Matumoto Magic
Published on June 6, 2009 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Chico Outlaws News Release
Rain in the Chico area threatened to cancel baseball for the evening, but Jo Matumoto delivered the real thunder, handcuffing the Victoria Seals for eight innings, and leading the Outlaws to a 7-1 victory.
Matumoto, making his third start of the year, walked the first batter of the ballgame. However, with a double-play grounder to short that followed, Matumoto was off and running. The Japanese-Brazilian left-hander would go eight innings, allowing just two hits, striking out nine, and giving up just one unearned run.
The Outlaws offense got all they would need in the second inning. After three singles to begin the inning loaded the bases, Truan Mehl bounced into a 1-2-3 double-play that seemed to take the air out of the blossoming rally. However, Gabriel Riley picked up his teammates, smashing a 2 RBI triple off the very top of the wall in center-field, and the Outlaws lead 2-0 after two innings.
Dan Luyben hit his first home-run of the season, a solo shot in the third to make it 3-0. And the Outlaws scored two more in the fourth on RBI hits from Luyben and Blake Gailen, making it three consecutive innings with runs scored.
The Outlaws improve to 6-1 at home this season, and look to begin another winning streak. Matumoto has now struck out 22 batters in 19.2 innings, mixing a plus fastball with a nasty curveball. Gabriel Riley finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, and Truan Mehl collected an infield single to keep his season long, 13 game hitting streak alive.
The Outlaws face off with Victoria in game two of the series at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night. Evan White goes to the mound for the third time at home, and looks to keep his record perfect on the season.
Get your tickets by stopping by or calling the Outlaws downtown Chico office (308 Salem Street, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 345-3210), or buy them at the ticket office at the stadium.
You can also purchase tickets online and have them waiting for you at the ticket office.
Golden Baseball League Stories from June 6, 2009
- Long Beach sweeps Scorpions - Long Beach Armada
- Vipers Games Postponed - Calgary Vipers
- Matumoto Magic - Chico Outlaws
- Late Night Can't Stop Friday Night Fireworks - Edmonton Capitals
- Irabu Strikes Out Six In First Start Of 2009 - GBL
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