Cochran pitches Tornadoes to victory
Published on June 17, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
WORCESTER - Behind strong pitching from Tom Cochran (pictured) and a pair of RBIs from Scott Grimes and Mike MacMillan, the Worcester Tornadoes cruised to a 4-1 win over the Brockton Rox on Tuesday evening at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.
Cochran was impressive, tossing eight brilliant innings for his fourth win of the season. He only allowed three hits and one walk while striking out nine. Grimes finished 3-for-4 with a home run to up his league-leading batting average to .444. B.J. Weed continued his torrid pace with a 2-for-4 effort, both hits being doubles. MacMillan was 1-for-4 with two RBIs while Francisco Caraballo scored twice despite failing to gain a hit. John Birtwell closed it out with a scoreless ninth inning for his sixth save.
Caraballo had a strong at-bat to lead off the second inning, battling back from an 0-2 hole to draw a walk. Alex Trezza and Chuck Jeroloman followed with singles and Caraballo crossed the plate on a MacMillan fielder's choice for the 1-0 lead.
The Tornadoes doubled their lead in the fifth with some opportunistic hitting for the 2-0 advantage. With two outs, Weed hit a bloop to right field that dropped between second baseman Melvin Falu and right fielder Tony Gonzalez. For Weed, it marked his sixth extra base hit (five doubles, one home run) in his last 11 at bats. Grimes made it count when he followed with a rip to left field, scoring Weed.
Brockton lit the scoreboard in the sixth when Eugene Julien and Ervin Alcantara picked up the team's second and third hits of the game. Dominic Ramos followed with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Julien for the 2-1 score.
Worcester answered right back in the bottom of the inning behind MacMillan's second RBI of the game. His two-out single drove in Caraballo, who reached via his second walk.
Grimes made it 4-1 with a long solo home run to right-center field in the seventh inning. It was his fifth home run of the season to tie for the league lead (along with Caraballo and Brockton's Jud Thigpen).
Worcester continues its series with Brockton on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. Matt Weagle takes the hill for the Tornadoes. He will be opposed by Chris McDonough. As an added bonus, the first 1,000 fans receive a free Tornadoes' baseball cap! The state rivals close out the series on Thursday, which is $1 hot dog night! For tickets, call the Tornadoes' office at 508-792-2288 or crash the web at worcestertornadoes.com. All games can be heard live on NewsTalk 580 AM and 94.9 FM WTAG and online at www.wtag.com.
Canadian American League Stories from June 17, 2008
- Kelly garners POTW honors - New Jersey Jackals
- Surf rallies for win - Atlantic City Surf
- Can-Am Leage recap June 17 - Can-Am
- Rapidz lose big - Ottawa Voyageurs
- Skyhawks pull out dramatic win - Sussex Skyhawks
- Cochran pitches Tornadoes to victory - Worcester Tornadoes
- Rox can't overcome Cochran gem - Brockton Rox
- Can-Am League Teamline Direct Players Of The Week - Can-Am
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
