Pacifics Fend off Comeback with Offensive Surge
August 1, 2013 - North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Left fielder Chase Fontaine led the San Rafael Pacifics with a perfect 5-for-5 night as the Pacifics fended off an early comeback by the Santa Rosa Rose Buds en route to a 15-5 victory.
"I just want to give credit to our pitchers. Bennett threw great tonight as he always does and we got hot," said Fontaine. "I can't remember the last time I had five hits in a pro game. It's rare so I'm pretty excited about it and hopefully can keep the ball rolling."
The Rose Buds used a leadoff double in the first to manufacture a run for an early 1-0 lead. Darrick Hale scored on a Johnny Woodard groundout in the bottom half of the inning to even the score at 1-1. Kevin Reinking scored in the second on a Zack Pace single to give San Rafael a 2-1 lead, then the Pacifics extended the lead to 5-1 with a three-run third.
Santa Rosa rallied back with four runs in the fourth to tie the ballgame against San Rafael starter Bennet Whitmore (7-2). Yet, the Rose Buds failed to find the shutdown inning they needed from starter Peter Thorson (0-1). San Rafael quickly took the lead back, 8-5, with a three-run fourth and added on with a four-run sixth inning and three-run eighth inning.
Whitmore lasted six innings and allowed five runs on eight hits while striking out a pair. Nate King, AJ Gallardo, and JJ Whetsel each pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
"These guys come to play every day and it's a grind trying to be consistent," said Whitmore. "The hitters pick the pitchers up and the pitchers pick the hitters up, it's a mutual thing."
Fontaine's five-hit night was a season high. He also scored three runs and drove home three. Right fielder Maikel Jova, named the July Player of the Month earlier in the day, had two hits, a run, and recorded his 51st RBI of the season, matching teammate Price Kendall for the Pacific Association lead. Darrick Hale and Kyle Dhanani both had three-hit nights while Danny Gonzalez and Zack Pace each tallied a pair of hits.
The Pacifics host Santa Rosa again on Thursday, August 1 at 7:05 p.m. It is Team Poster Night presented by Bertolli's Auto Body. Tickets are available at www.pacificsbaseball.com.
North American League Stories from August 1, 2013
- Pacifics Fend off Comeback with Offensive Surge - San Rafael Pacifics
- San Rafael Pacifics Jova, Odom Named Pacific Association Players of Month - San Rafael Pacifics
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