CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports Edge Giants in 4-2 Victory

Published on August 28, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - After hosting a celebrity home-run-athon to benefit breast cancer services prior to the game on Pink Night, the Stockton Ports (68-62) and San Jose Giants (70-60) seemed to put on a walk-athon, as both clubs combined for 16 total walks in the first five innings. But the Boys of Banner Island edged the Giants for a 4-2 win, to extend their lead in the second half standings to 5.0 games.

Fabian Williamson walked seven batters, a season-high, in 4.2 frames. He allowed just one run though, as the Giants left 14 runners on base in the game. Reliever Mike Hart collected his second win on the year for Stockton, by tossing 2.1 shutout frames. Paul Smyth collected his 26th save on the season, allowing one run on three hits in 2.0 innings. Stephen Parker led the team with two hits, and Todd Johnson walked three times in the contest. Despite the high walk total, the strikeouts were plentiful as well, as both teams combined for 15 strikeouts as well. Williamson struck out six batters, tying a season-high.

The Ports took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. With two out, third baseman Stephen Parker doubled to get the offense rolling. He took third on an error by right fielder Juan Perez. First baseman Mike Spina then hit an RBI single to score Parker. Right fielder Jeremy Barfield then singled to continue the offense, but catcher Yusuf Carter struck out to end the inning.

The Ports collected two more runs in the fourth inning to pull ahead, 3-0. Designated hitter Todd Johnson led off the inning with a walk. He took second as Tyler Ladendorf hit a sacrifice bunt. David Thomas next grounded out to San Jose starter Jorge Bucardo, who took the loss in the game. Left fielder Jermaine Mitchell next stepped up to the plate and walked. While shortstop Grant Green was batting, Bucardo balked, which allowed both runners to advance into scoring position. Green then doubled to left field, scoring Johnson and Mitchell.

The Giants responded by scoring their first run in the fifth. Jose Flores walked to start the inning. He advanced to second on a single by catcher Johnny Monell. Wiliamson then struck out second baseman Charlie Culberson before walking designated hitter Michael Sandoval. With the bases loaded, Williamson struck out shortstop Ehire Adrianza. The Ports then called on Hart to relieve Williamson. Hart walked the first batter he faced, Drew Biery, to drive home a run. Hart got left fielder Wendell Fairley to fly out to end the threat and leave the bases loaded.

San Jose pulled within one run in the top of the eighth, as Smyth was called in to face the Giants. Adrianza scorched a triple to the right field corner to start the inning, and scored as Biery grounded out. Fairley and Perez both singled in the inning, but were left on base as Flores grounded out.

The Ports collected an insurance run in the eighth inning. Ladendorf doubled to lead things off, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Thomas. An RBI single by Mitchell made it a 4-2 ballgame.

Smyth allowed just one base runner in the top of the ninth, as he shutdown the Giants offense to secure his 26th save and the Ports win.

The Ports and Giants will face off in Game 2 of the four-game series at 7:05 PM on Saturday at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Shawn Haviland (8-6, 3.64) will start for Stockton, while RHP Oliver Odle (11-6, 5.40) will take the hill for San Jose. Fans can follow the game live on KWSX 1280 AM or on stockotnports.com.

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California League Stories from August 28, 2010


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