Caps Lose Marathon Game 16-12
August 28, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Edmonton, AB - It was a tough loss for the Edmonton Capitals on Saturday night at TELUS Field in the third last game of the North American League regular season against the Calgary Vipers, as they lost 16-12 in a back-and-forth 10-inning affair.
The evening started with some hockey action at the ballpark, as the first 500 fans to enter the stadium were given a Michael St. Croix bobblehead to celebrate Oil Kings Night. The popular Oil Kings forward and 2011 New York Rangers draft pick was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and also joined teammates Dylan Wruck and Laurent Brossoit to sign autographs for eager fans on the concourse before the game.
It was all about offence for the Caps and Vipers during the first six innings on Saturday, as Calgary stormed out of the gate with a three-run first, a five-run second and a three-run sixth. The Caps were equal to the task, though, scoring twice in the first and fourth, and three times in the third and sixth to make it 11-10. They forced extra innings with the tying run in the seventh, but the Vipers exploded for five runs in the 10th to earn the win.
Vipers first baseman C.J. Ziegler had a colossal first two innings, hitting a three-run home run in the first and a grand slam in the second, finishing the game 4-for-4 with four runs and seven RBI. The Caps had some major offensive performances as well, as first baseman Brent Metheny and outfielder Todd Linden each crushed home runs and combined for six runs scored and six driven in on the night.
The Caps drop to 54-32 with the extra-innings loss, while the Vipers improve to 53-31 and regain first place in the North Division. There are no games separating the teams, but since Calgary has played fewer games as a result of rain-outs, they have a slightly higher winning percentage. The provincial rivals open their best-of-seven North Division Championship Series on Tuesday in Edmonton, with the eventual regular season division champion earning home-field advantage in the series.
The Caps and Vipers conclude their 2011 regular season schedule on Sunday with a 2 p.m. double-header. Two seven-inning games will be played, and it's Family Pack Sunday, as fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi for $52. It's also Canadian Tire Fan Appreciation Day, as the Caps will be bombarding their fans with prizes throughout the double-header, highlighted by a $250 Canadian Tire gift card.
The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer, featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Playoff tickets start at just $10 in advance and can be purchased 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).
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North American League Stories from August 28, 2011
- Edmonton Capitals Win NABL North Division Pennant - Edmonton Capitals
- WhiteWings Lose Regular Season Finale - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Calgary Vipers 5 Swept into Second Place - Calgary Vipers
- Roadrunners End Season on Three-Game Win Streak - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Down to the Final Game - Calgary Vipers
- Caps Lose Marathon Game 16-12 - Edmonton Capitals
- Spoiled Lead Survived - Calgary Vipers
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