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Charleston Dirty Birds

Charleston Alley Cats Newsletter

April 14, 2004 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


Cats Take Three of Four to Begin SAL Campaign

The Charleston Alley Cats began the 2004 season in style by breezing past the Delmarva Shorebirds. After dropping the opener on April 8th, the Cats went on to take the remaining three games of the weekend. Strong pitching and timely hitting paced the team throughout the series.

The Alley Cats were slow out of the gates on the final opening night in the 55-year history of historic Watt Powell Park. They were held hitless through the first 5 1/3 innings as they fell behind 6-0. Eric Arnold broke up the no-hitter with a sharp single to left field with one out in the 6th. The Cats recorded two runs in the 6th and single runs in both the 8th and 9th frames. The home team brought the tying run to the plate in each of the last two innings. Each time, the Cats were unsuccessful in driving home the equalizer. The Alley Cats could only muster five hits in falling 6-4. Starting pitcher Danny Core took the loss.

On Friday night, the pitching staff took matters into their own hands. Starting pitcher Justin James and relievers Davis Romero and Mark Sopko combined to strike out 19 Delmarva Shorebirds in the 4-3, 10-inning victory. James recorded 10 Ks in just 5 1/3 innings of work. The Cats jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second behind RBI singles from Morrin Davis and Ryan Roberts followed by a sacrifice fly from Willie Rivera. They squandered a number of opportunities to widen the lead as they stranded 15 base runners on the night. The game was knotted at three heading into bottom of the 10th frame. A bunt single by Rivera loaded the bases and one batter later, Juan Peralta chopped a groundball to second to force home the winning run.

The Alley Cats got a big boost on Saturday night from an unexpected source. Shaun Marcum, who was recently moved from the closer role, was brilliant in his first start in the minor leagues. After surrendering a single run in the first inning, Marcum settled in and silenced the Delmarva bats en route to a 7-3 win. In seven innings of work he gave up just one earned run on four hits with four strikeouts and no walks. All this during a very efficient 74-pitch outing. The offensive stars of the night were Joey Wolfe who was 2-3 with 3 RBIs and Clint Johnston who was 2-2 with two driven in.

The Easter Sunday matinee provided some fireworks for those in attendance. Delmarva jumped out in front 2-0 with single runs in both the first and fifth innings. The Alley Cats would briefly take a 3-2 lead in the seventh highlighted by a two-run Christian Snavely blast onto the railroad tracks behind right center field. The visitors tied the game in the eighth and for the second time in the series the game would head to extra frames. It would stay tied until the bottom of the 12th when Charleston native and former West Virginia State standout David Smith strode to the plate with two outs and two runners on. Still looking for his first hit of the season, Smith delivered with a three run walk-off homer for the 6-3 win. Brad Esarey picked up the win in relief.

Greensboro (4/20-4/23) and Asheville (4/24-4/27)

Next on the List of Alley Cat Victims! The Charleston Alley Cats next home stand is jam packed with fun and exciting promotions. Join us on Tuesday April 20th for our first Two-for-Tuesday of the 2004 season. All draft and fountain beverages throughout the stadium will be two for the price of one. The very next night, Wednesday April 21st, the Alley Cats front office staff will be proud to present the return of Weenie Wednesday. On this night hot dogs will be $.50. Come out for our second ever Lazy Man's Thursday on Thursday April 22nd. While the Cats battle it out on the field, feel free to be as lazy as you want in the stands. Michelob Ultras will be $1 and we will cater to the laziest of Alley Cat fans. Friday April 23rd is "I'm Not Running for Governor" Night. Anyone attending the game that can honestly say "I'm not running for Governor," will get into the game for half price. However, all gubernatorial candidates will be forced to pay double the regular ticket price Join us on Sunday April 25th for our Sunday Social presented by United Valley Bell. Kids run the bases after the game followed by free ice cream sundaes. The Cats close out the home stand in style with another Two-for-Tuesday promotion on April 27th.

All games during the week and on Saturday begin at 6:05pm. Gates open at 5:05pm. Sunday games are at 2:05pm. Gates open at 1:05pm.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 14, 2004


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