Ports Power Past Rawhide, 15-5
July 15, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
The Stockton Ports (41-49) snapped a two-game losing streak against Visalia (48-42), by defeating the Rawhide, 15-5, on Wednesday night at Banner Island Ballpark. It was their sixth win on the year against Visalia, and just their second against the Rawhide at home. The Ports are now 10-10 in the second half, and are 2.0 games back from first place in the North Division standings.
The 15 runs on Wednesday marked a new season-high for the Boys of Banner Island Ballpark, and the Ports tied a season high by collecting four home runs. Each Ports player collected a hit in the game, and four players had multi-RBI games.
Ben Hornbeck collected the win, his second, striking out seven and allowing four runs on five hits in 5.1 innings. It was his first decision since taking the loss against Visalia on June 18. Brett Hunter allowed one run in 1.2 innings with four strikeouts, while Andrew Carignan tossed 2.0 shutout innings with four strikeouts.
Eric Smith, who made his California League debut on Wednesday after being promoted from A-South Bend for Visalia, took the loss, allowing nine runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings.
Visalia jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning. Shortstop Dan Kaczrowski singled to center field to leadoff the game. Center fielder Alfredo Marte then slammed a two-run home run to left field.
But the lead didn't last long as Ports catcher Yusuf Carter changed things with one swing. Left fielder Jermaine Mitchell, who finished the game 4x4 with an RBI, singled to get things rolling. Smith then issued back-to-back walks to Grant Green and Stephen Parker to load the bases. First baseman Mike Spina struck out, which brought up Carter. Carter then blasted a 1-1 pitch over the center field wall to the Metro PCS Home Run Hill for a grand slam. It was his third home run in his last four games. Smith retired the next two batters to escape the jam.
Visalia tied the game in the top of the fourth, as catcher Rossmel Perez slammed his third home run of the year, a two-run shot to right field.
But the Ports bounced back by scoring two in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Tyler Ladendorf and David Thomas hit back-to-back singles. Todd Johnson then walked to load the bases. Mitchell hit an RBI single to make it 5-4, and then Green hit a sacrifice fly to make it 6-4 for the Ports.
Stockton added four more runs in the fifth for a 10-4 lead. Spina doubled to start the inning, and scored as Jeremy Barfield reached on a fielder's choice. Thomas walked and Johnson stepped up to the plate. Johnson slammed the second Ports home run of the night over the Chase Chevrolet sign in center field. It was his fifth home run on the year.
Visalia scored their final run in the sixth inning. Left fielder Marc Krauss led off and grounded out in a 3-1 play. Hornbeck was then lifted from the game in favor of right-hander Hunter. Hunter issued a walk to Josh Ford and then a double to Alberto Diaz. Perez then hit a sacrifice fly to Thomas to bring home Ford and make it 10-5.
In the sixth inning with Chase Anderson on the hill for Visalia, Parker led off with a single. Carter doubled to put two on with one out. Barfield hit a sacrifice fly to score Parker Ladendorf then collected his second homer of the year, a two-run shot over the Ports bullpen in left field to make it 13-5.
Green collected a two-run home run in the seventh inning to give Stockton a 10 run advantage over the Visalia Rawhide.
The Ports will take on Visalia in Game 2 of the three-game series on Thursday at 7:05 PM at Banner Island Ballpark. LHP Dallas Braden (0-0, 0.00) will be making a rehab start with the Ports. He was placed on the DL for the Oakland Athletics on July 3 with left elbow stiffness. LHP Dan Taylor (3-3, 6.38) will be taking the mound for Visalia. Gates open at 6:05 PM. Fans can follow the game live on KWSX 1280 AM or on Comcast Hometown Network (Channel 104).
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