Ports Drop Ninth Game in Extra Innings
Published on April 19, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.-After capturing their first victory off the power of home runs on Friday, it was a late San Jose home run that closed the door on Stockton Saturday night at Banner Island Ballpark. Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford notched a two-run home run off Justin Friend in the top of the 11th inning to put San Jose ahead for good, 5-3. The Ports went quietly in the bottom of the eleventh to end the 3 hour, 54 minute contest.
The Ports totaled four errors in the game, their most all season long. Only two of the five San Jose runs were earned-both from Crawford's home run. Justin Murray started for the first time this season for the Ports, and worked 3.0 innings, allowed three unearned innings, and struck out four. Nick Walters, Scott Mitchinson and Friend all appeared in relief for Stockton. Mitchinson worked 5.2 scoreless innings and fanned six batters.
Both teams were scoreless in the first three innings. The Giants were the first to post runs, plating three in the third inning. Angel Villalona reached base on a throwing error by Michael Richard, and he was followed on base by a single by Michael Ambort and a walk by Thomas Neal. Villalona came around to score as Darren Ford grounded out. Ambort came home on a single by Crawford, and Neal scored off a sacrifice fly by Nick Noonan.
In the bottom of the third, Matt Spencer extended his home run streak to two consecutive games. His two-run home run made the score 3-2. The score did not change until the eighth inning when the Ports tied up the game.
Richard was the first to get on base, hit by a pitch from Craig Whitaker. A double by Spencer and an intentional walk to Greg Dowling loaded the bases. Catcher Dante Love, who came into the game in the third inning to replace Matt Smith, then walked, scoring home the tying run.
Then the Giants and Ports did not do much in the ninth and tenth innings. With two out in the eleventh, Friend walked Ford. Crawford came up to bat, and launched a two-run home run on the first pitch he saw to center field. Buster Posey struck out swinging to end the inning. Posey went 0x5 on the night, ending his hitting streak at eight games.
The Ports were retired in order in the bottom of the eleventh by Giants reliever Edwin Quirarte.
Friend picked up the loss for the Ports, dropping to 0-2 on the year with a 7.20 ERA. Wilmin Rodriguez, who worked the 10th inning for the Giants posted his first win of the season while Quirarte collected his second save.
The Ports will take on the Giants in the last game of the series tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Tyson Ross (0-2, 5.19) will take the mound for the Ports and will face RHP Oliver Odle (0-1, 5.79). The first 1,000 fans in attendance will be given a commemorative 2008 California League Championship canvas print.
California League Stories from April 19, 2009
- Bastardo Dominant as Sixers Snap Streak - Inland Empire 66ers
- Ports Lose Another Lead Late Against Giants - Stockton Ports
- 66ers Shutout Quakes 4-0 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Crawford's 11th Inning Home Run Propels Giants To Victory - San Jose Giants
- Ports Drop Ninth Game in Extra Innings - Stockton Ports
- Large Crowd Sees JetHawks Fight But Fall to Mavericks Again - Lancaster JetHawks
- Rawhide Tie Record, Remain Undefeated - Visalia Rawhide
- Quakes Shutout 66ers 2-0 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Sweeney Blasts Quakes Past Sixers - Inland Empire 66ers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
