Close Game Decided in Ninth

Published on June 1, 2011 under North American League (NAmL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


In a close back and forth game the Calgary Vipers were defeated 5-4 by the Edmonton Capitals before 4137 fans at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. Featuring five different ties and a pair of lead changes either team held more than a one run lead throughout the contest. After falling behind early Calgary took a 3-2 lead in the fifth only to have Edmonton respond in the sixth to restore the advantage and force the Vipers to tie the game in the eighth before the Capitals walked off with the victory in the ninth inning.

On the mound Mark Michael got the start for Calgary and was solid in throwing five and a third innings giving up three earned runs and striking out five. Out of the bullpen Rob Naegele threw a scoreless inning and two-thirds, Chris Bodishbaugh tossed a scoreless inning, and J.J. Whetsel (0-1) took the loss by allowing a run in the final frame. Edmonton's Bartolome Fortunato (1-0) recorded the victory with a scoreless top of the ninth after a lead off walk and a double play turned behind him.

At the plate Calgary collected 12 hits but also hit into four double-plays. Jonny Kaplan led the way by going three-for-four.

"We lost the game on offense early when we left too many runners in scoring position especially with two outs but we pitched well enough to win." remarked manager Morgan Burkhart.

Edmonton opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Matt Rogelstad walked, moved to second base on a throwing error, and scored on a two out Alex Chavez run batted in single for a 1-0 lead.

Calgary tied the game in the fourth frame as Drew Miller singled, Kevin Price walked, and Brian Rios knocked in a run with a base hit for a 1-1 score.

The Capitals retook the lead in the bottom of the inning when Chavez doubled and pitcher Daryl Arreola lined a two-out slider to left field for a RBI and 2-1 game.

The Vipers took their first lead in the fifth as Jonny Kaplan singled, Wilver Perez drove in a run with a triple, and Jimmy Rohan pushed across one with a base hit for a 3-2 score.

Edmonton restored the lead in the bottom of the sixth frame when Chavez singled, scored on a Lou Santangelo RBI double, and Arreola drove in another run with a swinging bunt for a 4-3 game.

Calgary again tied the game in the eighth inning as Miller walked, Justin Tellam singled, and a fielding error advanced Miller to third base where he scored on a Price sacrifice fly for a 4-4 score.

In the bottom of the ninth the Capitals won the game when Enrique Cruz doubled, was sacrificed to third by Pete Tountas, and Cruz scored on a wild pitch for a 5-4 final.

Calgary continues this series in Edmonton against the Capitals on Thursday June 2nd at 7:00.

The Vipers return home to Calgary and Foothills Stadium on Monday June 6th at 6:30 as they host the Edmonton Capitals and tickets will all be priced at $5.00. The teams will play again on Toonie Tuesday June 7th at 6:30 and Wiener Wednesday June 8th at 6:30 where it will also be $5.00 Student Night. The Vipers welcome the Chico Outlaws on Thursday June 9th at 6:30 for Latino Night with $4.00 Margaritas, on Friday June 10th at 6:30 for Country Day with the first pitch coming off a horse from Griffin Valley Ranch along with ponies and live music by Jacquie Drew, on Saturday June 11th at 5:05 for Pack the Park and Magnet Schedule giveaway, and on Sunday June 12th at 1:35 with a $60.00 Family Pack (4 upper bowl tickets, 4 drinks, 4 hot dogs, and a program).

Flex packs, mini packs, and individual game tickets are available at 2255 Crowchild Trail Northwest, 403-277-2255, or www.calgaryvipers.com.

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North American League Stories from June 1, 2011


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