Oilers Prospects Propel Caps to 10th Straight Win

July 8, 2010 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oilers' prospects and almost 2,700 fans cheered the Edmonton Capitals on to their 10th straight victory on Thursday night at TELUS Field, as they cruised past the Tijuana Cimarrones 7-2.

The Oilers' prospects, in town for a development camp, took batting practice with the Caps earlier in the day and then threw out 27 ceremonial pitches as the home squad snuffed the Cimarrones. Those prospects included highly-touted young players like Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. The Caps players had plenty of fun with their guests.

"I'm a huge hockey fan, so today was really enjoyable for me and the rest of the team," said Caps second baseman and Port Moody, B.C., native Matt Rogelstad, one of two Canadians on Edmonton's roster.

"To see a bunch of guys out there who played in the World Juniors for Canada and at the Memorial Cup and get to have them out to the ballpark was a great experience. I know one day we'll be hovered around a TV watching those guys in the NHL, so it's pretty cool. We take great pride in being part of the Oilers organization, and this was a great example of that."

As if the prospects opening pitches weren't positive enough, Caps centre fielder Ryan Stevenson got the game off on an even more positive note when he saved a potential scoring play for the Cimarrones in the first inning, making a diving catch on a shallow pop fly with two outs and two runners on base.

And after that solid defensive play, the Caps got their red-hot offence going for seven runs, which was actually a bit low for them, considering they'd averaged almost 12 runs per game in their previous nine wins.

Short stop Enrique Cruz was the only Cap to drive in multiple runs, knocking in a pair during the team's four-run eighth inning. Left fielder Larry Bigbie went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI, while Rogelstad, third baseman Alex Prieto, catcher Josh Tarnow and pinch-hitter Steve Brown each drove in a run.

Caps pitcher Evan White had a bit of a rocky start to the season, but he was nothing but solid during his start on Thursday, tossing seven strong innings and giving up just two runs on eight hits, while striking out three Cimarrones. He earned the victory to improve to 2-3 on the campaign.

"It felt good to get another win under my belt, because I started the year slow," White said of his performance. "It feels good to get back on track. I'm hitting my spots better and getting my off-speed pitches over for strikes. And our team's hitting the ball really well, which makes it a lot easier on the pitchers, knowing we're going to score runs. Hopefully we can keep it going."

Ryan Paul and Scott Kelly came on in relief during the eighth inning and were able to keep the Cimarrones at bay, while Caps closer Chad Blackwell put the finishing touches on the victory with a scoreless ninth inning.

In addition to being Party with the Prospects night, the game was also another 4 for $44 Thursday, as fans can buy 4 reserved grandstand tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 Pepsi products for just $44.

The Caps (26-15) have two more home games left against the Cimarrones before the Golden League all-star break and the end of the first half of the season. The teams tangle Friday and Saturday with 7 p.m. start times.

Friday is Safeway Fireworks Friday, as fans are invited to stick around after the game for a spectacular fireworks display. And Saturday is Family Sleep-Over Night, as fans are invited to camp out in centre field for the night. It's also another edition of EZ Rock Saturday Night Movies, with E.T. playing on a giant screen after the game.



Golden Baseball League Stories from July 8, 2010


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