Caps Sweep Opening Day Double-Header

May 29, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release


Calgary, AB - The Edmonton Capitals had to persevere through three straight days of rained-out games, but they finally opened their 2011 North American League schedule with a double-header on Sunday. And their patience paid off as they swept the provincial rival Calgary Vipers with 3-0 and 13-5 victories.

The Caps and Vipers were supposed to play a four-game series Thursday through Sunday at Foothills Stadium, but heavy rain in Calgary forced the first three games to be postponed, with the teams managing to play two seven-inning games back to back on Sunday, both won by Edmonton.

The first half of the double-header was a pitching duel between Edmonton's Lou Pote and Calgary's Garret Holleran, with both hurlers tossing complete games. Pote earned the victory, though, posting a shutout by only giving up three hits and two walks while striking out four Vipers. The Sherwood Park resident is the two-time defending Caps pitcher of the year.

The Caps offence only generated three hits as well, but they turned those hits into three runs. Centre fielder Todd Linden and right fielder Tom Collaro drove in runs with a sacrifice fly and a single, respectively, in the top of the third, while second baseman Alex Chavez hit a home run in the seventh. Chavez had two of Edmonton's three hits and also scored twice.

The second game was a completely different story, as the Caps offence exploded for 13 runs on 15 hits, led by catcher Nick Valdez who went 3-for-5 with four RBI. First baseman Brent Metheny and shortstop Enrique Cruz also had three-hit games, while Metheny also drove in three runs. Collaro and Linden each scored three times, while Metheny and Cruz crossed the plate twice. Second baseman Pete Tountas provided the only Edmonton home run, going deep in the fourth.

The Vipers scored three of their five runs on a Drew Miller home run given up by starting pitcher Alexander Francisco, who was otherwise fairly solid, scattering four earned runs and five hits through five innings while striking out a pair. Jorge Vasquez gave up one run in the sixth, while Chad Blackwell tossed a three-up-three-down seventh to complete the victory.

The Caps' 2011 Home Opener is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at TELUS Field against the provincial rival Vipers. It's the first CISN FM $2 Tuesday of the year, as all-you-can-drink slushies, nachos, popcorn, pretzels and fries are just $2 all game long! And stick around after the final out for post-game fireworks!

The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Season seats start at less than $9 per seat. Individual game tickets start at $10 in advance and can be purchased at the Capitals Box Office (10233 - 96 Ave) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, at any Ticketmaster location, online at capsbaseball.ca or via phone at 780-414-GOAL (4625).



North American League Stories from May 29, 2011


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