Ports Catch Fire in 11-4 Over Blaze
August 19, 2006 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif- Some will say that it doesn't matter if you get knocked down. What matters is if you can find it in yourself to get back up.
If that saying holds true, the Stockton Ports found out a lot about themselves in their 11-4 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze on Friday night. After being swept in four games by the Modesto Nuts earlier in the week, the Ports rebounded with an offensive performance to remember before a crowd of 4,594 at Banner Island Ballpark.
Entering the bottom of the sixth trailing 4-3, the Sons of Steverson struck for seven runs at a time in the ballgame, and in their season, where they really needed to take a stand. Most of the runs came off Blaze starter Doug Mathis (10-7), who issued a leadoff walk to Myron Leslie followed by a two run homer to Tommy Everidge to give the Ports the 5-4 lead. They did not look back, as they went on to load the bases for Lloyd Turner, who was just added from AA-Midland. Turner played in Stockton much of last season and returned with a vengeance, blasting a grand slam to dead center field off Blaze reliever Jon Wilson. The blast gave the Ports a 10-4 advantage and was really the decisive blow in the ballgame.
Eight of the nine members of the Ports starting lineup reached base, as the Ports received outstanding production from everywhere in the lineup. Eddie Cornejo, who went 0-for-7 in the doubleheader against Modesto on Thursday, responded by going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Everidge went 4-for-5, including the two-run homer that put the Ports ahead to stay. Luis Perez also had an outstanding night, going 3-for-3 with a single and two doubles. Perez also made an outstanding play in left field to rob German Duran of extra bases in the seventh.
Ports starter Heath Castle chipped in with 5.1 solid innings of work, though he did not get the win. Castle left the game trailing 4-3 and suffered just one rough inning. He allowed two, two-run homers to Brandon Boggs and Freddie Thon in the fourth, but settled down after that. Jeff Gray (1-1) earned the win for the Ports after going 1.2 scoreless innings. Gray came into the ballgame in a tight spot, with the Ports trailing 4-3 and runners at second and third, and got out of the inning to preserve the deficit at one. Jason Ray and Steven Sharpe each pitched in with an inning of scoreless relief.
With the Modesto Nuts losing 3-2 to the San Jose Giants, the Ports now reclaim the lead for the third and final playoff spot in the Cal-League North Division. The Ports will try and preserve their half game lead as they head into Game 2 of their four game set with Bakersfield on Saturday at Banner Island Ballpark. Michael Rogers (8-5, 4.85 ERA) will make his return to the mound for Stockton since being recalled from AA-Midland. He'll be opposed by righty Michael Schlact (3-13, 6.29 ERA) for the Blaze. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Saturday is also Faith Night, presented by G&L Brock Construction. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition Moses Bobblehead Doll.
California League Stories from August 19, 2006
- JetHawks Drop Third Straight, Division Race Tightens - Lancaster JetHawks
- SJ Giants Closer Brian Anderson breaks the Cal League Record with 35th Save - San Jose Giants
- Tempers Flare as Mavericks Charge Mound, Beat JetHawks - High Desert Mavericks
- Ports Catch Fire in 11-4 Over Blaze - Stockton Ports
- Rodriguez Magnificent in Impressive 7-1 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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