Pioneers Split Late-Night Doubleheader at Brockton
Published on June 1, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
The Pioneers and Brockton Rox split a long doubleheader in the first ever games at dazzling new Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Mass. Saturday night. Elmira held on to take the opening contest 9-6 before dropping the finale 8-4. The loss in the second game represented the end of the Pioneers' 4-game win streak. Both teams stand at 5-4 after the split. The 2nd game of the DH ended at 11:54 and less than half of the original 4,114 fans were on hand at the conclusion.
In game 1, Ron Bush went 4-5 with a double and 2 rbi's and Pedro Quero went 3-for-4 including his 2nd HR of the season as Elmira banged out a season high 14 hits in plating 9 runs, also a team high this in 2002. The Pioneers scored 4 runs in the 2nd and 6th frames and built a 9-1 lead seemingly putting the game away. But Brockton rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th off Eric Estes (1-1) and Chris Brown. A 2-run HR by Carlos Rosario (3rd) got the Rox back into the contest at 9-5. Julio Perez came on in the 7th after Brown found himself in a bases loaded jam. A fielder's choice brought home another run but Perez got an out with the tying runner batting as Chris Vasquez grounded-out to end the game. It was the 2nd save for Perez in as many opportunities. Estes gave up 5 runs in 5.2ip but only 3 were earned as the tall right-hander pitched effectively enough for the win. Mike Fischer (0-1) surrendered 8 hits and 5 earned runs in 5 ip in taking the loss for Brockton.
The Rox bounced back in the 2nd game pinning a loss on LHP Justin Stine (0-2). Elmira took the initial lead 2-0 in the first inning highlighted by lead-off back-to-back doubles by Rod Smith and Ron Bush. But the Rox rallied for 3 runs in the 3rd and tacked on another in the 4th in taking a 4-2 advantage. Mike Moore launched a 2-run in the 5th off Stine to build the cushion to 6-2. Brian jones closed the margin to 7-4 with a 2-run ground-rule double in the top of the 6th but that was as close as the Pioneers would get. Brockton added another in the 6th off Donnie Thomas under unusual circumstances. The Rox decided to start their post-game fireworks display early so the grand and loud show was a significant distraction to players from both sides who may have had difficulty focusing. Chris Hill (2-0) allowed 6 hits and 4 earned runs over 6 strong innings in picking up his 2nd straight win against Elmira. Brian Jones collected in each game of the twin-bill thus extending his hitting streak to 9 games. The Myrtle Beach, SC native has collected a hit in every Pioneers game this season.
The Pioneers wrap up the road trip Sunday afternoon at 2:05 as Sean Brummet (1-0, 0.00) takes the hill. The Pioneers are currently 4-1 on the road this year. Elmira's next home game is Monday night at 7:05 vs. Adirondack on Bank Night at Dunn Field with free tickets available at area participating banks.
Canadian American League Stories from June 1, 2002
- Pioneers Split Late-Night Doubleheader at Brockton - Elmira Pioneers
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