Ports Topple Giants, 4-3
Published on July 30, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.- The Stockton Ports (44-60) had strong pitching and solid offense on Wednesday night, retaining an early lead to defeat the San Jose Giants (68-36), 4-3 at Banner Island Ballpark.
With the win, the Ports secured the series victory, handing the Giants their first losing series since Visalia took three of four from San Jose from May 27 to May 30. The Ports also set a new season-high by stealing five bases in the contest.
Southpaw starter Anthony Capra held the Giants to just two runs on three hits in 6.0 innings of work. Ben Hornbeck made another appearance from the bullpen, striking out two in an inning, and Mickey Storey picked up his seventh save. Steve Kleen, Yusuf Carter and Jermaine Mitchell all collected a pair of hits in the game for Stockton.
The Ports were the first team to score, pulling ahead, 2-0, in the third inning. Right fielder Jermaine Mitchell led off the frame with a single and advanced to second on a stolen base while Shane Keough was at bat. Mitchell advanced to third as Keough grounded out to shortstop Brian Bocock. Ports Shortstop Michael Richard stepped up to the plate, and hit the ball to Bocock. Bocock threw the ball to catcher Nestor Rojas to try to get Mitchell out at the plate. Mitchell charged and knocked Rojas over on his way home. Mitchell scored safely, and Richard reached first safely on the fielder's choice. Rojas was examined by the Giants trainer and remained in the game. Second baseman Jemile Weeks then hit into a fielder's choice that put out Richard at second. Weeks came home to score on an RBI double by first baseman Steve Kleen.
The Giants tied it up in the top of the fourth as right fielder Roger Kieschnick notched a two-run home run off Capra. It was the first of three hits he allowed in the contest.
The tie didn't last long, as Ports added their third run in the fourth inning. Center fielder Grant Desme led off the inning with a walk. He stole second with left fielder Todd Johnson at the plate. Third baseman Frank Martinez then singled to shortstop, and Desme scored. Martinez advanced to second on an error by Bocock. Giants starter Odle then retired the next two batters to get out of the inning.
Stockton added an insurance run, going up 4-2, in the sixth frame as Desme launched a long home run to centerfield. It was his 12th home run for the Ports this season in 34 games, and his 23rd home run this season. Desme slammed 11 home runs with the Single-A Kane County Cougars in the first half of the season.
San Jose came back in the ninth to make things interesting. Third baseman Conor Gillaspie hit an RBI double to make it 4-3 with one out. But Storey knuckled down, and got pinch hitter Nick Noonan to pop out to catcher Carter on the first pitch. Storey then got Rojas to strike out swinging to end the game and collect his seventh save of the season.
The Ports and Giants will wrap up the series Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. at Banner Island Ballpark. LHP Carlos Hernandez (7-5, 4.54) will take the hill for Stockton, while LHP Clayton Tanner (8-5, 3.29) will start for San Jose.
The Ports will look to welcome their one millionth fan in Banner Island Ballpark history on Thursday. The Ports will be recognizing the one millionth fan on-field in a pre-game ceremony, which includes the throwing of the ceremonial first pitch at the Friday, August 7 game against the Inland Empire 66ers. The fan will also be awarded a prize basket filled with gifts contributed by several Ports sponsors, such as Woodbridge Winery, Romano's Macaroni Grill, BJ's Restaurant, California Car Wash, In-N-Out Burger, as well as a trip for two to Las Vegas courtesy of Allegiant Air.
California League Stories from July 30, 2009
- Ports Welcome 1 Millionth Fan - Stockton Ports
- Giants Drop First Series Since May With 4-3 Defeat - San Jose Giants
- San Jose Giants Celebrate Heritage Weekend- Homestand Preview - San Jose Giants
- PeaNUT's Return to John Thurman Field - Modesto Nuts
- Thirsty Thursday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Finally Break Through Against Mavericks At Home - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ports Topple Giants, 4-3 - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Fall to Modesto 6-3 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Sexton the Stopper Again in 3-1 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
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