Keagle K's 14 and Quero Blasts 2 HR's in 12-5 Win
Published on August 24, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
Saturday, August 24 - Dunn Field, Elmira, NY
The Elmira Pioneers won their 4th straight in a 12-5 win over the New Jersey Jackals Saturday night at Dunn Field. Elmira carried a 12-0 lead into the 9th inning but relievers Kenji Iwahara and Brad Cook allowed the Jackals to break up the shutout with a 5-run rally in the 9th.
Before that it was a perfect night for the Pioneers at Greg Keagle (9-9) racked up a Pioneers season-high 14 strikeouts with 8 innings of 2-hit shutout ball. Pedro Quero led the offense with a pair of HR's and 2 doubles going 4-for-5 with 6 RBI's. Brian Jones launched his 9th HR of the season and Michael Coleman added a 2-run double in the onslaught.
Keagle has won 4 straight and 5 of his last 6 starts following a dismal 2 month stretch in which he went 1-8. Keagle had gone 0-3 vs. NJ heading into the night including an August 4th performance at Yogi Berra Stadium in which he allowed 10 earned runs in 4.1ip.
New Jersey has lost 3 straight for only the 2nd time this year and are in danger of being swept in a series for the first time this season. If Elmira makes the playoffs they will be paired with New Jersey in the opening round. The Jackals have the league's best record (58-25) but have been handcuffed at Dunn Field going 1-5 in the Twin Tiers. Elmira is 47-35, 12 gams over .500 for just the 2nd time this season.
The Pioneers lead the wildcard race by 1 gam over Adirondack. The Lumberjacks were rained-out at Berkshire and will play the Black Bears in a doubleheader Sunday afternoon.
Elmira trails New Jersey by 5.5 games in the divisional race but with only 8 games remaining.
Mike Bertotti (12-5) had a personal 7-game win streak ended as he allowed 8 earned runs in 5ip. Brian Jones launched a 3-run HR in the 2nd inning following a double by Pquero and a single by Mike Terhune. Quero hit a 3-run HR in the 3rd inning to double the lead to 6-0 following a walk of Alvarez and a single by Coleman.
Pedro Quero added a 2-run R in the 5th inning to increase the advantage to 8-0. Quero passed Alvarez for the team lead in HR's with 13.
Alvarez, Coleman and Quero strung together 3 straight doubles in a 3-runrall in the 7th to take the lead to 11-0. Rolando Bello singled and scored in the 8th on a single by Alvarez (following two wild pitches) to make it 12-0.
Kenji Iwahara was ineffective in the 9th in relief of Keagle. He issued 3 bases-loaded walks to allow NJ to get on the board at 12-3. Two more runs were charged to Iawhara's line when Bad Cook replaced him in relief but Elmira was finally able to close the 11-batter, 5-run rally in the 9th to complete the win.
Shigeki Sano (1-3, 3.00) is due to come off the disabled list for Sunday's game and will oppose Steve fish (9-3, 6.32) as the Pioneers aim for the series sweep. Sunday is Shreibman's Jewelers Diamond Dig Day with one lucky fan winning a valuable diamond ring. Elmira plays a 4-game series at allentown next Monday through Thursday and closes out the season at home Aug 30- Sept 1 (Friday through Sunday) in a potentially pivotal 3-game series with the albany-colonie Diamond Dogs.
Canadian American League Stories from August 24, 2002
- Keagle K's 14 and Quero Blasts 2 HR's in 12-5 Win - Elmira Pioneers
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