Pacifics Rally from Early Three-Run Deficit
Published on August 7, 2013 under North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Chase Fontaine and Johnny Woodard went a combined 6-for-8 and accounted for six runs as the San Rafael Pacifics rallied from a three-run deficit to top the Prescott Montezuma Federals 8-5 at Albert Park.
"It was dog-eat-dog in every at-bat," said Woodard. "When the game's on the line your more experienced guys will bear down and get the pitches to hit that they need and put good swings on them."
Woodard (3-for-5, two runs, RBI) and Fontaine (3-for-3, two runs, RBI) were joined by Kyle Dhanani, who continued to produce with a 2-for-4 night with a run and two RBIs. He raised his average three points to a Pacific Association-leading .335.
The game marked the first time since a July 20 loss at Maui that a San Rafael starting pitcher hasn't recorded the decision. That game featured a blown save by Pacifics closer Colin Allen. On Tuesday night, Allen struck out the side to convert his third save in as many chances since. He now has a Pacific Association-best 12.
Reliever Casey Russell (1-0) pitched the seventh and eighth innings and was credited with the victory. He struck out three, and despite allowing a run in the seventh, kept San Rafael (44-14) close late in the game.
The Federals (16-19) took an early 1-0 lead in the first, then extended the gap to 3-0 in the second inning. San Rafael got a run back in the bottom of the second, then tied it in the third inning on Dhanani's double to right field. A Woodard single and Maikel Jova fielder's choice plated a pair of runs in the fourth and gave San Rafael a 5-3 lead.
Prescott cut the lead back to a run in the fifth, then Matthew Chavez tied the game off of Russell with a single to right field.
Chavez haunted San Rafael all night. The Burlingame, Calif. native went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs and a pair of RBIs. He also caught two runners stealing in the sixth that kept San Rafael from extending its lead. In the third inning, Chavez had a homer stolen at the wall by Jova which helped San Rafael starter Bennet Whitmore avoid trouble in the third.
"You've gotta tip your hat off to the Federals, they came out swinging it," said Fontaine. "We hadn't seen a right-handed starter in a while and we took advantage of it. It's nice to get to the bullpen and do what you can when you can with the ball when you get a shot."
Woodard began the seventh with double to right field. Danny Gonzalez came through with the game-winner, a single off of reliever Channing Brown (1-1) that allowed Woodard, who was running all the way with two outs, to score standing up. Matt Kavanaugh made it a two-run lead by poking the ball to right field. Gonzalez came around third wide and initially missed home plate as he rolled to avoid the tag. The ball skipped away from Chavez, which allowed Gonzalez to go back and touch home safely.
The two teams continue the three-game set on Wednesday, August 7. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. The homestand features Augtoberfest with bratwurst and samplings of 10 select beers.
North American League Stories from August 7, 2013
- Pacifics Rally from Early Three-Run Deficit - San Rafael Pacifics
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