Elks fall to Cowlitz Black Bears in 11 innings in 2013 Home Opener
June 14, 2013 - West Coast League (WCL)
Bend Elks News Release
Bend, OR - Derek Dixon hit an RBI triple in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra innings, but the Bend Elks couldn't hold on, falling to the Cowlitz Black Bears by a final score of 4-2 in 11 innings.
The Elks had a difficult time getting anything going against Jon Bjorklund, the Black Bears starter, as he pitched 8 shutout innings and left the game with a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the 9th, Tyler Servais drew a one out walk and was followed by Dixon, who launched a fastball into the right center field gap that bounced against the wall, allowing Servais to score from first and tie the game at 1.
In the top of the 11th, Austin Grebeck and Taylor Bryant singled back to back to put runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out against Elks pitcher Tanner Ring. After a groundout that moved the runners up and an intentional walk loaded the bases with one away, Corey Van Domlin singled to break the tie and make the game 2-1.
That would not be all of the scoring as Michael Jordan came on in relief of Ring, as Slate Miller came through with his first hit of the ballgame against Jordan that scored one before Justin Erlandson cut the runner Aquilar down at the plate trying to score from 2nd for out number 2. Another run would come to score on an error by Elks shortstop Keach Ballard, making the game 4-1.
In the bottom of the 11th, Curtis Wildung came in as a pinch hitter and doubled to lead off the inning, and Turner Gill singled him in with 2 away to cut the Cowlitz lead to 2 before Grant Newton grounded out in a controversial ending to complete the game.
The Elks will look to even the series tomorrow against the Black Bears in Game 2 of the 3 Game Series, 6:35 first pitch.
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West Coast League Stories from June 14, 2013
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- Elks fall to Cowlitz Black Bears in 11 innings in 2013 Home Opener - Bend Elks
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