CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports Squeak by 66ers 3-1 to Even Series

Published on August 30, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The offense for the Stockton Ports wasn't overwhelming, but it was just enough to earn them a win over the Inland Empire 66ers on Saturday night at Banner Island Ballpark. The Ports got a pair of doubles form Michael Soto and a home run from Jake Nottingham on their way to a 3-1 win over Inland Empire, allowing them to maintain a two-game lead over the Modesto Nuts for the final playoff spot in the North Division.

The two teams traded solo home runs in the second inning as Caleb Adams homered to right to give Inland Empire the initial 1-0 lead. Nottingham followed with a solo blast to lead off the bottom half of the inning and tie the game at 1-1.

Ports starter Matt Stalcup (3-5), after allowing the home run, went on to retire 16 of his next 18 batters to close out his outing. Stalcup earned the win as he went a season-high seven innings and allowed one run on three hits while striking out six.

Inland Empire starter Ryan Etsell (7-4) gave up a leadoff double to Soto in the bottom of the third. Branden Cogswell followed and laid down a sacrifice bunt towards the third base line. Etsell came off the mound, fielding the ball and made an errant throw to first that allowed Soto to score and give the Ports a 2-1 lead. It was the final run allowed by Etsell who would suffer the loss despite a strong outing, going six innings and allowing two runs on three hits while walking two and striking out five.

Stockton's final run of the contest came in the seventh off 66ers reliever Ronnie Muck. Soto doubled to center with one out and scored on an ensuing triple by Cogswell to make it a 3-1 Ports advantage. It was the only run allowed by Muck in his lone inning of relief. Brian Loconsole pitched a scoreless eighth for Inland Empire despite allowing back-to-back one-out singles.

Ben Bracewell entered the game to pitch the eighth and worked around a two-out double hit by Tyler Palmer. Corey Walter (SV, 7) pitched around a leadoff single by Mike Fish and retired the next three batters to earn his seventh save of the season.

The Ports and 66ers play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday night at Banner Island Ballpark. Casey Meisner (1-1, 3.63 ERA) makes the start for Stockton, opposed by Inland Empire right-hander Jeremy Rhoades (4-4, 7.46 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m. PDT. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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California League Stories from August 30, 2015


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