Melek Start Spoiled in Defeat

Published on August 13, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to lose 6-5 to the Long Beach Armada at Blair Field in Long Beach Armada. The defeat spoiled a solid start by Calgary's Nate Melek who tossed seven innings and struck out a season high nine batters while walking two and giving up only six hits for three earned runs. The Armada continue to dominate the Vipers this season as they have won ten of the 14 meetings on the season between the two clubs. With the loss the Snakes slide back to .500 in the second half at 14-14.

The Armada took the early lead in the bottom of the first inning as Julian Williams walked, moved up to third when Cleatus Davidson reached on a fielding error by Jorge Mejia, and scored on a wild pitch. Norm Hutchins made it a 2-0 lead with a run batted in single to score Davidson.

Calgary cut the lead in half in the next half inning with a Mejia base on balls, stolen second base, and a two out Travis Drader RBI base hit for the 2-1 score.

The Vipers tied the game at two in the top of the third frame when Nelson Castro singled, stole second, and scored on a two out Carlos Duncan RBI single.

Right back came Long Beach in the bottom of the inning with a Williams solo homerun for the 3-2 advantage.

The lead went back to two runs at 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth on a Ryan Lehr double and a Brett Flowers RBI base knock.

In the top of the fifth inning Patrick Arlis and Castro walked and Colin Moro laid down a perfect bunt for a base hit. Armada pitcher Nick Bierbrodt tried to throw Moro out at first base but missed his mark with a throwing error to allow both Arlis and Castro to score and tie the game at four. Darryl Brinkley gave the Snakes their first lead with a RBI groundout to plate Moro for the 5-4 score.

For the second straight night Long Beach won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning as Lehr and Dan Trumble singled and David Ramirez hit a game winning two run double for the 6-5 final.

This series concludes Thursday August 14th starting at 8:05 PM (MDT) with Joe Sergent (3-2) starting on the mound. The Snakes finish off this road trip against the Orange County Flyers Friday August 15th at 8:05 PM (MDT) and Saturday August 16th with a double-header starting at 6:05 PM (MDT).

Calgary returns home Monday August 18th at 7:05 PM (MDT) to open up a nine game home stand against Hall of Famer Gary Carter and his first half South Division Champion Orange County Flyers.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255). All games can be heard live online at www.calgaryvipers.com.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from August 13, 2008


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