
Mendez Return Sparks Beavers Win
Published on July 9, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - Donaldo Mendez scored twice and had two hits, including a two-run home run, and Bernie Castro added a two-run triple to lead the Portland Beavers to a 5-2 win over the Tacoma Rainiers in front of 7,029 Wednesday night at PGE Park.
Carlton Loewer got into minor trouble in the early innings but retired the side in order in each of his last four innings of work to get his team-leading seventh win of the campaign. Loewer (7-2) struck out four and gave up two earned runs on six hits and a walk.
With the game tied at 2-2, the Beavers (47-47) took command in the seventh, chasing Tacoma starter Brian Sweeney from the game. Yamid Haad had an RBI single that scored Mendez; one batter later, Castro's triple plated Ben Risinger and Haad to give Portland a three-run cushion that would last the rest of the game.
Kevin Walker pitched a scoreless eighth and Brandon Villafuerte pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.
Sweeney had the Beavers' number early, retiring 12 of the first 13 batters he faced. Down 2-0, though, the Beavers tied things in the fifth on a two-run home run by Mendez, playing for the first time since being optioned to Portland earlier in the week.
Playing third base for just the second time in his seven-year professional career, Mendez added a single and a stolen base in his first game with Portland in a month.
J.R. Phillips hit a solo home-the 250th of his minor league career-to give Tacoma (40-54) the lead in the top of the first. Phillips made it 2-0 in the third on a sacrifice fly that scored Jamal Strong, who led off the inning with a single and a steal of second.
With the homestand behind them, the Beavers begin a four-game series at Tacoma Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.
NOTES: The Beavers announced Wednesday that Jermaine Clark was traded to the Texas Rangers organization for future considerations ... the start of Wednesday's game was delayed 10 minutes due to a temporary power outage that affected the immediate area around the stadium ... the Beavers were 3-3 on the homestand.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 9, 2003
- All-Star atmosphere lights up AutoZone - OSC Original by Ryan McGhee
- Trapper Pitching Stung Again in Salt Lake - Edmonton Trappers
- Mendez Return Sparks Beavers Win - Portland Beavers
- River Cats Beat Sidewinders, 3-2 - Sacramento River Cats
- Late Homer Dooms Sidewinders - Tucson Sidewinders
- Leone homer ruins Express evening - Round Rock Express
- Kent scheduled to rehab in Round Rock - Round Rock Express
- Williams Shines, Sounds Start New Streak With 5-1 Win - Nashville Sounds
- Upcoming RedHawks Promotions - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sounds Beat Zephyrs, 5-1 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Oklahoma High School Home Run Derby set for Saturday at SBC Bricktown Ballpark - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sox End Road Losing Streak - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Puffer Added to Zephyrs Roster - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Randy Johnsons To Pitch At Greer Thursday - Nashville Sounds
- Sounds Series Preview - July 10-13 vs. Tucson - Nashville Sounds
- Zephyrs Snap Losing Streak with 8-2 Win over Sounds - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Beavers Give up 16 Hits in 8-3 Loss to Tacoma - Portland Beavers
- Song Stellar Again as Trappers Shutout Stingers - Edmonton Trappers
- River Cats Continue Struggles with Tucson - Sacramento River Cats
- Gonzalez and Bell Lift 'Winders in Sacramento - Tucson Sidewinders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Portland Beavers Stories
- Statement from Merritt Paulson regarding ownership of the Portland Beavers
- Beavers, Timbers Community Fund Again Recognized by Corporate Philanthropy Awards
- Beavers Win Final Game at PGE Park in Dramatic Fashion
- Young, Geer Combine on Three-Hitter as Beavers Beat 51's
- Portland held to four hits in 9-1 loss

