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Fielders Snap Losing Streak with Win in Road Trip Finale

July 3, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Lake County Fielders News Release


Chico, California - The Lake County Fielders (20-12) had aspirations of achieving 20 wins in their 32-game road trip to begin the 2011 season, but it took until the final game to accomplish that feat. The Fielders snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Chico Outlaws (13-19), 12-8, on Saturday night. The win, coupled with Maui's win over Edmonton, brought the Fielders to within one-half game of first place in the North Division of the North American League.

The Outlaws struck first in the bottom of the first inning. Chico right fielder Jake Rife singled, then stole second base, and came around to score on a single by centerfielder Chris Lubanski. That would be the first and only time that the Outlaws would lead the game.

In the top of the 2nd inning, the Fielders had their most prolific inning of offense this season. With two outs, Matthew Redding and Dan Blewett both singled. Then, Brandon Newton hit an RBI double to tie the game at 1-1. Rex Rundgren walked to load the bases and Lino Garcia drew a walk as well, giving the Fielders a 2-1 lead. Up came Argelis Nunez, who hit a soft grounder through the right side of the infield and into right field. Nunez brought home two runs on his single, to make it 4-1 Fielders. It was C.J. Ziegler's turn to hit, and he made Chico starting pitcher Demetrius Banks pay dearly. Ziegler blasted his 13th home run of the season, sending it over the wall in right-center field, plating three runs and giving the Fielders a 7-1 lead. The seven runs were the most scored in a single inning so far this season.

Chico got two runs back on a two-run home run by left fielder Kurt Steinhauer, cutting the Fielders' lead to 7-3. But, the Fielders would later add to their lead in the top of the 4th inning. Newton led off the inning with a triple to the alley in left-center and scored on a sacrifice fly by Rundgren. Garcia and Nunez both singled, and Ziegler drew a walk to load the bases. Matt Mansilla followed by clearing the bases with a three-run double, giving the Fielders an 11-3 lead.

The eight-run cushion was enough for Blewett to work with, as he started for the Fielders for the first time in almost two weeks. The team's off days had cut into Blewett's spot in the rotation, but as the game progressed he was working like a well-oiled machine. Blewett (4-1) retired 13 out of 14 batters faced, starting from the last out in the bottom of the 2nd all the way through the end of the 6th inning, including a trio of 1-2-3 innings in the 3rd, 5th and 6th innings. The streak was snapped after he gave up a leadoff home run to Chico first baseman Brian McFall, making it an 11-4 Fielders lead. Blewett exited the game after seven innings pitched, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one.

Fielders reliever Evan Kohli came in for some easy work in the game's final two innings, but a determined Chico Outlaws team managed to keep it close. Rife singled in a run in the bottom of the 8th inning, to make it an 11-5 game. The Fielders got that run back in the top of the 9th inning, as Kohli scored on a one-out single by Rundgren, making it 12-5 Lake County.

But in Kohli's second inning of work, he issued a leadoff walk to Chico third baseman Adam Buschini and a single to McFall. With two on and nobody out, Steinhauer singled in a run. After a single loaded the bases for Chico, Kohli caught a break getting a double play groundout off the bat of Chico shortstop Jay Pecci. Kohli sacrificed one more run in exchange for the two outs. Unfortunately, Chico second baseman Bobby Hill hit a double to score another run, cutting the deficit to just 12-8. In no desire to risk giving up more runs, Fielders manager Tim Johnson took Kohli out of the game, inserting Ryan Carr, who threw just one pitch to get Rife to fly out and end the game.

The Fielders head back home for the first time in nearly six weeks, as they host the Yuma Scorpions in a seven-game series. The Fielders' home opener is Sunday, July 3rd at 6:30pm. The gates at Fielders Stadium in Zion, IL will open at 5:15pm.

In celebration of Opening Day, the Fielders will offer several pregame and post-game activities in honor of their second season. The Ceremonial Band and the Color Guard from the Naval Base at Great Lakes, who are celebrating their 100th Anniversary this week, will provide pre-game entertainment as well as present the National Anthem. Immediately following the game will be a fireworks show brought to you by USA Pyrotechnics.

For those attending the home opener, ticket booths have been placed at both the 1st base and 3rd base entrances, tickets may be redeemed or purchased at either location. Also, parking areas directly on site along both the Green Bay Rd. and Route 173 entrances have been increased to allow a considerable amount of extra parking, fans may also utilize the parking lot south of the stadium just across Route 173.

Tickets for the opening series, including the home opener and the 4th of July are still available. Don't forget, general admission tickets are just $3 this week! Call 847-731-8000 to make sure to reserve your seats!

If you are unable to make it to Sunday's home opener, you can listen to the game on 1220 AM WKRS or online at fieldersbaseball.com or wkrs.com.

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