Game-Winning Hit In Bottom Of 13th For Osmani Garcia
Published on July 12, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
Friday, July 12, 2002 - Dunn Field, Elmira, NY
3B Osmani Garcia delivered the game-winning base-hit in the bottom of the 13th inning as the Elmira Pioneers were victorious in their first extra-inning game of the season. Garcia's base-hit to right-center with the bases loaded and nobody out brought in Norm Hutchins with the winning run.
Elmira is 1-0 in the 2nd half of the season and 26-20 overall. Brockton is 0-1 in the 2nd half, 23-23 overall.
Hutchins led the way for Elmira going 3-for-5 and making 2 fine catches in CF. Hutchins tracked down a deep drive to the warning track in left-center in the 8th inning denying Trevor Hall of extra bases and preventing a couple of runners from scoring the would-be winning runs.
Brian Jones had an infield single in the 13th inning rally and made two fine defensive plays. He hung onto the ball on a collision at the plate in the 3rd as Rod Smith gunned down Darrell Nicholas at the dish. Jones later made a diving catch in foul territory on a bunt pop-up in the 8th to help stymie a Rox rally.
In the bottom of the 13th Norm Hutchins greeted Brockton's 5th pitcher, Kevin Lynn (1-5) with a single flared into shallow CF. Brandon Pernell was hit by a pitch on the arm and Brian Jones got jammed but fought it off for an infield single squibbed to 3rd to load them up. Osmani Garcia won the game swinging at the first pitch and driving it to right-center.
Sean Brummett and Rodney Allen were engaged in a fine pitching duel through the opening innings of the ballgame. Brummett lasted into the 8th and wascharged with the lone Brockton run after he left when Chris Brown allowed a game-tying Sac-Fly to Saul Bustos scoring Nicholas.
Donnie Thomas spun shutout ball in the 9th and 10th retiring all 6 batters he faced. Winning pitcher RH Matt Pike (6-1) picked up his 4th win in a week and half working 3 strong innings (11th, 12th and 13th) of 1 hit shutout ball with 0 bb's and 4 K's.
Elmira touched Allen for a lone run in the 3rd with Garcia walking, movin to 3rd on a hit-and-run single by Bobby Hill and scoring on a Sac-Fly to SS caught over the shoulder running away from the field by Saul Bustos.
Elmira got Norm Hutchins around to 3rd base in the 10th inning on an infield single, stolen base and fly-out but Brian Jones flied out to end the threat.
Game 2 of the 3-game series is Saturday night at 7:05. Elmira has not announced their starting pitcher. Brockton will start RH Chris Hill (4-3, 4.23). Saturday's game is also Kazoo night....undeniably the biggest event ever to hit the Twin Tiers!!! Free Kazoo's to all fans while supplies last courtesy of Big Foote's and Big Fox.
Canadian American League Stories from July 12, 2002
- Game-Winning Hit In Bottom Of 13th For Osmani Garcia - Elmira Pioneers
- Poor Defense Downs Surf - Atlantic City Surf
- Black Bears Start Second Half with Win - Berkshire Black Bears
- Jackals Offer $5,000 to Whoever Can Survive the Stadium - New Jersey Jackals
- Jackals Finish First Half With 30-15 Record - New Jersey Jackals
- Bears Prepare for Second Half - Newark Bears
- Surf Trade for Garry Maddox, Jr. - Atlantic City Surf
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