Ninth Inning Heroics Lift Pioneers

June 13, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release


Elmira, NY- After trailing through the first eight innings of the game the Pioneers were finally able to break through when it really counted. Behind 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth the Pio's managed to load the bases with one out after Gabe Memmert led the inning off with a double, followed by a Digz Edwards double and intentional walk to Cleatus Davidson. Elmira then tied the game on a sac-fly from Jeremy Dodson before Yuji Nerei stepped to the plate and ripped an RBI single off the fence in left-centerfield to give the Pioneers a dramatic victory.

The Capitales took an early 3-0 lead, picking up a run in the fourth inning on a Steve Booker single and two runs in the sixth on an Oliver Lapine two-run single. That's when the Pioneers started their comeback. First it was Steve Checksfield driving in Elmira's first two runs of the game with a two-run homer to leftfield, cutting the Quebec lead to one. That stage for the ninth inning when Dodson's sac-fly scored pinch runner Jobu Morita to tie the game before Nerei's game-winning RBI single plated Edwards.

On the mound for Elmira starter Matt Burch went 6 1/3 innings allowing seven hits, three runs, two earned on three walks with five strikeouts in picking up a no-decision. Relief pitcher Saul Solvison (1-0) picked up the win in his Pioneers' debut going 2 2/3 innings allowing just two hits, while striking out two. Capitales closer Greg Runser took the loss in 2/3 an inning of work allowing two runs on three hits and one walk.

Tomorrow the Pioneers and Capitales close out their series, game time is set for 1:05 p.m.



Canadian American League Stories from June 13, 2004


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