Four Run Lead Lost (game 2)
September 1, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Calgary Vipers News Release
Giving up an early four run lead the Calgary Vipers (1-1) were defeated by the Edmonton Capitals (1-1) in Game 2 of the North Division Championship Series at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. Lead 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning Calgary gave up three runs followed by two runs in each of the fifth and sixth inning. The Vipers bats meanwhile were stone cold against the Caps bullpen generating only two hits in five and a third innings after chasing the Edmonton starter in the fourth inning. Manny Ayala (0-1) took the loss after allowing 11 hits and five runs in four and two-third innings. With the loss the best of seven series is now tied at one game a piece.
Calgary opened the scoring in the top of the second inning when C.J. Ziegler singled, Chad Ehrnsberger walked, Lino Garcia advanced both runners with a groundout, and Drew Miller collected a run batted in groundout for a 1-0 advantage.
The Vipers added to their lead in the fourth as Ziegler doubled, Ehrnsberger reached on a fielding error, Garcia knocked in a run with a fielder's choice, Miller doubled while Garcia scored following a fielding error, and Miller scored from second base on a wild pitch for a 4-0 score.
Edmonton responded in the bottom of the fourth frame when Steve Brown followed by Rex Rundgren singled, Brandon Villafuerte laid down a sacrifice bunt, Matt Rogelstad collected a sacrifice fly, Enrique Cruz drove in a run with a base hit, Todd Linden singled, and Cruz scored on a wild pitch for a 4-3 game.
The Capitals took the lead in the fifth inning as J.D. Closser walked, Brown singled, Rundgren doubled for a RBI, and Carlos Duncan collected a RBI groundout for a 5-4 advantage.
In the sixth Edmonton continued to score when Linden hit a home run, Closser doubled, and Lou Santangelo singled in one for a 7-4 lead.
Calgary threatened in the ninth frame as Bryan Burke walked, Jonny Kaplan laid down a perfect bunt single, Rohan drove in a run while reaching on a fielding error, but with one out the two runners in scoring position were stranded for a 7-5 final.
The series shifts to Calgary and Foothills Stadium for Game 3 of the North Division Championship best of seven series on Thursday September 1st at 6:30 and on Friday September 2nd at 6:30 for Game 4. Game 5 will also be played in Calgary on Saturday September 3rd at 2:30.
If a Game 6 is necessary it will be back in Edmonton on Sunday September 4th at 2:00. If a Game 7 is necessary it will also take place in Edmonton on Tuesday September 6th at 7:00.
Tickets are available at 2255 Crowchild Trail Northwest or www.calgaryvipers.com.
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North American League Stories from September 1, 2011
- Caps Snakebit In Lopsided Game 3 Loss - Edmonton Capitals
- Damage Done in Four Innings - Calgary Vipers
- Colts Crossed Up - San Angelo Colts
- Wings Take 3-0 Lead, Blowout Colts - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Kings Pitch Way to Victory - Lake County Fielders
- Linden Leads Caps To Series-Tying Victory - Edmonton Capitals
- Four Run Lead Lost (game 2) - Calgary Vipers
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