LaPorta Hits a pair of Homers in Power Win

Published on August 21, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release

Charleston, WV (August 21, 2007) - Matt LaPorta hit a pair of homeruns on Tuesday night at Appalachian Power Park and Alex Periard tossed six strong innings to snap his six game losing streak as West Virginia defeated the Lexington Legends 5-1 to take the first game of the series.

The Legends scored their lone run in the top of the second inning when Koby Clemens crossed the plate as Greg Buchannan reached on a fielder's choice. Matt Laporta's first homerun was a solo shot to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. His second bomb was a three run shot that came with two-outs in the bottom of the fifth to give the Power the lead for good. Charlie Fermaint reached on a fielder's choice and scored Chuckie Caufield in the eighth.

Alex Periard (6-7) tossed six solid innings, allowing an unearned run on six hits to get his first win since July 14th. Sergio Severino (5-7) was tagged with the loss after allowing three runs on four hits over four and a third. Mike Ramlow and Donovan Hand combined to toss three scoreless innings of relief.

The Power improved to 75-48 overall and 27-29 in the second half, while the Legends fell to 55-73 overall and 24-34 in the second half. LaPorta, Fermaint, Caufield and Jimmy Mojica all had multi-hit games for the Power.

The Power will continue the three game series against the Lexington Legends at Appalachian Power Park on Wednesday night. The Power will start right hander Chris Toneguzzi (6-3, 5.47) and the Legends will counter with right hander Bud Norris (2-7, 5.12). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

For more information contact the Power Front Offices at (304) 344-2287 or visit the Power website at www.wvpower.com.

South Atlantic League Stories from August 21, 2007

• Suns Get Crushed 8-1 - Hagerstown Suns
• Hoppers Start Late But Beat Hoppers 6-2 - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Jean Drives in Three Runs - Augusta GreenJackets
• LaPorta Hits a pair of Homers in Power Win - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Bad First Inning, Five Errors Bury Intimidators against Asheville - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Drive Sputter Versus GreenJackets - Greenville Drive
• Lake County Tops 'Claws 5-4 - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• Ninth Inning Rally Falls Just Short as Gnats Lose 5-4 - Savannah Sand Gnats
• RiverDogs Reel in Catfish - Charleston RiverDogs
• Asheville Destroys Kannapalis - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• LaPorta Leads Power Past Legends - Lexington Legends
• Billy Gillispie Set To Attend Legends Game - Lexington Legends
• Gnats To Honor Legendary Former Pitcher Lou Brissie - Savannah Sand Gnats
• G-Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament to be held at FirstEnergy Park - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• GreenJackets Game Notes - Augusta GreenJackets
• Polanco To DL, Gnats Add Calero - Savannah Sand Gnats

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