Ports\' slam Oaks
Published on May 4, 2003 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
STOCKTON â A four run rally in the top of the ninth inning gave the Oaks a three run lead, but Stockton's Jason Botts hammered a grand slam to end the game and send the Ports to a 10-8 victory over Visalia.
The Oaks did not lead until the ninth when pinch hitter Brian Barre singled to right field with the bases loaded to tie the game, 5-5. Tony Miller came through next with a two-run single to center field to put Visalia on top 7-5. With one out and the bases still loaded, the Oaks final run scored on a non-conventional double play. Bryan Peck hit a ground ball to second base. Jayson Nix was retired on a force play at second. Miller scored and Peck reached first to collect an RBI, but Hector Tena overran third base and was tagged out on a throw to third to end the inning with the Oaks ahead 8-5.
Jase Brewer, who saved Saturday's 1-0 win over the Ports got the first out of the ninth inning one pitch when catcher Scott Heard popped out to third base. However, the next five batters all reached base and scored. Rashad Eldridge and Christopher Stringfellow each singled to set up Drew Meyer's RBI single that made the score 8-6. Jason Moore walked to load the bases and set the stage for the switch hitter, Botts who pulled the first pitch he saw from Wrigley over the wall in right for a walk off grand slam. Botts hit into a double play against Wrigley to end Saturday's game. Stringfellow singled in the first of two Stockton runs in the second inning. Jason Moore drove in the second two batters later with a single to right.
Visalia starter Mike Esposito allowed three consecutive singles to begin the fourth inning, including a RBI hit by Stringfellow, but came back to strike out the next three batters and end the inning.
Ports starter Sam Narron retired the first nine Oaks batters in order and did not allow a hit until the fifth inning.
The Oaks cut Stockton leads to one three times in three innings, the fifth, sixth and seventh. Back-to-back run scoring doubles by Dan Conway and Sean Barker brought the Oaks within one at 3-2 in the fifth. Tony Miller crossed the plate on a wild pitch in the sixth and Conway scored in the seventh on a Barker single.
Stockton took two out of three in the weekend series.
Denny Neagle will make another rehab start for the Oaks on Tuesday as Visalia hosts San Jose at 6:35 p.m.
The left-hander retired eleven batters in a row during one stretch of his first rehab start last Thursday against Bakersfield. Tuesday's game will be the first in a six game home stand for the Oaks. The Radisson Pre Game Show will begin at 6:22 p.m. on AM 1270 KJUG.
California League Stories from May 4, 2003
- Ports' slam Oaks - Visalia Rawhide
- Home Stand Ends on Sour Note - Lancaster JetHawks
- JetHawks Can't Weather the Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
- Parker dominates Ports - Visalia Rawhide
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