Capitales Rally for Four in Ninth to Win 8-7

September 4, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release


The Tornadoes scored five runs in the top of the seventh to take a 7-4 lead, but the Capitales answered with four in the ninth to defeat Worcester 8-7 on Saturday evening north of the border.

Ryan Bicondoa went eight-plus innings, leaving the bases loaded for Albert Ayala in the ninth. Ayala picked up the loss (1-6), pitching one third of an inning and allowing the game-winning run on two hits and a walk. Bicondoa threw a Tornadoes season-high 151 pitches, giving up seven runs (four earned) with 12 strikeouts and just one walk, but ten Capitales hits.

Worcester committed five errors in the game, each one of them at least partially contributing to a Quebec run.

The Tornadoes trailed 4-1 entering the top of the sixth. Mark Minicozzi hit a two-out solo homerun to pull his team within two. An inning later, Nick Salotti lead off and went deep for the 23rd time this season. Brendon Kelliher singled and Tony Patane's sacrifice bunt chased rookie starting pitcher JF Ricard from the game.

Ricard pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on eight hits and one walk. He struck out three Tornadoes hitters and got a no-decision. Anthony Sullivan came on next, pitching just 0.1 innings and giving up three runs (all earned) on two hits and two walks.

Sullivan walked Cameron Monger. Alex Nunez reached on a fielder's choice, then Abraham Nunez walked to load the bases. Chris Colabello tied the game with an infield single, the Minicozzi gave Worcester a 6-4 lead with an RBI base hit. Alex Trezza added a run with another single before the side was retired.

Rayner Oliveros earned the win, pitching one full inning despite facing two batters. The only runner he inherited was erased on a double play, then Minicozzi was robbed of his fourth potential hit of the night on a diving stab by Goeffrey Tomlinson.

In the bottom of the ninth, Seth Henry reached on an error. Tomlinson doubled him over to third, then Jeff Helps was hit by a pitch. Bicondoa was pulled in favor of Ayala, who allowed the game-tying hit to Sebastien Boucher, clearing the bases. Rene Leveret singled him into scoring positon. Pierre-Luc Laforest was intentionally walked, then Ivan Naccarata popped out before Patrick D'Aoust sent the Capitales fans home happy with a single to score Boucher.

Thanks to Brockton's win and Worcester's loss, the Tornadoes' elimination number is one. If the Rox win their season finale on Sunday or the Tornadoes lose either Sunday's or Monday's contest, the Rox will clinch the fourth and final spot in the 2011 CanAm league Playoffs. If Worcester wins both remaining games and Brockton loses, the Rox will host the Tornadoes for a one-game playoff on Tuesday at Campanelli Stadium.

Shawn Gilblair will be on the mound for the Tornadoes on Sunday at 7:05pm. Nick Gagalis will have all the audio coverage beginning at 6:50 with Tornadoes Pre-Game Live.



Canadian American League Stories from September 4, 2011


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