Sports stats



Homers Power Peanuts

July 17, 2007 - South Coast League (SCL)
Aiken Foxhounds News Release


AIKEN, S.C. - Left-handed hitting Steve Butler and Mike Caruso each hit their first home run of the season Tuesday night at Roberto Hernandez Stadium to power the visiting South Georgia Peanuts (38-12, 5-1) past the Aiken Foxhounds (25-27, 3-4) 3-2 in game two of a three-game series.

Caruso's blast, a solo shot off of Aiken's Brian Grivalja (1-3) with one out in the top of the eighth, broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Peanuts the lead for good.

With the Foxhounds leading 1-0 in the seventh, Aiken reliever David Martinez allowed a leadoff single to Curtis Goodwin. After the southpaw retired the next two hitters, South Georgia manager Wally Backman sent right-handed Kyle Keen to the plate to pinch-hit. Aiken manager Chris Bando countered, bringing in right-handed Mark Dewey in from the bullpen. To finish off the interesting coaching battle, Backman sent the left-handed hitting Butler to the plate in favor of Keen.

Butler made his manager look smart, hitting a 1-1 pitch from Dewey just over the wall in right for a 2-1 lead.

Aiken had tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI double off the bat of Garth McKinney.

The game was a pitchers' duel early on as Aiken starter Anthony Telford and South Georgia hurler Dumas Garcia cruised through the respective opposing lineups.

Garcia, who entered the game with a 6-1 record, easily worked through the first three innings allowing just one hit and striking out three.

The hard-throwing right-hander found some trouble in the bottom of the fourth. Chad Miller led off with a double before Garcia began to experience what looked to be a blister problem. The injury affected his control, and both Kelly Hunt and Bradley Key walked to load the bases. After Ben Bando struck out, Tim Sweeney hit a liner to right that Doc Brooks caught with a diving grab. Miller scored from third on the sacrifice fly, but Brooks' catch saved Garcia from further damage and Aiken held just a 1-0 lead.

For the second straight start, Telford was dominant on the mound for the 'Hounds. The hurler who doubles as Aiken's pitching coach worked his way through six innings without allowing a run. Telford scattered seven hits while walking none and striking out six before leaving in line for the win.

Garcia also took a no-decision, allowing just the one run on four hits in six innings of work. He also walked four while striking out seven.

Caruso finished 3-for-4 to lead the Peanuts' 11-hit attack. Ben Bando's three-game home run streak came to an end for Aiken, but the first baseman did collect three hits in four at-bats.

The Foxhounds and the Peanuts return to Hernandez Stadium at 7:05 PM on Wednesday night to conclude their three-game series.

• Discuss this story on the South Coast League message board...

South Coast League Stories from July 17, 2007


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.

Other Recent Aiken Foxhounds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central