Cats' Bats Explode for 17 Hits, Take Game One in San Angelo
September 5, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
SAN ANGELO, TX - - Fort Worth starter Blake Nation struggled in his first postseason start, yet the offense for the Cats gave plenty of run support as Fort Worth took game one on the road, 11-7, over the Colts Tuesday night at Foster Field.
A double for Colts left fielder Cory Patton drove in two runs for San Angelo, who quickly took a two run lead to begin the postseason. However, the Cats quickly tied the game in the next frame when third baseman CJ Beatty drove in shortstop Brandon Jones. That was followed by a single by catcher Derek Marshall. Designated hitter Scott Dalrymple lined a hit down the third base line for a double to score Beatty.
The game lead went back and forth throughout the first four frames, as the Colts retook the lead the very next inning when center fielder Jason Martin blooped an RBI single.
The top of the third saw three more runners cross the plate after second baseman Antoin Gray hit a homerun to center to put Fort Worth ahead 5-3.
Blake Nation was clearly frustrated throughout his start, as the Colts had ten hits through the first four innings, including six runs and two home runs off the big righty from Georgia. After an error with two outs in the fifth inning by left fielder Chad Gabriel, his first mishap of 2012, manager Curtis Wilkerson decided to put in reliever Kane Holbrooks. The right hander would pitch two and one-thirds innings, allowing one unearned run.
Fort Worth would take the lead for good in the seventh inning when Brandon Jones, the leader in homers for the 2012 season, hit a three-run blast to left center. Jones would end up going three-for-five with three runs.
Every single batter for the Cats had at least one hit besides center fielder RJ Harris. The most production came from the 4-6 spots in the lineup as Jones, Ruiz, and Beatty went a combined nine-for-fourteen with five RBIs.
The best of three series now shifts to Fort Worth as the Cats need just one more win to advance to the United League championship. Game two is Wednesday Night at 7:05, with Trevor Harden making the start on the hill for the Cats. Tickets can be purchased online at FWCats.com or by phone at (817) 332-CATS.
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North American League Stories from September 5, 2012
- Colts Swept out of Postseason - San Angelo Colts
- Roadrunners Head to Championship Series - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Roadrunners Sweep WhiteWings, End RGV's Season - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Cats' Bats Explode for 17 Hits, Take Game One in San Angelo - Fort Worth Cats
- Colts Lose Game One to Cats - San Angelo Colts
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