Late Rally Propels Pioneers to 10-2 Triumph
June 21, 2002 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
The Pioneers put together back to back 4-run rallies in the 7th and 8th innings to break open a tie game and push their way to a blow-out 10-2 victory over the Capitals de Quebec at Dunn Field in Elmira Friday night. The win was Elmira's 3rd straight and improves their homestand record to 4-1. The Pioneers are 17-11 overall but still trail 1st place New Jersey by a 1/2 game in the South Division. The Jackals won their 5th straight topping Allentown 5-3. Quebec (17-10) lost their 2nd in a row but still has the top overall record in the NLE.
1,480 fans cheered on the Pioneers on Big Fox and Big Foote's Funny Nose and Glasses Night. The Pioneers knocked out 15 hits on the game led by Rod Smith's 4-for-4 performance with a walk and 2 runs scored. Sandy Vasquez was 2-for-3 with an rbi double and 3-runs scored. Every Pioneer starter had at least 1 hit.
Ron Bush blasted a two-run double off the top of the wall in left to give Elmira a 4-2 tie in the 7th. Pedro Quero added a 2-run single in the same frame. In the 8th, Norm Hutchins capped another 4-run rally with a high Texas Leaguer double blooped into shallow center that drove in the final two runs of the game.
Eric Estes (3-2) lasted 7 strong ip allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs for the victory. Relievers Donnie Thomas and Kenji Iwahara spun shutout relief in the 8th and 9th innings.
Quebec's Danny Prata (5-1) was solid for the first 6 frames allowing his Quebec team to overcome a 2-0 deficit and tie it with single tallis in the 5th and 7th innings. Prata took his first loss of the year getting tagged for all 4 earned runs in the 7th. He gave up a total of 13 hits in 6.2ip.
Quebec entered the game with a league best batting average of .302 but were only able to muster 7 hits off 3 Pioneer hurlers.
LH Sean Brummet (3-1, 1.77) takes the mound for the Pioneers Saturday night against Quebec's Reggie LaPlante (1-2, 4.57).
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Canadian American League Stories from June 21, 2002
- Pitching Duel Leads Albany Over Black Bears - Berkshire Black Bears
- Late Rally Propels Pioneers to 10-2 Triumph - Elmira Pioneers
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