Cats Rally Falls Short, Lose 6-3 to Abilene
June 14, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
Fort Worth, Texas--The Fort Worth Cats, who are synonymous with late-inning rallies, could not overcome the six run deficit that the Abilene Prairie Dogs laid on in the middle innings of Thursday's 6-3 loss at LaGrave Field. Cats' starter Blake Nation (2-1), who suffered the loss, had a no-hitter going through 2 2/3 innings but unraveled and allowed five runs on six hits over the next 2 1/3 innings. Nation walked four and struck out seven in his five innings of work.
Fort Worth, who is also known for having hot bats, only mustered up three late runs on six hits in Thursday's game. Only five Cats reached on base hits and first baseman Gabe Memmert was the only Cat to reach twice on hits.
All three Fort Worth runs were scored in the seventh inning. Left fielder Chad Gabriel could not keep the rally going and struck out with the bases loaded.
Abilene's offense, although balanced, was led by shortstop Wilson Batista who finished the game 2-for-5 with a run and two runs batted in. Every Prairie Dog reached base safely and only one didn't reach on a base hit.
Rookie third baseman Alex Guthrie led off the fourth inning with a solo homerun in only his second professional at bat.
Abilene starter Billy Petrick (2-0) earned the win after pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing all three Cats' runs on six hits. Petrick walked two and struck out seven.
Ray Silva, who was just added to the team today, picked up his first save of the season.
Abilene's record improves to 8-12 and they sit in fifth place in the South division of the North American League and are six games behind the first-place Cats. The Cats' record falls to 14-6 and their lead over the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings shortens to 2.5 games.
The Cats and Prairie Dogs face off again for game two of the four game weekend series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. at LaGrave Field.You can purchase tickets online or by phone at (817) 332-CATS.
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