CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

Gonzalez Walk-Off Caps Sixers Rally

Published on June 20, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Adolfo Gonzalez capped off a stunning four-run ninth inning comeback for Inland Empire with a two-run walk-off homer to deep left to win it 6-4 over the High Desert Mavericks in front of 5,287 on Friday.

With the 66ers trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, Mavs reliever Aaron Jensen (1-1) quickly got Preston Mattingly and Elian Herrera to pop out and strikeout. With two outs and nobody on, consecutive doubles to left by Trayvon Robinson and Pedro Baez brought the Sixers to within a run, 4-3. Pinch-hitter Steven Caseres wasted no time tying the game on a hard grounder just past the glove of Ian Bladergroen at first, allowing Baez to race home to tie the game on a close play at the plate. Adolfo Gonzalez, who hadn't hit a home run since May 21, deposited the 0-1 offering from Jensen onto Home Run Hill for the walk-off two-run jack.

High Desert scored all four of their runs in the first off 66ers starter Alberto Bastardo. After issuing a leadoff walk to Tyson Gillies, Edilio Colina grounded a single to left to put runners at first and second. Jamie McOwen extended his team-record hitting streak to 30 games, reaching on a bunt single. On the play, Baez threw wildly towards first, allowing Gillies to score, and moving Colina to third and McOwen to second. After Carlos Peguero drove home Colina on a groundout to Bastardo, Travis Scott slammed a homer to right to make it a 4-0 lead.

The Sixers scored one run each in the first and fifth with Baez playing a contributing role in each run. Mattingly led off the first with a walk and two batters later, Baez doubled him home. In the fifth, Baez lined a single to left and moved to second on a wild pitch by David Hume. In the same at bat with Hume facing Scott Van Slyke, Baez stole third and kept going around to score after a throwing error on the attempt by catcher Jose Yepez. Baez finished the night 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Mario Alvarez (1-0) picked up the win for Inland Empire allowing no runs and no hits while striking out two in the final 2 1/3 innings.

Jensen, who hadn't allowed a run in 11 appearances since May 17, took the loss after blowing the save, he is now 0-for-3 in save opportunities this season with the Mavericks.

The 66ers (31-37) look to earn a series victory over the Mavs at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday. Josh Wall (0-2, 5.35) gets the start for Inland Empire while Nathan Adcock (4-3, 4.10) takes the hill for the Mavericks. Following the game there will be a postgame fireworks show. For tickets or more information visit www.66ers.com, the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino, or call (909) 888-9922.

Check out the Inland Empire 66ers Statistics

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California League Stories from June 20, 2009


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