CalL1 San Jose Giants

Ports Sink Giants In Series Opener, 4-1

Published on June 19, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release


Stockton's Craig Italiano and a pair of relievers combined to limit the Giants to six hits in a 4-1 victory over San Jose on Thursday night at Banner Island Ballpark. In the opener of a four-game series, Italiano worked the first six innings and allowed just one run before Justin Friend and Leonardo Espinal combined to hold the Giants scoreless over the final three frames. With the loss, the Giants' overall record falls to 39-28, however they remain in a tie for first place with the Visalia Rawhide (39-28) for the top spot in the North Division. Only three games remain in the first half.

Roger Kieschnick scored San Jose's only run of the contest with a solo homer in the top of the fourth inning.

Clayton Tanner (5-2) suffered the loss for the Giants after surrendering four runs (all earned) on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. Tanner walked two and struck out two during his stint on the mound.

Stockton never trailed during Thursday's affair scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning against Tanner to take the early lead. Michael Richard began the frame with an infield single to third base before promptly stealing second. Richard advanced to third when catcher Trent Kline's throw bounced into center field before scoring when the next hitter, Jermaine Mitchell, delivered a sacrifice fly to left.

Yusuf Carter followed with a triple off of the fence in center field before he scored on Christian Vitters' sacrifice fly to left to make it 2-0.

The Giants had opportunities to score in the early innings, but left runners in scoring position in the first and third frames. In the top of the first, Tyler Graham led off with a single before a one-out hit by pitch of Thomas Neal put runners on the corners. However, Italiano was able to pitch out of trouble by striking out Buster Posey before Kieschnick grounded into a fielder's choice.

In the third, Graham singled with one out, stole second and advanced to third on Brian Bocock'a ground out, but was stranded when Neal lined out to center ending the inning.

The Giants broke through against Italiano in the top of the fourth when Kieschnick belted the first pitch of his at-bat over the fence in right center field for a solo homer. The home run, Kieschnick's 11th of the season, brought San Jose to within 2-1.

Tanner settled down after his first-inning struggles and allowed just one hit from the second through the fourth. However, Matt Smith began the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer to deep center field pushing the Stockton lead up to 3-1.

The Ports scored their final run of the night in the bottom of the sixth when Tanner issued a one-out walk to Shane Keough before Smith came through with a two-out double down the right field line against reliever T.J. Brewer.

The Giants threatened in the top of the sixth inning against Italiano when Neal led off with a line drive double off of the fence in left, but Posey and Kieschnick were both retired on fly outs before Angel Villalona struck out to end the threat.

In the eighth while facing Friend, Bocock singled with one out and Posey drew a two-out walk to bring the potential tying run to the plate. Kieschnick was up next, however he lined out to deep right field to keep the score at 4-1.

Espinal was credited with his sixth save of the year after inducing three consecutive ground outs during a perfect top of the ninth inning.

Italiano (5-6) struck out five and walked just one during his outing en route to picking up the win. The right-hander had compiled a 7.30 ERA in three previous starts against the Giants before Thursday.

Conor Gillaspie (2-for-4) was the lone Giant to finish with a multiple-hit game. Neal (1-for-3, 2B) did extend his hitting streak to 14 games with his sixth-inning double.

Notes: San Jose is 1-7 in their last eight series openers ... The Giants were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position ... Tanner suffered only his second loss in 11 starts this season ... Brewer (2 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO) was the lone pitcher to see action out of the San Jose bullpen ... The Giants are 9-4 this year against the Ports ... Stockton out-hit San Jose by an 8-6 margin ... Visalia suffered a 2-1 loss in 12 innings at Bakersfield Thursday night to remain tied with the Giants in the first half standings.

On Deck: The Giants and Ports continue their four-game series on Friday evening with first pitch at Banner Island Ballpark scheduled for 7:05 PM. Craig Clark (6-2, 3.06 ERA) is slated to start on the mound for San Jose while Stockton is expected to counter with Mike Madsen (0-0, 0.00 ERA). The game will be televised live on Comcast Hometown Network (Channel 104 throughout most Northern California regions).

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California League Stories from June 19, 2009


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