Late Inning Rally Gives Ports Victory Over 66ers
May 14, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The 66ers looked to have the game in-hand going into the eighth inning with a 3-2 lead, but a four-run eighth for Stockton gave the Ports a 6-3 victory and series win on Thursday afternoon.
Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Ports rallied with two outs for four runs off three Inland Empire pitchers. Jermaine Mitchell hit a bases loaded triple that brought in three runs on one swing.
Before the comeback by the Ports, the 66ers cruised through the first seven innings behind the pitching of Steven Johnson and Marlon Arias. The duo allowed just two runs and struck out eight Stockton hitters.
The 66ers got on the board early in the game, as Steven Caseres led off the second inning with a triple and was knocked in on an RBI hit by Alex Garabedian.
Both the Stockton and Inland Empire bats were silenced until the sixth inning, when Alex Valdez hit a leadoff triple off Arias. Raul Padron took care of the rest, when he took an Arias pitch into left field to bring home Valdez and put the Ports up 2-1.
The 66ers answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the sixth, sparked by Adolfo Gonzalez, who was hit by a Scott Hodsdon pitch to lead off the inning. Gonzalez was moved to second base on a fielder's choice, and eventually driven home by Scott Van Slyke to tie the game 2-2.
Inland Empire took the lead during Justin Fuller's bases loaded at bat in the same frame, as he sent a pop fly to third base that was dropped by Christian Vitters. The error by Vitters allowed Van Slyke to score from third base and put the 66ers up 3-2, a lead that would eventually fall in the Ports' eighth inning rally.
Chad Kerfoot (2-1) came away with the victory for Stockton in just one inning of work. The save went to Jonathan Hunton for his sixth of the season in as many chances.
Greg Miller (0-1) was charged with the loss, giving up 3 runs in just 2/3 innings pitched.
The 66ers will open up a four game series against the division rival Lake Elsinore Storm Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Chris Withrow (2-2, 4.75) will take the hill for the 66ers, as the Storm send out left-hander Corey Luebke (2-2, 4.13).
Friday is yet another 50-Cent Friday at the ballpark, where fans can purchase 50-cent hot dogs, 50-cent quesadillas, and $2 general admission lawn tickets. There will also be a performance by nationally known mascot act "Rally". Tickets are available at the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino or by calling 909-888-9922.
California League Stories from May 14, 2009
- Late Inning Rally Gives Ports Victory Over 66ers - Inland Empire 66ers
- Ports to Host Dylan, Mellencamp, Nelson in Concert - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Squander Chances, Lose 7-3 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- New Look Lineup Leads JetHawks Past Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers bats come alive in 6-5 win - Inland Empire 66ers
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