Grapes Finish off Pacifics to Even Season Series
June 11, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The Pacifics turned to their ace on Sunday, hoping to halt a two-game skid, but it was the aggressive base running of the Grapes, and not the Pacifics' big right hander that made the difference in the ballgame.
The Grapes took the extra base when they could, made the most of sloppy Pacifics defense, and won their third consecutive game, 5-1, on a sunbathed afternoon at Albert Park.
Mark McCowski had two hits, scored a run for the Grapes (3-3) and stole home in a four-run fourth inning to hand Durkin (1-1) his first loss of the season.
For the second straight game, the Pacifics rallied to bring the tying run to third in the ninth inning. The Pacifics had Grapes closer Marquis Pettis' back against the wall as they loaded the bases in the ninth in a one-run game. Woodard (4 for 5, RBI) doubled in Detwiler, and a pinch-hit single by Tomochika Tsuboi brought San Rafael within one, before catcher Matt Alton roped a liner that was caught by the first baseman Lewis to end the game and preserve the three game sweep.
Durkin pitched well enough to win, allowing four runs (two earned), and saw his defense commit four errors behind him.
Steve Detwiler had another big day going 3 for 4 with a run, and a stinging line drive caught by Grapes left fielder George Bann. Maikel Jova drove in his league-leading 10th RBI, but Sonoma County starter Dustin Crenshaw shut down the Pacifics, allowing one run, while scattering eight hits over 7 2/3 innings of work, and two strikeouts. His biggest pitch of the game may have been the one he made to the red-hot Jova in the seventh. With two on and two out, Jova popped up to short stop. He departed with two outs and two on in the eighth after allowing a walk to Alton. "We had really good starting pitching and our bullpen really stepped up," said Grapes pitching coach Albie Lopez. "We're preaching ground balls, a lot of first pitch strikes, and fortunately today our starter (Dustin Crenshaw) went out there and gave us the win." Grapes Left-hander Ross Pomerantz - a Marin Academy alum - came on in relief for Crenshaw and threw one pitch to get centerfielder Zack Pace to fly out to shallow left field.
"I had to compete and battle and whatever happens, happens," said Pettis after finishing off a stressful ninth inning. "You cannot take it easy on us, we're here to play and bust our butts. We got the job done this series."
Tyler Finely's bases-loaded sac fly off of Julian Abrallo in the seventh to make it 5-1 proved to be the game-winning run.
• Discuss this story on the North American League message board...
North American League Stories from June 11, 2012
- Thunder takes second straight win over Wings - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Thunder Win Second Straight - McAllen Thunder
- Opening Game in Abilene Postponed - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Prairie Dogs Washed Out - Abilene Prairie Dogs
- Colts-Cats Series Opener Rained Out - San Angelo Colts
- Colts Trade De La Garza to Abilene - San Angelo Colts
- Grapes Finish off Pacifics to Even Season Series - San Rafael Pacifics
- Weik and De La Garza scorch San Angelo - Abilene Prairie Dogs
- Prairie Dogs Beat Colts, 9-5 - San Angelo Colts
- Roadrunners Split Series with Cats - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Cats Win 5-1 on Late Inning Heroics - Fort Worth Cats
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.
