C's handle Hops 5-3, hope for best down in Boise
July 22, 2018 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Vancouver Canadians News Release
Vancouver Canadians LHP Randy Pondler
(Vancouver Canadians, Credit: Mark Steffens/Fotoguy)
(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, B.C.) - A two-run double from RF McGregory Contreras in the bottom of the 6th inning scored both 1B Jake Brodt and SS Jesus Severinoproving to be Sunday's big blow as Vancouver won its fourth game in the past five to keep its slim first-half pennant aspirations alive with a 5-3 victory over Hillsboro on Sunday afternoon. The win moved the Canadians to within just a half-game of North Division leading Everett with one game to play Monday night.
Vancouver entered Sunday's game needing to win and then win again on Monday - and have that combine with two straight losses from Everett down in Boise, ID. which seemed to be a tall order considering the Canadians are facing the Hillsboro Hops, owners of the Northwest League's best overll record, but with Sunday's 5-3 victory, have now taken three of four from the South Division pennant holders.
Vancouver opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning when 2B Nick Podkul hit his 2nd home run of the season off Hillsboro starter RHP Matt Tabor who went three innings allowing just the one run.
Hillsboro would score a lone run in the top of the 3rd and 5th innings to grab their first lead of the afternoon but in the home half of the 5th inning, C Yorman Rodriguez would ground out with CF Otto Lopez at third base bringing that game even at 2-2.
The Hops would stubbornly regain the lead in the top of the 6th inning when a double from 1B Francis Martinez scored SS Jose Caballero, but the Canadians would answer back in the bottom of the 6th with Contreras' two-run double that gave the C's a 4-3 lead. Vancouver tacked on a run in the bottom of the 8th inning on an RBI single from RF Brandon Polizzi to help secure the 19th victory of the season for the Canadians.
LHP Randy Pondler finally managed his 1st win of the season after four defeats as the native of Nicaragua went six innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs. RHP Fitz Stadler went a pair of scoreless innings on three hits before LHP Nick Allgeyer went a scoreless 9th to secure his first professional save and give the Canadians the 5-3 victory.
With the win, Vancouver (19-18) wins the five-game series against Hillsboro (23-14) with only Monday's finale remaining at 7:05pm. Vancouver will send RHP Josh Winckowski (2-3, 3.45) to the mound in hopes of it mattering based on Sunday's results down in Boise.
Note: Podkul's home run "Slugged The Mug" out at Scotiabank Field on Sunday meaning that all 6,413 fans received a voucher for a free A&W Teen Burger & Frosty Root Beer at any participating A&W Restaurant.
Tickets remain available for Monday's game (July 23) set 7:05pm by calling 604.872.5232, online at www.canadiansbaseball.com or by visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium at 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.
Images from this story
 Vancouver Canadians LHP Randy Pondler (Mark Steffens/Fotoguy) |
Northwest League Stories from July 22, 2018
- Everett Wins First-Half Title and Beats Boise 5-1 - Boise Hawks
- C's Stay Afloat, Clinch Series from Hops - Hillsboro Hops
- C's handle Hops 5-3, hope for best down in Boise - Vancouver Canadians
- AquaSox Bats Cooled in Boise - Everett AquaSox
- C's Edge Hops with Late Run to Stay Alive in North Race - Hillsboro Hops
- Dust Devils Fall in Extras - Tri-City Dust Devils
- C's keep post-season hopes alive after 3-2 win - Vancouver Canadians
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