a five out save including a one, two, three ninth inning.

The Vipers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning and were able to hang onto it throughout the contest.

At the plate Bryan Burke was placed in the second spot in the lineup by manager Morgan Burkhart and went three-for-five with three runs scored and his first home run of the season. Out of the leadoff spot meanwhile Jonny Kaplan also collected three hits.

"We got a well pitched game with good defense and our younger guys carried us whether it was Whalen, Morari, Naegele, or Burke," said Manager Morgan Burkhart.

Calgary opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when Jonny Kaplan singled, Bryan Burke reached with a perfectly placed bunt base hit, Wilver Perez advanced both runners with a groundout, Kaplan scored on a wild pitch, and Jimmy Rohan drove home a second run for a 2-0 lead with a double.

Edmonton cut the lead in half to 2-1 in the bottom of the frame as Matt Rogelstad doubled, advanced to third base on a groundout, and scored on a Enrique Cruz run batted in grounder.

The Vipers got a two run lead back at 3-1 in the second when Stephen Whalen and Kaplan singled while with two outs Perez drove in one with a base hit.

The Capitals got back within one run at 3-2 in the bottom of the inning as Todd Linden and Lou Santangelo walked while Brent Metheny collected a RBI single.

The scoring continued in the third frame when Drew Miller hit his third home run of the season for a 4-2 Snakes' advantage.

Calgary added a run for a 5-2 lead in the sixth as Burke singled, Perez advanced Burke around to third base with a base hit, and Burke scored on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the seventh inning Edmonton's Santangelo tripled and scored on a Cody Nowlin RBI single for a 5-3 score.

The Vipers took that run back in the eighth on Burke's first home run of the season for a 6-3 advantage.

The Capitals got back within one run at 6-5 in the bottom of the frame when Tom Collaro doubled, Santangelo singled, and Metheny drove in both with a two-base hit of his own.

Calgary continues this series in Edmonton against the Capitals on Friday June 3rd at 7:00.

The Vipers return home to Calgary and Foothills Stadium on Monday June 6th at 6:30 as they host the Edmonton Capitals and tickets will all be priced at $5.00. The teams will play again on Toonie Tuesday June 7th at 6:30 and Wiener Wednesday June 8th at 6:30 where it will also be $5.00 Student Night. The Vipers welcome the Chico Outlaws on Thursday June 9th at 6:30 for Latino Night with $4.00 Margaritas, on Friday June 10th at 6:30 for Country Day with the first pitch coming off a horse from Griffin Valley Ranch along with ponies and live music by Jacquie Drew, on Saturday June 11th at 5:05 for Pack the Park and Magnet Schedule giveaway, and on Sunday June 12th at 1:35 with a $60.00 Family Pack (4 upper bowl tickets, 4 drinks, 4 hot dogs, and a program).

Flex packs, mini packs, and individual game tickets are available at 2255 Crowchild Trail Northwest, 403-277-2255, or www.calgaryvipers.com.



North American League Stories from June 3, 2011


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