Ports Drop Second Straight to Rawhide, 3-2
April 17, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Ports had no problem with collecting hits and getting runners on base-but getting those runners from first to home was a different matter. Stockton (4-4) totaled nine hits and left 15 runners on base in Friday night's 3-2 loss against the Visalia Rawhide (5-4) at Banner Island Ballpark.
Shortstop Grant Green finished the game 3x5 with an RBI and center fielder Jermaine Mitchell went 2x5 to extend his hitting streak to six games, but the Ports offensive effort wasn't enough to overcome the Rawhide, as Visalia led them to just two runs. Ports starter Kenny Smalley allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits with four strikeouts in 4.2 innings of work. Reliever Scott Hodsdon picked up the loss as he gave up the game-winning home run to Visalia shortstop Rey Navarro in the seventh inning. Trey Barham pitched a scoreless 2.2 innings for Stockton to wrap up the game.
Stockton jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first. Mitchell singled to kick start the offense, and moved to second on a balk by Visalia starter Ryan Cook. Green then singled to center field. With third baseman Stephen Parker at-bat, the Ports attempted a double steal. Visalia catcher Rossmel Perez threw the ball to Navarro to try to get Green in a run down at second, and Mitchell made a move for home plate. Navarro then threw the ball to Perez to make a play at the plate. Mitchell was out at home and Green stood safely at second. Parker then walked to put runners on first and second with one out. A wild pitch by Cook then advanced both runners. Right fielder Jeremy Barfield then grounded out, and Green crossed home plate for the first run of the game.
Barfield later made an incredible play in the second inning to throw out centerfielder Alfredo Marte at home handily to end the inning and end the Visalia threat.
Visalia didn't score their first run until the fourth frame, when an RBI single by designated hitter Kyle Greene brought home first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
Stockton made it 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, left fielder Shane Keough was hit by a pitch. He was followed on base by second baseman Jason Christian, who walked. After Mitchell flew out, Green stepped up to the plate. He singled to center field to drive home Keough. Parker hit into a fielder's choice play to end the frame.
Visalia answered right back in the top of the fifth. With one out, Navarro reached on an error by pitcher Smalley. The Ports got second baseman Brent Greer to ground out, and Smalley surrendered an RBI single to third baseman Ryan Wheeler. After that hit, the Ports pulled Smalley in favor of Hodsdon, who got Goldschmidt to strikeout to end the inning.
With the game tied 2-2, Navarro hit a solo shot to right field on a 2-1 pitch from Hodsdon to give Visalia a one-run lead in the seventh.
The Ports were unable to overcome that deficit, collecting just three hits and stranding five in the final three frames.
Stockton will take on the Rawhide for game three of the series at 7:05 p.m. PST on Saturday at Banner Island Ballpark. LHP Anvioris Ramirez (0-1, 9.64) will start for Stockton, while RHP Josh Collmenter (1-0, 3.60) will be on the hill for Visalia. Fans can enjoy post-game fireworks presented by Ports champion partner Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel after Saturday's game. A's roving instructor and legend Rickey Henderson will continue to work with the Stockton Ports on Saturday and Sunday.
California League Stories from April 17, 2010
- Giants Flirt With No-Hitter In 4-1 Victory Over Blaze - San Jose Giants
- Ports Drop Second Straight to Rawhide, 3-2 - Stockton Ports
- Bakersfield Blasts Giants To Even Series - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Bats Go Quiet in 9-1 loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Win Second Straight - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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