Portland Sneaks by Tucson 8-7

Published on July 13, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release

Tucson, AZ - Portland took the second game of the series beating Tucson 8-7 on Saturday night.

Portland struck first and early scoring three runs in the first inning. Tucson took the lead in the third inning by scoring four runs, three of which came with two outs. Tim Raines, Jr. opened the scoring for the home team on a passed ball. A Jesus Merchan RBI single scored Jeff Salazar from second and the next two runs came off of back-to-back doubles by Donnie Kelly and Matt Morgan.

The Beavers evened the game in the fourth when Matt Antonelli led off the inning with a triple and was brought in by the next batter, Cesar Ramos, line drive.

Portland took an 8-4 lead in the seventh inning. Tucson's Brandon Medders relieved starter Matt Torra in the inning. Medders gave up a triple to Paul McAnulty that scored Will Venable after that he walked the bases loaded and hit Wooten to bring in McAnutly. Pinch Hitter Justin Huber brought in the last two runs with a line drive to left field scoring Brett Dowdy and Wooten.

The Sidewinders cut the lead by two in the seventh by a Josh Whitesell and Jesus Merchan RBI singles and had a chance to tie or win the game in the ninth. Merchan hit another RBI single in the ninth and with runners at the corners, pinch hitter Phil Avlas popped out on the first pitch to leave Tucson a run short.

The Sidewinders will host a scheduled double-header tomorrow against Portland with the first game starting at 4:00 PMt. RHP Esmerling Vasquez (1-4, 7.24) is scheduled to start for Tucson and right-hander Joshua Geer (5-7, 4.26) will start for the Beavers for the first game. RHP Juan Gutierrez (2-10, 7.16) is starting for Tucson and left-hander Wade LeBlanc (7-7, 6.80) will start in the second game. The game will air live on COOL 1450 beginning at 3:55 p.m.

Pacific Coast League Stories from July 13, 2008

• Isotopes Rally For Victory, 8-6 - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Z's sweep twin bill - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Sounds Swept By Zephyrs In Doubleheader - Nashville Sounds
• Phelps belts walk-off in 'Birds win - Memphis Redbirds
• Big Innings Lead Fresno Past Colorado Springs, 8-1 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
• Rodriguez Returns to Salt Lake - Salt Lake Bees
• Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
• Angels Recall Moseley - Salt Lake Bees
• Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Portland Sneaks by Tucson 8-7 - Tucson Sidewinders
• Colorado Springs Comes Back, Walks Off With 6-5 Extra-Inning Win - Colorado Springs Sky Sox

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