Outlaws Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short, Reno Escapes With 5-4 Win
Published on August 1, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Chico Outlaws News Release
RENO, NV - Reno Silver Sox right-hander Steve Russell was just one out away from the first-ever complete game shutout of his seven year pro career...and in the end, he was lucky just to earn the victory - the Chico Outlaws rallied to score four runs in the top of the 9th inning, but the comeback attempt fell just short as Reno hung on for a 5-4 victory, taking the finale of a five-game series Thursday night at Peccole Park on the University of Nevada Reno campus.
The Silver Sox, losers of three straight entering play, jumped out to an early lead when Ross McCoy smacked a home run with a man aboard off Chico starter Nick Casanova to put Reno up 2-0. In the 4th the Silver Sox went long-ball again - with one on, Ryan Brown bombed a home run over the center field wall to make the score 4-0...later in the inning Adam Geery doubled home Carlos Madrid to extend Reno's advantage to five. Russell, meanwhile, held Chico hitless through the first five innings before Steve Boggs ended any talk of a no-hitter with a clean single to center in the 6th.
While Outlaws relievers Jason Roach and Ben Shockey held Reno in check the rest of the way, Chico could not capitalize as Russell allowed just two hits through eight innings and didn't allow a single runner past first base. Russell was given the chance to close it out, and he came within one out of the complete game shutout...but Casey Garrison roped a two-out double down the left field line to plate Eric Pringle and spoil the shutout bid. Julian Benavidez followed with a two-run homer to left-center (his third round-tripper in two days)...and then when Shane Cronin whacked a mammoth solo homer over the left field wall, Chico pulled to within 5-4 and the game was suddenly in doubt. But Russell stiffened, striking out Lino Garcia to end it and giving the Silver Sox the victory, snapping the Outlaws three-game winning streak.
Russell (5-7) struck out eight in beating Chico for the first time in four tries this season...Casanova (0-3) was saddled with the loss. Brown had three of Reno's nine hits on the night...the Outlaws finished with six hits; four in the final inning. Thursday's loss dropped Chico to 7-9 in second half play and 22-36 overall...the Silver Sox improved to 5-9 in the second half and 23-35 for the year. The Outlaws return home Friday to host the Orange County Flyers in the opener of a three-game set at Nettleton Stadium...right-hander Greg Bicknell (4-2) will get the start in game one of the series. Game time is 7:05pm... hear all the action with Rory Miller calling the play-by-play on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM and AM 1340; the game can also be heard on-line at www.ChicoOutlawsBaseball.com.
Golden Baseball League Stories from August 1, 2008
- Flyers Outduel Outlaws - Orange County Flyers
- 'Cats strike first in three game series, winning 5-2 in Calgary - Edmonton Capitals
- Van Slyke Shuts Down Snakes - Calgary Vipers
- Outlaws Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short, Reno Escapes With 5-4 Win - Chico Outlaws
- Armada sink at Yuma - Long Beach Armada
- Russell Takes Game Five - Reno Silver Sox
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