Despite Shortened Game, Cats Win Big 11-2
Published on May 28, 2012 under North American League (NAmL)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
The Fort Worth Cats, behind a stellar three run, four RBI performance from left fielder Chad Gabriel, defeated the McAllen Thunder 11-2 Monday night at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, TX. The game was called after a 23 minute delay in the fifth inning due to threatening severe weather heading for LaGrave Field.
Cats' starter Blake Nation had a comfortable ride through his five inning, complete game outing after his offense went up 7-2 in the second inning.
"I didn't have to go out there and throw perfect pitches. It was a huge relief," Nation said. "It's easier to pitch when you're knowledgeable and you have a good lead."
Nation allowed two runs on five hits and also struck out four. However, Nation had some control issues, giving up four walks and three wild pitches. Thunder starter Sean Keeler suffered the loss in his short two inning start. Keeler gave up seven runs on nine hits.
All nine batters in Fort Worth's lineup reached base against McAllen with eight of the nine reaching on hits. The Cats' leading hitter was Gabriel who was a triple away from the cycle through five innings. First baseman Jose Ruiz also went 3-for-4 with two runs and two runs batted in.
I wanted to take it a pitch at a time and see the ball the best I could," Gabriel said. "With our lineup, it's going to be someone new every day."
Cats manager Curtis Wilkerson was ejected in the third inning after arguing a towering hit down right field by John Dziomba that was ruled foul by home plate umpire Nick Gonzalez.
Center fielder Craig Hertler was responsible for most of the scoring for McAllen scoring the first run himself and then snagged an RBI off a bases loaded walk from Nation.
The Cats came out with a chip on their shoulder after allowing McAllen to win their first game of the season on Sunday night. McAllen's record falls to 1-5 and the Cats' improve their record to 4-2. Fort Worth and McAllen meet again for the third game in their series Tuesday night at 7:05 at LaGrave Field.
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