Caps Catapult Back Into First With 7-4 Win
August 27, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Capitals beat the provincial rival Calgary Vipers 7-4 in a lengthy showdown in front of a packed house of 4,378 at TELUS Field on Friday night, jumping back into first place in the North American League's North Division.
The Caps dominated the first six innings of the game with a combination of strong offence and a good pitching arm in newcomer Jesse Smith, who surrendered just two runs on five hits with five strikeouts to earn the victory. While Smith owned the mound, third baseman Carlos Duncan was the offensive star, going 2-for-4 with a double and four RBI.
Reliever Chad Blackwell ran into some trouble in the seventh inning, giving up a pair of runs, but David Davidson finished off the frame, paving the way for Tom Boleska, who tossed the final two innings of shutout ball with three strikeouts to pick up the save - his team leading ninth of the season. Catcher J.D. Closser and shortstop Rex Rundgren each chipped in with two hits.
The Friday victory improved the Caps' record to 54-31 and put them one game ahead of the Vipers for first place in the North Division. There are now just three games left in the regular season, two of which the Caps need to win to secure the division title and home-field advantage in their upcoming playoff series with their southern Alberta foes.
Friday's game was the final Fireworks Friday of the season presented by JOE FM, with a phenomenal post-game fireworks display. It was also Military Appreciation Night, as the Caps honoured the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces by wearing commemorative camouflage uniforms, which were auctioned off after the game, raising $3,330 for Soldier On.
The final series of the regular season continues Saturday at 7 p.m. with Oil Kings Night, as Michael St. Croix will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch, and the first 500 fans at the game will receive a bobblehead of the Oil Kings star and 2011 New York Rangers draft pick. There will also be an autograph session with St. Croix and other Oil Kings junior hockey players.
The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer, featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Playoff tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, at the Capitals Box Office (10233 - 96 Ave) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, online at capsbaseball.ca or via phone at 780-414-GOAL (4625).
• Discuss this story on the North American League message board...
North American League Stories from August 27, 2011
- Flyin' Ryan - San Angelo Colts
- WhiteWings' Comeback Falls Short - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Falcon Shuts Down Colts - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Caps Catapult Back Into First With 7-4 Win - Edmonton Capitals
- Smith Silences Bats - Calgary Vipers
- Brian's Song - San Angelo Colts
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.
