Ports Kick Off Second Half With Exciting 2-1 Win
Published on June 17, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - After losing the first half title to the San Jose Giants by one game, the Stockton Ports had something to prove entering the season's second half. On Monday night at Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports came from behind and came up big in the clutch to beat the Giants 2-1 and get the season's second half off on the right foot.
Early on, the Ports looked like they'd be bedeviled by their defense as Chris Carter committed an error in each of the first two innings. Ports starter Jason Fernandez (7-4), however, was on his game. Fernandez escaped early jams to keep the game scoreless.
The Ports had a few chances to break through early against Giants starter Henry Sosa. In both the first and third innings, the Ports had two men on with just one out and failed to score.
It was San Jose that finally broke through in the top of the sixth. Matt Downs led off with a solo homer over the mini-monster wall in left to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. It would be the only run Fernandez allowed on the night.
In the top of the eighth, with San Jose ahead 1-0, Fernandez allowed back-to-back infield singles to Sharlon Schoop and Mike McBryde. Following a sac-bunt from Downs, the Giants had runners at second and third with just one out. Fernandez got a visit from manager Darren Bush, and stayed in the game to try and pitch out of the jam. Fernandez struck out Tyler LaTorre, and two batters later, with the bases loaded, got Ryan Rohlinger to ground to short to end the inning and the threat.
Fernandez, at night's end, would get the win after matching his season-long outing. He went eight innings, allowed just the one run on five hits while striking out six.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Ports finally put some offense together against Giants reliever Steve Edlefson (2-3). Edlefson yielded back-to-back singles to Matt Sulentic and Archie Gilbert, and two batters later, Sean Doolittle walked to load the bases. After Carter struck out, Darryl Lawhorn came through with the biggest hit of the night--a two-run single to right to give the Ports a 2-1 lead.
The hit made a winner of Fernandez, and made Edlefson the losing pitcher. After retiring the first six batters he faced, Edlefson took the loss, going three innings and allowing two runs on three hits while striking out four.
Sam Demel (SV, 9) earned his ninth save of the season, pitching a perfect ninth and striking out the final two batters of the game.
The Ports and Giants will continue their three game set on Tuesday at Banner Island Ballpark. Graham Godfrey (2-0, 4.82 ERA) will take the hill for Stockton, opposed by left-hander Jesse English (8-2, 2.63 ERA) for San Jose. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PDT.
California League Stories from June 17, 2008
- Quakes rally for win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- The Mavericks Edge the JetHawks for Second Straight Close Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Taco Tuesday Tonight - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Unable To Hold Lead In 2-1 Loss At Stockton - San Jose Giants
- Ports Kick Off Second Half With Exciting 2-1 Win - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Open 2nd Half With Loss To Storm - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Open Second Half with Loss to High Desert - Lancaster JetHawks
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.
