Ports Withstand Quakes In 6-2 Win
Published on August 5, 2006 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif- In a tight ballgame, it's the little things a team does right that puts them over the top. On Friday night, the Stockton Ports were able to execute to perfection in a 6-2 win over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Early on, it looked like it was shaping up to be a pitcher's duel between Ports starter Kenny Durost (3-1) and Quakes righty Karl Gelinas (2-5). By night's end, however, the Ports were able to reach Gelinas for six runs in a well-played victory on both sides of the ball.
With the Quakes clinging to a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth, Ports second baseman Eddie Cornejo launched a one-out solo homer to right to knot the game at two. The Ports carried that momentum into the bottom of the sixth, where they finally broke through big time against Gelinas. Myron Leslie started the inning with a single to right, and following a walk to Brian Snyder, Nick Blasi pulled off a fake-bunt slap and hit a slow roller into center as Rancho had the wheel play on in the infield. Leslie scored on the play, and Tommy Everidge followed with a two-RBI double to right center to score Snyder and Blasi. Gelinas came up lame on his left ankle after surrendering the double to Everidge, and was removed from the game in favor of Michael Simard. Simard was perfect in relief, retiring the only nine batters he saw to stop the bleeding for the Quakes.
The pitching for Stockton was equal to the task. Durost earned the win after going six strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven. Lenny Landeros loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, but was able to escape further trouble when he got Michael Collins to ground out to end the threat. Landeros recorded the first out in the eighth before turning the ball over to Steven Sharpe, who tossed a hitless 1.2 innings to close out the ballgame.
Gelinas took the loss for Rancho, as he went five-plus innings and allowed all six runs on 11 hits while striking out two.
After taking Game 1, the Ports will try and repeat their success in Game 2 as they send righty Ryan Webb (5-8, 5.30 ERA) to the hill. The Quakes will counter with right-hander Steve Marek (1-0, 4.50 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. PST at Banner Island Ballpark.
California League Stories from August 5, 2006
- JetHawks Pitching Staff Gets Revenge on Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
- Webb Spins A Gem In 2-0 Ports Win - Stockton Ports
- SJ Giants defeat the Bakersfield blaze 9-5 in Tim Lincecum's San Jose debut - San Jose Giants
- Ports Withstand Quakes In 6-2 Win - Stockton Ports
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