Caps Cruz To Walk-Off Win Over Vipers

August 19, 2010 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release


Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Capitals short stop Enrique Cruz was the hero as he hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to lead his team to a much-needed 5-4 win over the Calgary Vipers on Thursday night.

With two out and centre fielder Ryan Stevenson on second base, Cruz drilled the ball into the right-centre gap to drive the game-winning run in easily. It was a crucial win for the Caps (14-15), who are trying to catch the Vipers (21-8) for first place in the Golden Baseball League's North Division second-half standings.

"I was just looking for a ball I could drive opposite field and was lucky to get the pitch I wanted," Cruz said of his heroics. "It felt really good. This series is so important if we want a chance to make playoffs. Every game is huge. We've been struggling, but hopefully a win like this gets us going."

The Caps wouldn't have been in the bottom of the ninth situation, though, if it wasn't for the heroics of left fielder Larry Bigbie as well, as the slugger crushed a two-run opposite field home run in the sixth and an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4 in the eighth.

Caps starting pitcher Alexander Francisco was in the zone on Thursday, as he gave up four runs on just five hits while striking out 10 Vipers. One of his only mistakes was a two-run home run hit by Calgary first baseman Brent Metheny, who also had two hits and two runs scored on the night. Chad Blackwell picked up the win for Edmonton with a scoreless ninth.

The provincial rivalry will have grown significantly by the time Monday rolls around, as the Caps and Vipers play each other five more times in the next four days. Friday, Saturday and Monday's games start at 7 p.m., but Sunday's double-header starts at 2 p.m., as the teams have to make up a game that was rained out in Calgary on July 26.

The opening game of the series was another edition of 4 for $44 Thursdays, as fans were able to buy four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi products for just $44. It was also Back To School Night at the ballpark, as the first 500 kids through the gates received an Edmonton Capitals lunch bag.

And the fun is just getting started for Caps fans, as Friday's game is the final edition of Safeway Fireworks Friday for the season, with a spectacular fireworks display scheduled immediately following the final out. Saturday is the last EZ Rock Saturday Night Movies of the year, as "The Rookie" will be played in centre field on a giant big screen following the game, and fans are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and get comfortable.



Golden Baseball League Stories from August 19, 2010


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