Late Home Run Propels Giants to 3-2 Win
Published on August 7, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release
ADELANTO - Nick Noonan hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning before the San Jose Giants held off the High Desert Mavericks for a 3-2 victory on Saturday evening at Stater Bros. Stadium. Craig Westcott tossed seven effective innings to become the first 12-game winner in the California League as San Jose finished their road trip with a 4-3 record.
Noonan (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) hit his first home run since joining the Giants from Triple-A Fresno earlier in the week while Jarrett Parker (3-for-4, 2B) added three hits to lead the offensive attack.
Westcott (12-3) limited the Mavericks to four hits and two runs (one earned) during his stint on the mound. The right-hander walked two and struck out two. Osiris Matos (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO) pitched a scoreless bottom of the eighth before Jake Dunning (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO) worked the ninth for the save. High Desert stranded the potential tying run at second base in each of the last two innings.
The Giants trailed by a 2-0 margin before finally breaking through against Mavericks starting pitcher Nate Reed in the top of the sixth inning. With one out, Tommy Joseph singled sharply up the middle before Ryan Cavan was hit by a pitch and then Parker singled to load the bases. Jose Flores followed with an RBI groundout to shortstop as Joseph came home to make it 2-1. Reed though was able to keep High Desert in front by inducing the next hitter, Luke Anders, to bounce out to second leaving runners at second and third.
Jason Markovitz replaced Reed to begin the top of the seventh and quickly retired the first two batters before issuing a walk to Ehire Adrianza. Noonan was up next and he blasted an 0-1 pitch over the fence in right for a go-ahead two-run homer.
Westcott returned to the mound in the bottom of the seventh and pitched around a two-out walk to preserve the San Jose lead.
Matos relieved Westcott to start the bottom of the eighth and allowed a one-out single to Jack Marder. After Leury Bonilla popped out, Marder stole second, but was stranded in scoring position when Matos struck out Jamie McOwen to end the inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, Steven Proscia bounced a single to left on the first pitch thrown by Dunning to again put the potential tying run on base. Mario Martinez then dropped down a sacrifice bunt moving Proscia to second, but Dunning struck out Joe Dunigan and set down Trevor Coleman on a foul pop up to the catcher ending the game.
Markovitz (2-2) suffered the loss for the Mavericks after surrendering two runs (both earned) on two hits over 2 1/3 innings of relief.
Westcott began his night by retiring the first eight High Desert batters on just 22 pitches. However with two outs in the bottom of the third, the Mavericks rallied as Denny Almonte singled before Marder belted an RBI double into the left center field gap. The hit gave High Desert a 1-0 lead while Marder took third on a wild relay throw from the shortstop Adrianza. Bonilla then delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0.
Westcott allowed a one-one single to Proscia in the bottom of the fourth, but did not surrender another hit for the last 3 2/3 innings of his outing.
The Giants managed only four hits and did not score over the first five innings against Reed. The Mavericks starter struck out seven and walked just one with one run allowed in six innings of work.
Notes: The Giants and Mavericks split the four-game series ... The series marked San Jose's only visit to High Desert ... Westcott lowered his ERA to 3.11 and improved his career record with the Giants to 18-3 ... Dunning is a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities ... Joseph (1- for-4) extended his hitting streak to 10 games ... Adrianza (0-for-3, 2 BB) saw his hitting streak end at nine ... Noonan hit four home runs in 84 games between Richmond (Double-A) and Fresno this season.
On Deck: The Giants return home on Sunday evening to begin a three- game series against the Bakersfield Blaze. First pitch at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 PM. Andy Reichard (6-2, 3.19 ERA) is slated to start on the mound for San Jose while Bakersfield is expected to counter with Daniel Renken (1-0, 1.80 ERA). It's a KBAY's Giant Sunday at the ballpark and tickets can be purchased by calling (408) 297-1435 or by visiting www.sjgiants.com. The game will also be televised live on Comcast Hometown Network, Channel 104.
California League Stories from August 7, 2011
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- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Return Home for Three Games Against Blaze - San Jose Giants
- Blown Call Helps Visalia Avoid Extra-Innings Sweep - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Behind Early, Can't Catch Up - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Home Run Propels Giants to 3-2 Win - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Edge 66ers to Earn Series Split - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Hold on for 5-4 Win Over Quakes - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Sixers Can't Overcome Early Deficit - Inland Empire 66ers
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