Ports Sweep Blaze With 7-3 Victory
June 11, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
With the first half winding down, the Stockton Ports (28-33) earned their first sweep of the season, as they conquered the Bakersfield Blaze (25-34) in a 7-3 victory. The Ports have now won four straight games, setting a new season-long winning streak.
The Ports totaled 10 hits in the contest, as Ryan Ortiz, Petey Paramore, and Shane Keough each collected a pair of hits. Paramore hit a two-run home run and Keough hit a two-run single in the game. Ortiz, who started at first base for the first time this season, doubled and singled to extend his hitting streak to a season-long six games. Justin Murray picked up his fifth win for Stockton, tossing 5.1 shutout innings. He pitched himself out of a couple of jams early, and settled down nicely in the series finale. Kenny Smalley and Paul Smyth appeared in relief for the Ports, and Blaze starter Carlos Pimentel collected his second loss in the game.
The Ports took the lead in the second inning. With two outs, Ortiz walked. He was followed on base by Paramore, who singled. That brought designated hitter Keough to the plate. Pimentel balked during Keough's at-bat, which allowed both runners to advance. Keough then singled to center field to bring home both runners to make it 2-0, and advanced to second on the throw. Ports second baseman Michael Richard struck out to end the inning.
Stockton went ahead 4-0 in the third. Shortstop Tyler Ladendorf singled with one out to get things rolling for the Ports. Stephen Parker slammed a double to center field that brought home Ladendorf, who collided with catcher Doug Hogan in front of the plate. Ladendorf was easily safe. Parker advanced to third on the throw. Jeremy Barfield stepped up to the plate for his second appearance on the night. While he was batting, Pimentel threw a wild pitch, and Parker came running home. Stockton added another run in the fifth to make it 5-0 on an RBI double by left fielder Todd Johnson.
The Blaze were held scoreless until the eighth inning. Smalley was on the mound for the Ports, and second baseman Davis Stoneburner came up to bat. He singled to get things started for Bakersfield. Engel Beltre followed suit with a single. First baseman Johnny Whittleman hit into a fielder's choice to put runners on the corners with one out. Designated hitter Mike Bianucci then dropped his sixth home run of the year just over the mini monster wall in left field to make it 5-3. Smalley retired the next two batters to end the threat.
Petey Paramore responded in kind in the bottom of the eighth. He slammed a two-run homer over the Food 4 Less sign in left field and into the Ports bullpen to make it 7-3. It was his third homer of the year.
Stockton closer Paul Smyth retired the side in order in the top of the ninth to seal the victory.
The Ports will take on the Modesto Nuts and look to gain more ground in the standings in a three-game series starting on Friday at 7:05 PM at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Shawn Haviland (5-2, 3.97) will start for Stockton while RHP Rob Scahill (2-4, 7.69) will be on the mound for Modesto.
California League Stories from June 11, 2010
- Bakersfield Blaze at San Jose Giants, June 11-13 - San Jose Giants
- 66ers Roster Move 6/11 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Jacobo Leads Offensive Surge - High Desert Mavericks
- Quakes Earn Wild Win In High Desert - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Ports Sweep Blaze With 7-3 Victory - Stockton Ports
- Visalia Overwhelms JetHawks In Series Finale - Lancaster JetHawks
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