Former Pioneer Eric Estes Wins Albany-Colonie Debut 5-4
Published on July 8, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
Monday July 8, 2002 - Dunn Field, Elmira, NY
RH Eric Estes won his first game as an Albany-Colonie Diamond Dog and a late Pioneer comeback effort fell just short in a 5-4 setback Monday evening at Dunn Field in front of 1697 fans on DARE night.
Matt Pike (5-1) was pinned with his first loss of the season in just his 3rd start. Pike had won 3 relief games last week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and gave up only 1 earned run but 4 unearned runs in his 6ip. Justin Stine, Donnie Thomas and Julio Perez each spun an inning of shutout relief to keep the Pioneers within striking distance.
Brian Jones led the offense collecting 3 of the team's 8 hits. Jones was 3-for-4 with a double, rbi and run scored. Rafael Alvarez went 0-for-4 ending his 8-game hitting streak.
The Diamond Dogs (21-22) have won 9 of their past 11 games to pull within a game of .500. The Pioneers had won 4 of 5 but Elmira (23-20) is currently on a 2-game losing streak.
A-C took the initial lead in the top of the 3rd with a pair of runs. Jason Startari singled into the RF corner and with 2 outs advanced on a single up the middle by Miguel Vilorio. Former Pioneer Dan Singletary singled to right-center driving in Startari. Vilorio also scored on the play when the ball glanced off the glove of CF Norm Hutchins for an error.
Elmira tied it in the 3rd off Eric Estes (4-3) with Brian Jones doubling and then advnacing as Osmani Garcia reached on a dropped 3rd strike. Ron Bush doubled to right-center driving in Garcia.
With 2 runners on in the 4th on singles by Byron Ewing and Travis Silver, it appeared Pike got the final out on a fly to deep RF by Startari but the ball was dropped on the warning track by Rod Smith allowing both runners to score. Julio Zorrilla singled home Startari to complete the 3-run rally putting A-C up 5-2.
Elmira scored one in the 4th with Norm Hutchins singling to RF, stealing 2nd and scoring on a 2-out single up the middle by Jones. Elmira left a runner stranded at 3rd base in the 5th inning and also wasted Pedro Quero's lead-off double in the 6th failing to move up the runner.
Against Aric Leclair in the 9th Elmira got back top back singles with 1 out by Brandon Pernell and Brian Jones. Rolando Bello pinch-ran for jones but never advanced further than 1st. Pernell scored on a Sac-fly by Osmani Garcia and the game ended on a strikeout by PH Brian Baker.
Elmira continues their 6-game homestand Tuesday night at 7:05. Greg Keagle (3-5) goes up against Jason Von Haefen (3-2).
Canadian American League Stories from July 8, 2002
- Former Pioneer Eric Estes Wins Albany-Colonie Debut 5-4 - Elmira Pioneers
- Surf Edge Bluefish, 2-1 - Atlantic City Surf
- Surf Finishes First Half with 2-1 Victory; Sets Attendnace Mark - Atlantic City Surf
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