CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports' Offense Burns Bakersfield, 10-4

Published on May 2, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Just one night after scoring only one run, the Stockton Ports offense was able to capitalize nearly every available baserunner on Saturday, defeating the Bakersfield Blaze 10-4.

The Ports (6-17) totaled 12 hits in the game, tagging Bakersfield (7-15) starter Blake Beavan for eight runs in his 2.2 innings of work. Every Ports starter made it on base, and all scored a run in the contest. First baseman Matt Spencer extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a double off Bakersfield reliever Ryan Tatusko. Spencer is batting .410 (16x39) with two doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI in that span.

Craig Italiano pitched a solid game for the Ports, tossing 6.1 innings-the longest outing yet by a Ports pitcher. He allowed four runs on eight hits. Ports fielders also had an excellent game, turning three double plays against Bakersfield, the most in a single game this season. Stockton relievers Derrick Gordon and Jon Hunton combined for 2.2 scoreless innings.

The Blaze were the first aboard, taking a 2-0 lead in the first. Engel Beltre started off the game with an infield single, and Matthew Lawson also collected a single off Italiano. Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch, and Beltre came around to score the first run of the game on a passed ball by Ports catcher Raul Padron while Mitch Moreland was at bat. Moreland collected a sacrifice fly to bring home Lawson. Smith would also single before the Italiano would get out of the inning.

The Ports tied up the game in the bottom of the first. Left fielder David Thomas was hit by a pitch, and was put out when Shane Keough reached on a fielder's choice. Keough advanced to second on an error by second baseman Lawson. After Ben Copeland struck out, Matt Spencer walked to put two runners on with two out for designated hitter Todd Johnson. Johnson slammed a two-RBI double to tie the game.

But the Blaze added two more runs in the second inning to take a 4-2 lead. Lawson notched a two-RBI double to score catcher Jose Felix and shortstop Renny Osuna.

While the Ports were retired in order in the second, they came roaring to life in the bottom of the third. The Ports scored six runs, to get ahead of the Blaze by a score of 8-4. Thomas led off the inning with a solo home run that dropped in the rocking chair rows of the Jackson Rancheria Back Porch. Copeland, who is making a Major League rehab start with the Ports, notched a double down the right field line. With two out, Copeland came home to score the fourth Stockton run on a single by Johnson. Padron and Alex Valdez followed with singles, and both runners scored on a triple by second baseman Frank Martinez. Martinez scored the eighth run (sixth of the inning) on an RBI single by Michael Richard. After Richard's at-bat, the Blaze removed starter Blake Beavan. He was replaced by Zach Philips, who got Thomas to fly out to end the inning.

Italiano settled down on the mound for the Ports, allowing just two hits, and Stockton turned an inning-ending double play in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. But while the Bakersfield offense was held in check those innings, so was the Ports offense. The Bakersfield squad retired the Ports in order each of those three innings.

Spencer broke the hitless streak with a double in the bottom of the seventh inning off Tatusko. Spencer was one of the few Ports batters left stranded, as Johnson struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Ports tacked on two more runs. With Padron and Richard standing on the bases, Thomas smacked a double down the left field line, to score both runners and make it 10-4. Thomas was put out at third, as he tried to take the additional bag. Felix threw the ball to Osuna, and Thomas was called out at third to end the inning.

Jon Hunton, who picked up his third save, and the Ports retired the Blaze in order in the ninth to seal their sixth win of the season.

The two teams will face off for the third game of the series at 2:05 p.m. at Banner Island Ballpark on Sunday. RHP Scott Hodsdon (1-2, 5.89) will face off against LHP Michael Kirkman (1-1, 2.35) in the contest.

On May 3, Stockton will host the 3rd Annual Pink with the Ports Day, sponsored by St. Joseph's Medical Center, in which the Ports players will sport pink jerseys in an effort to help raise awareness for breast cancer. The pink jerseys will also be auctioned off during the game. The Ports will donate $1 for every ticket sold to benefit the St. Joseph's Foundation Breast Health Services. The Ports are proud to continue to help St. Joseph's raise awareness about breast cancer, and to help support cancer research.

Also on May 3 the Ports will celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with an early Cinco de Mayo fiesta. The afternoon will include folklorico dancers and a ceremonial first pitch by Sergio Ochoa Sanchez, a representative of the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento.

Check out the Stockton Ports Statistics

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California League Stories from May 2, 2009


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