Ports Rally Falls Short in 8-5 Loss to Nuts
Published on May 14, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
The Stockton Ports (15-20) didn't have a problem collecting hits, but struggled to bring their baserunners home in their series finale against the Modesto Nuts (18-14) on Thursday, losing 8-5. The Ports brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth with two out, but were unable to complete the rally.
The Ports totaled 13 hits in the contest, but left 12 on base and batted .167 (2x12) with runners in scoring position. Michael Spina led the Ports hit parade with two solo home runs. He is now tied with Stephen Parker for the team lead in home runs, and has hit three homers in his last two games. Tyler Ladendorf collected three consecutive singles for the Ports, while Stephen Parker and Petey Paramore also had two hits on the night.
Stockton starter Anvioris Ramirez picked up his sixth straight loss on the year, allowing six runs on seven hits in a season-long 6.1 innings. He allowed just one walk, which was intentional, in the seventh inning. Jose Pina, Lance Sewell and Scott Hodsdon appeared in relief for the Ports. Greg Reynolds collected the win in his second MLB rehab start for Modesto, while Adam Jorgenson collected his eleventh save on the year.
The Nuts took a 1-0 lead on a solo home run by center fielder Tim Wheeler, his third on the year. They pulled ahead, 2-0 in the fourth inning. First baseman Ben Paulsen struck out but reached first on a dropped third strike. Ramirez got the next two batters to ground out, and Paulsen advanced to third. Left fielder David Christensen singled down the left field line, allowing Paulsen to score.
The Ports chalked up their first run in the bottom of the fourth, as Spina slammed his fifth homer of the year over the right field wall.
Modesto made it 4-1 in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by designated hitter Jimmy Cesario and a sacrifice fly by catcher Jordan Pacheco. The Ports came back to pull within one in the bottom of the fifth. Shortstop Michael Richard led off the inning and reached first on an error by Modesto third baseman Ryan Peisel. He advanced to second as Ladendorf collected his second single of the game. Richard came around to score the second Ports run of the game on an RBI single by third baseman Stephen Parker. Later in the inning, an RBI single by catcher Petey Paramore scored Ladendorf to make it 4-3. The Ports loaded the bases in the sixth, but Parker grounded out to spoil the Ports chances of taking the lead.
The Nuts added three runs in the seventh inning. Ramirez put out left fielder Brian Rike to start the frame and then gave up a double to second baseman Maikol Gonzalez . He then intentionally walked Cesario. The Ports next called on Jose Pina to face shortstop Thomas Field. Field singled to load the bases, and then Pacheco collected an RBI walk. Paulsen stepped up to the plate and slammed a double to right-center field, scoring two more runs. Stockton retired the next two batters to get out of the jam.
The Ports closed the gap again in the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Spina led off and slammed his second homer of the night, dropping one over the left field wall. Paramore doubled down the right field line to follow. Designated hitter Matt Whitney then collected an RBI groundout to make it 7-5.
The Nuts added their final run in the eighth on an RBI sacrifice fly by Field. The Ports held them in check in the ninth, and worked to rally in the ninth. With two out, Whitney was hit by a pitch. He advanced to third as right fielder Jeremy Barfield doubled to center field for his lone hit in the game. Ports centerfielder Todd Johnson was struck out looking to end the game.
The Ports finished the series 2-1 against Modesto, and look to go on a seven-game road trip down south, taking on the High Desert Mavericks and Lake Elsinore Storm. The Ports will play at 7:05 PM in Adelanto on Friday. RHP Justin Murray (2-2, 2.90) will start for Stockton, while LHP Ryan Feierabend (0-0, 0.82) will take the mound for High Desert. Fans can tune into the game on KWSX 1280 or listen to a free audio stream at www.stocktonports.com.
California League Stories from May 14, 2010
- This Week in Cal League Baseball - CalL1
- Bakersfield Blaze at San Jose Giants, May 14-17 - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Honor Laferney with Bobblehead - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Erupt Offensively To Beat Visalia - San Jose Giants
- Ports Rally Falls Short in 8-5 Loss to Nuts - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Edge JetHawks for Third Straight Game - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Quakes Win Fourth Game Straight - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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