CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports Lose Another Lead Late Against Giants

Published on April 19, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif.-The Ports came within three outs of splitting the series with a tough San Jose team, and winning their second game of the season, 4-2. But like Sunday night, late home runs by the Giants stripped the Stockton of the lead and the Ports offense was unable to answer. The Ports (1-10) dropped their second straight game, 5-4, to the San Jose Giants (8-3).

Right-handed pitcher Tyson Ross had his longest outing of the season at 5.2 innings, and allowed two earned runs on nine hits. Relievers Derrick Gordon and Pat Currin held the Giants scoreless for 2.1 combined innings, allowing a hit apiece. Dan Thomas came into close the game for Stockton, but he allowed two home runs to pick up his first blown save and his first loss of the season.

The Ports were the first to score in Sunday afternoon's contest, plating three runs in the fourth inning. Jermaine Mitchell got things going with a single, and he stole his second base of the year while Matt Spencer was at bat. Spencer walked, and Dowling grounded out. Frank Martinez then singled to bring home both baserunners and put the Ports ahead, 2-0. Martinez finished the game 1x4, extending his hitting streak to three games. Todd Johnson brought Martinez home with a double, ending an 0x10 hitless streak.

The Giants scored a run in the fifth, off an RBI single by Conor Gillasapie, and added a second run from a solo home run by Angel Villalona.

Spencer added an insurance run for Stockton in the sixth inning with his own solo home run. It was his third home run in as many games-the last time he had a three-game home run streak with Stockton was from August 2-5, 2008. Spencer's home run was the final hit for the Ports, as the last 11 batters were retired in order by the Giants relievers.

The Ports entered the ninth with a 4-2 lead. Brandon Crawford was the first to bat for the Giants in that inning, and he reached first on an error by third baseman Alex Valdez. It was Valdez's fourth error in eight games played. Nick Noonan stepped up to the plate and hit a home run on the first pitch he saw to left-center field, tying the game. Thomas then retired the next two batters, but Roger Kieschnick homered to pull the Giants ahead, 5-4. Thomas struck out Villalona to end the San Jose come-back.

The Giants then brought David Mixon out to close the game, and he retired the Ports in quick, 1-2-3 style, for his first save of the year.

The Ports are now 1-7 against San Jose this season. They will remain at Banner Island Ballpark for a three-game series against the Modesto Nuts. Ports southpaw Carlos Hernandez (0-1, 3.27) will take the mound and face off against RHP Connor Graham (1-0, 2.79) in a 7:05 p.m. game Monday.

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California League Stories from April 19, 2009


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