Hot Hitters Support Pitching as Bears Win Home Opener
June 21, 2012 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Yakima Bears News Release
The Yakima Bears won the home opener at Yakima County Stadium 8-2 Wednesday night against Salem-Keizer. The Bears now have back-to-back wins and are still tied for first in the Northwest League's East Division standings.
After the Bears fell behind 1-0 in the second inning, Joe Loftus doubled for his first professional hit and Jacob House singled to set the stage for a two-run triple by Kevin Medrano. Josh Parr led off the third with a single and Shaun Cooper doubled behind him to put two runners in scoring position. Parr came home on a Jimmy Comerota sacrifice fly and Cooper scored on another Loftus double. Loftus scored a run in the fifth after reaching on a walk, advancing on a House single, stealing third, and crossing the plate thanks to a Ronnie Freeman single. Cooper plated Medrano, who had reached on a single to lead off the inning, with a double in the sixth and scored himself on a Comerota single. The Bears final run came on an error after Yogey Perez-Ramos tripled to start the eighth.
The offense had six extra-base hits in five games entering the night and matched that number Wednesday at Yakima County Stadium. Loftus and Cooper both hit two doubles. Perez-Ramos and Medrano each tripled. Cooper's 3-for-4 night led the way, but Loftus, House, Freeman, and Medrano all finished with two-hit games. In all, the Bears collected 14 hits in the victory.
The pitching was just as impressive. Starter Alex Capaul got the win after giving up just one earned run in five and two thirds innings. Blake Perry made his 2012 Northwest League debut the night he joined the team by retiring five consecutive batters on strikeouts in two and a third scoreless innings. Victor Capellan pitched the final frame without allowing a run. The three pitchers combined to strikeout 10 batters.
The Bears continue the five-game homestand against Salem-Keizer with a 7:05 Thursday night game. Fans who normally listen to the Bears on 1460 ESPN Yakima should instead tune to 1280 KIT Thursday night due to NBA Finals coverage on 1460. Right-handed pitchers Miguel Pena of the Bears and Joan Gregorio of the Volcanoes are expected to start.
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Northwest League Stories from June 21, 2012
- Boise Hawks lifted to 5-4 victory - Boise Hawks
- Attention Cancer Survivors - Free Tickets - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Sellout Crowd Sees Vancouver Rally Come Up Short - Vancouver Canadians
- Hot Hitters Support Pitching as Bears Win Home Opener - Yakima Bears
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