NAmL San Rafael Pacifics

Pacifics Strike Early to Hand Smith, Maui Loss

Published on July 4, 2013 under North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release


SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The San Rafael Pacifics recorded seven of their nine hits in the first three innings and made an early lead hold up, 3-1, versus the Na Koa Ikaika Maui on Friday at Albert Park. The Pacifics have now won eight in a row and their home winning streak stands at 14.

San Rafael (23-6) scored a run in each of those first three innings against Maui (21-11) starter Jesse Smith (4-1), who entered the contest undefeated. The nine hits allowed by Smith were the most in nearly a month (10 vs. Hawaii on June 8).

"A guy like Jesse Smith has been around a little while. If you don't get around to him early, he'll settle in like he did tonight," said second baseman Price Kendall (2 for 3, one walk, one run, one RBI). "That was the key for us to get something going early and take advantage of being at home and the strong pitching that we have."

A Maikel Jova fielder's choice in the first drove home Kendall. In the second, it was Kendall's triple to the right field corner that allowed center fielder Zack Pace to score. First baseman Johnny Woodard's solo home run to right gave the Pacifics an insurance run in the third inning.

That insurance run was nearly needed in the top of the seventh. With Maui catcher Nick Valdez (3 for 4) on third, shortstop Charlie Mirabal drove a ball to right field that Jova gloved. Maui, pressing to make things happen, sent Valdez home but a clean throw from Jova to catcher Matt Quintero made for an easy double play at the plate.

The Pacifics bullpen was lights out yet again with Dan Rogers pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Closer Colin Allen shut the door for the second night in a row to earn his fifth save of the season. The two relievers threw 21 pitches, each with nine strikes apiece. Starter Logan Odom threw 80 strikes in seven innings and struck out five and issued just one walk while scattering five hits. He improves to 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.65, third best in the Pacific Association.

The two teams meet on Independence Day, July 4, at 1:15 p.m. with a three-inning Vintage Baseball exhibition slated to begin at 12:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 6, Japanese native Eri Yoshida, the first female to play professional baseball in two countries, will take the mound for Maui. All females are encouraged to come watch this inspirational woman pitch with $5 general admission tickets offered to all women on gameday at the Guarantee Mortgage ticket booth at Albert Park. For more information, visit www.pacificsbaseball.com .

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