Metheny Muscles Caps Past Scorpions
June 19, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Yuma, AZ - First baseman Brent Metheny hit two solo home runs, including the game-winner in the top of the 10th inning, as the Edmonton Capitals opened their seven-game series in Yuma on Saturday with a 4-3 extra-innings victory over the Scorpions.
Saturday's series opener at Desert Sun Stadium was scheduled to begin at 8:35 p.m. MT, but travel delays prevented the Caps from arriving in Yuma until well past the scheduled game time, and the teams finally started playing at 10:45 p.m. MT, with the extra-innings affair wrapping up around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
The long day of travelling didn't end up costing the Caps, though, as they got yet another strong start from pitcher Lou Pote, while Metheny smashed his two home runs to lead the offence. Pote, the team's two-time defending pitcher of the year and a World Series champion with the Anaheim Angels in 2002, pitched 6.2 innings and gave up three runs while striking out five Scorpions.
The Caps trailed the Scorpions 3-1 heading into the eighth inning, but RBI singles by right fielder Tom Collaro and second baseman Matt Rogelstad in the eighth and ninth, respectively, forced extra innings, paving the way for Metheny's second longball of the night in the top of the 10th. The first baseman is batting .432 on the season and leads the team with five home runs and 26 RBI.
Closer Bartolome Fortunato earned the save for Edmonton, despite loading the bases in the bottom of the 10th, while Brandon Villafuerte picked up the victory after giving up just one hit during the previous two innings. Scorpions player-manager Jose Canseco, a former MLB all-star, World Series champion and American League MVP, went 1-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts.
The Caps (12-8) and Scorpions (6-13) play again Sunday through Wednesday in Yuma, with double-headers scheduled for Sunday and Monday. The teams then head north back to Edmonton on Thursday to open a four-game series at TELUS Field. The series opener is another Thirsty Thursday presented by Hudsons Canadian Tap House and 100.3 The Bear, featuring $3 beer.
The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Season seats start at less than $9 per seat. Individual game tickets start at $10 in advance and can be purchased at the Capitals Box Office (10233 - 96 Ave) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, at any Ticketmaster location, online at capsbaseball.ca or via phone at 780-414-GOAL (4625).
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North American League Stories from June 19, 2011
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