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Fielders Win Walk off Opener

July 4, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Lake County Fielders News Release


In front of an eager and excited crowd, the Lake County Fielders opened up the home portion of their season tonight in walk off fashion.

Right fielder Quentin Luquette stepped into the batters box with the bases loaded in the 10th inning, and drove in the game winning RBI in a 3-2 win over the Yuma Scorpions.

"It was great to come home and get a win like that," Fielders manager Tim Johnson said. "These fans make a big difference."

Chris Thompson (2-4) got the win for the Fielders tonight despite a terrific pitching performance on the mound from starting pitcher Jino Gonzales, who struck out seven batters and gave up only two runs in 6.2 innings of work.

To begin the game, the Fielders' bats erupted in the first inning, as they had back-to-back-to-back doubles from Brandon Newton, Rex Rundgren and Lino Garcia to give the Fielders an early 2-0 lead.

Gonzales then went to pitch six scoreless innings, until he ran into some trouble in the 7th. Former Lake County Fielder Zach Larson scored on an RBI double by Beau Riportella, which cut the lead to 2-1. Greg Lane then came into relief for the Fielders, and gave up a bloop RBI single to Nelson Teilon to tie the game at 2-2.

After two scoreless innings, fans were treated to free baseball as the teams headed into extras.

Lino Garcia led off the 10th inning with a single, and Argelis Nuez followed with a double in the gap. With runners on second and third, the Scorpions intentionally walked C.J. Ziegler to load the bases for Matt Mansilla, who grounded into a fielder's choice. Then Luquette came to bat, and after his game-winning single, the celebration began.

As players huddled around Luquette at first base, Fielders fans cheered and celebrated with their home team, a team they have waited anxiously to see.

"A lot of people have been supporting us," Mansilla said. "It just feels great to get this win in front of the home crowd."

The win puts the Fielders (21-12) back into first place, as the Edmonton Capitals lost to the Chico Outlaws.

With the crowd, the team, the ballpark and the fireworks display, it's safe to say that everyone is happy to welcome home the Fielders.

"Great fans, great people, great atmosphere and a great stadium," Johnson said. "It was just a great game."

The Fielders take on Yuma tomorrow night at 7p.m., and fans will once again be treated to postgame fireworks.

Baseball is back in Lake County.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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