Pacifics Claw Way Back, Win On Walkoff By Jova
July 22, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The San Rafael Pacifics used a seven-run sixth inning to rally against the Hawaii Stars, eventually walking off in the bottom of the eleventh inning, 10-9, on a ball off the bat of Maikel Jova.
The Pacifics (24-12) won their fifth straight game - a franchise best - and Maikel Jova extended his consecutive-game hit streak to 35. His seventh inning single was only a prelude for what was to come, as he hammered a hanging curveball off the wall in the eleventh to plate Steve Boggs. Jova finished two for five with two RBI and two runs scored.
"I knew he was coming at me with a curveball," Jova said about his game-winner. "He throws (the curve) all the time, I wanted to take it but I thought 'forget that' and swung at the first pitch."
Jova has hit safely in every game this season, with the exception of Opening Night, when he was 0 for 3 with a sacrifice fly.
The Pacifics sent Tyler Graham to the mound to close out the ninth, however he allowed a two-out knock to Anthony Williams that tied it and the fans were treated to extra baseball as the game moved to extra innings.
Steve Boggs lead off the eleventh with a ball that slipped under the glove of the second baseman Dion Pouncil, he took advantage of a sleepy right fielder and hustled to second base. Jova came up with two down and took the first pitch he saw and sent the home town crowd happy.
Matt Durkin earned the win in relief, the big right hander threw one inning out of the bullpen - his second relief appearance of the series - after getting the start on Tuesday night.
"Coming out of the pen, you don't have time to feel things out so you better be ready," Durkin said. "I just tried to slow things down and make sure I got ahead. I didn't want to be too cute and let the defense work."
Pacifics starter Andrew Pevsner scattered four hits in 3 2/3 innings, allowed six runs and walked three.
Paul Jinkens held San Rafael (24-12) hitless through four innings, but was removed in the sixth after loading the bases - by way of two hit batters and a Johnny Woodard single - before allowing a two-run double to Chase Fontaine.
Jensen Torres had six RBIs for the Stars in a losing cause.
San Rafael is 9-2 in its last 11 games, and now owns a six-game lead atop the North American League's North Division. The team will travel to Hawaii, where they will face off against the Stars in Hilo before taking on the Maui Na Koa Ikaika starting on July 31.
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