CalL1 Stockton Ports

Haviland Shines As Ports Win Tenth Straight

Published on August 18, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


The Stockton Ports (61-59) won their tenth straight game on Tuesday night, continuing their domination over South Division opponents, blanking the Lancaster JetHawks (48-72), 4-0. Shawn Haviland, Trey Barham and Paul Smyth combined for the shutout victory with great performances, and a late three-run inning helped secured the win for the Boys of Banner Island.

The victory tied the Bakersfield Blaze for first place in the second half North Division. The Ports remain 1.0 games back in the wild card race.

It was Stockton's second shutout victory of the season, and it's the first time the Ports have been 2.0 games above .500 since they were 4-2 following their win on April 14.

Haviland allowed just two hits in 6.0 innings, and struck out a season-high 11 batters. He picked up his eighth win on the year on Tuesday. Southpaw Patrick Urckfitz got the loss for Lancaster, although he turned in a solid performance as well. He struck out eight and allowed just one run on two hits in 7.0 innings. Barham tossed 1.2 scoreless frames and Smyth collected his 23rd save on the year with 1.1 shutout innings for Stockton.

Haviland struck out seven of the first 11 batters he faced, holding the JetHawks scoreless. Urckfitz retired the Ports in order over the first three frames to keep a tight hold on the Stockton offense as well.

The Ports were the first to score, taking a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Shortstop Grant Green ripped a triple off the right field wall to get things going in the fourth inning. He came around to score as third baseman Stephen Parker hit a sacrifice fly.

Haviland kept performing well, retiring the side in the fifth inning after an error by Parker. He struck out his final two batters to start the sixth inning before walking catcher John Curtis. Curtis was caught stealing while left fielder Andy Simunic was batting to end the inning.

Barham retired the side in order in the seventh, and got center fielder Jay Austin to hit into a double play in the eighth before right-handed Smyth was called on to face switch-hitting shortstop Jonathan Villar. Villar struck out to end the Lancaster eighth inning.

The Ports were able to put a base runner on the paths in the fifth and sixth innings, but left the runners stranded. The Stockton offense popped to life in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the Ports found success against Lancaster reliever Jose Trinidad.

Right fielder Jeremy Barfield singled to center field to start the eighth inning for Stockton. He moved to second as David Thomas hit a perfect sacrifice bunt. Designated hitter Brandon Pinckney then singled to left field. Ports manager Steve Scarsone waved Barfield around, and Barfield ran around third and made a move for home. Simunic threw the ball to Curtis, but Curtis dropped the ball as Barfield slid home. The error allowed Barfield to be safe at home and Pinckney to be safe at second. Left fielder Jermaine Mitchell then walked to put two on for Green. Green singled to center field to drive home Pinckney and put the Ports ahead, 3-0. An RBI single by Parker gave Stockton a 4-0 lead before Trinidad struck out the next two batters.

Smyth retired the JetHawks in order in the ninth to seal the victory.

Game 2 of the series will begin at 7:05 PM PST on Wednesday. LHP Ben Hornbeck (5-3, 5.03) will start for Stockton, while RHP Leandro Cespedes (2-4, 6.52) will take the mound for Lancaster. Fans can listen to the game live on KWSX 1280 AM or at stocktonports.com.

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California League Stories from August 18, 2010


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