Defensive Miscues Cost Ports, Lose 3-2
Published on July 2, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.- For the seventh time this season, the Stockton Ports (28-49) committed four errors in a game, and the defensive mistakes proved costly Wednesday night, as the Ports lost 3-2 to the San Jose Giants (48-29) at Banner Island Ballpark.
The Ports also had two passed balls in the contest, including one in the top of the ninth which helped advance the winning run. The Ports left the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and were unable to overcome the Giants.
All three Giants runs were unearned in the contest. Starter Craig Italiano allowed two runs on four hits and struck out eight in 5.2 innings. When he exited the game, the Ports and Giants were locked in a 2-2 tie. Scott Hodsdon picked up the loss, allowing one run on one hit and striking out two in 3.0 innings. Dan Runzler picked up the win and Steve Edelfsen picked up his seventh save.
The San Jose Giants took a quick 1-0 lead in the second inning. Third baseman Conor Gillaspie reached first safely on an error by Frank Martinez. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Trent Kline. Then second baseman Nick Noonan singled, and Gillaspie crossed home to score. Center fielder Darren Ford popped out to end the inning.
The Ports responded by taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second. Center fielder Grant Desme walked to lead off the inning. First baseman Steve Kleen slammed his second home run since joining the Ports on June 25, a two-run shot that landed in the Ports bullpen in left field. Designated hitter Danny Putnam, who was added to the active roster from Triple-A Sacramento prior to the game, doubled to keep things rolling. The Giants put out the next two batters, but then Martinez hit an infield single to put runners on the corners. Shortstop Michael Richard struck out swinging to end the inning and strand both runners.
San Jose tied the game in the fourth inning. With two out, Noonan singled. He advanced to second on a passed ball while Ford was at-bat. Ford then hit the ball to Richard, who bobbled it. Ford reached first safely on the error, and Noonan came home to score the second run for the Giants. However, Ford came off the bag and was put out in a 3-4-1 rundown to end the frame.
In the top of the fifth, Italiano struck out the side after designated hitter Tyler Graham reached on an error, the fourth and final Stockton error of the contest.
Both the Ports and the Giants were held to just one hit apiece from the sixth to the eighth innings.
In the top of the ninth, the Giants pulled ahead, 3-2. Noonan walked to start the action for San Jose. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by pinch hitter Shane Jordan, and then advanced to third on a passed ball while Graham was at-bat. Graham hit a sacrifice fly to center field, and Noonan scored on the play. Bocock struck out to end the inning.
The Ports threatened in the bottom of the ninth, as the Giants brought on their closer Edelfsen, but the Ports were unable to score the tying run. Desme singled to lead off the inning and was followed on base by Kleen, who walked. Putnam flew out for the first out of the inning, but Desme advanced to third on the play. Left fielder Shane Keough then stepped up to the plate, and struck out. The third strike hit Keough and went past the catcher. Desme started to come home, but home plate umpire Bronson Martinez said the ball was dead since it hit Keough, so the runners had to return to the corners. Catcher Matt Smith then walked to load the bases with two out for Martinez. Martinez hit the ball to Edlefsen, who tagged first base for the force out to end the game.
Stockton left seven batters stranded in the contest, and went 1x8 with runners in scoring position.
The Ports will take on the Giants in Game 2 of the series at 7:05 p.m. RHP Scott Mitchinson (0-2, 4.82) will take the hill against LHP Scott Barnes (7-3, 3.44) in the match. The game is another Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark, and for the first time in stadium history, the Thirsty Thursday contest will feature post-game fireworks.
California League Stories from July 2, 2009
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