North Division Champions
Published on August 22, 2002 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Edmonton Trappers News Release
Catcher Javier Valentin delivered a game-winning two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Edmonton Trappers a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers and the North Division pennant Thursday night at TELUS Field. The win clinched the sixth playoff berth in Trapper history and means that Edmonton will open the Pacific Coast League playoffs in Las Vegas on September 4. The first two games will be played in Las Vegas with game three, and games four and five if necessary, being played in Edmonton. Playoff tickets go on sale on Friday morning at TELUS Field and through Ticketmaster. Edmonton continues to win the close games, going 9-1 in their last 10 one-run contests. The Trappers failed to hit a home run in the game, but still lead all of professional baseball with 191 long balls. The New York Yankees are second with 187 homers. Edmonton leads the season series against Tacoma nine games to four, meaning they will win the series for the first time since 1998. The Trappers and Rainiers continue this four-game set on Friday night at TELUS Field. Edmonton needs to win seven of their remaining 11 games in order to secure the best record in franchise history.
Tacoma first baseman Juan Thomas, who's nickname is "The Large Human," has been a major thorn in the Trappers' collective side during his two years in the Pacific Coast League and Thursday night was no different. Thomas led off the top of the second inning with a long home run just to the right of the batter's eye in center field, giving Tacoma a 1-0 lead. Edmonton took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third. Second baseman Jay Canizaro doubled with one out and scored on a line drive double by Lew Ford. The inning appeared to be over on a popup to second base by Michael Ryan, but Aaron Holbert dropped the ball, allowing Ford to score all the way from second base. Tacoma designated hitter Ron Wright tied the game with a solo homer off Trapper starter Matt Kinney in the top of the fourth and right fielder Scott Krause put the Rainiers in the lead with an RBI single that plated Kenny Kelly in the fifth.
Veteran catcher Pat Borders gave the Rainiers a two-run lead with a two-out solo home run in the top of the sixth inning. It was the 10th long ball of the season for the former Toronto Blue Jay. Edmonton drew to within one run of the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Valentin led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Tacoma starter John Halama retired the next two batters that he faced, but shortstop David Lamb came through with a two-out base hit to center field to score Valentin with the Trappers' third run. Halama was lifted after the seventh and replaced by Aquilino Roa Lopez (4-4). Ryan greeted Lopez with a base hit and Michael Cuddyer followed with a double to straight-away center field. With one out Michael Restovich was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Valentin's two-run single.
Highlights:
Trappers: Entered the day with an 11 ½ game lead over the Portland Beavers in the North Division of the PCL...are 39-19 at home...have hit 191 home runs in 130 games, putting the club on pace for 207 homers...no team in professional baseball has as many home runs as the Trappers...the New York Yankees are second with 187 dingers.
C Javier Valentin: Delivered the game winning two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning...doubled and scored the Trappers third run in the bottom of the seventh...has a career-high 77 RBI.
RHP Micheal Nakamura: Tossed two shutout innings, walking one and striking out three in relief of Matt Kinney...earned his third win of the season (3-3)...is 3-0, 2.27 (35.2 IP â 9 ER) in 16 outings since the beginning of July.
Alumni Report:
1B Scott Spiezio (ANA) @ NYY: Doubled and scored a run the day after hitting the game-winning home run, as the Angels fell 4-2 to the Yankees and now trail the A's and Mariners by one game in the A.L. West...has 26 doubles and is batting .287.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 22, 2002
- Record Crowd Watches Beavers Take out Stingers - Portland Beavers
- North Division Champions - Edmonton Trappers
- Beavers Get Eaton on Rehab Assignment - Portland Beavers
- On Tap At Greer Stadium - Nashville Sounds
- Fyhrie Named PCL Pitcher of the Week - Sacramento River Cats
- Beavers Close Out Home Schedule with Great Theme Nights - Portland Beavers
- Playoff Teams to Battle Again - Round Rock Express
- River Cats Appoint New President & COO - Sacramento River Cats
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