Ports Triumph over Giants, 6-2
Published on July 4, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.- After being shutout by San Jose on Thursday, the Stockton Ports (29-50) held the Giants (49-30) to their fewest number of hits this season-two-in a 6-2 victory at Banner Island Ballpark.
The Ports had some in-game fireworks as Grant Desme and Frank Martinez homered in the game. Left-handed pitcher Ben Hornbeck allowed just two hits-both singles-and two runs in 5.0 innings. He struck out six in the contest as well. Justin Friend tossed three hitless, scoreless innings, and Mickey Storey closed out the game for the Ports.
The Giants took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning. Right fielder Tyler Graham walked to start the game. He moved to second on a passed ball while Thomas Neal was at-bat. Neal and then Posey walked in load the bases. While Noonan was at bat, Hornbeck threw a wild pitch that allowed Graham to score and the runners to advance. After Noonan struck out, Angel Villalona came to the plate. While he was batting, Yusuf Carter had a passed ball, which allowed Neal to score. Villalona struck out to end the inning.
The Ports responded in the bottom half of the inning, taking a 4-2 lead. Shortstop Michael Richard led off with a single, and Jemile Weeks followed him on base with a single. Putnam then hit into a fielder's choice which put out Weeks at second and allowed Richard to score. First baseman Steve Kleen singled, and then center fielder Grant Desme slammed a three-run homer to the Metro PCS Home Run Hill in right-center field. Desme finished the contest 2x3 with two runs scored. It was his third home run for Stockton this season, since joining the team on June 25 from Kane County.
The Ports went up 5-2 in the fourth inning on a solo home run by third baseman Martinez. It was his first home run of the season.
Stockton scored its final run in the eighth inning. With Craig Whitaker on the mound in relief for San Jose, Desme walked to lead off the inning. Whitaker struck out the next two batters, and Desme stole two bases. With Martinez at the plate, Whitaker threw a wild pitch that allowed Desme to score. Whitaker then walked the bases loaded, but Weeks flew out to end the inning.
The Ports travel to Bakersfield for a three-game series starting Saturday at 7:45. LHP Carlos Hernandez (3-4, 5.40) will start for Stockton, while the Blaze will have RHP Tanner Roark (1-0, 2.36) on the mound.
California League Stories from July 4, 2009
- 66ers Rally in Seventh, Sweep Rawhide - Inland Empire 66ers
- Modesto Nuts at San Jose Giants, July 4-6 - San Jose Giants
- Giants Held To Season-Low Two Hits In 6-2 Loss - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Rally For 6-4 Win Over Mavericks - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Ports Triumph over Giants, 6-2 - Stockton Ports
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