Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rapidz score twice in the ninth inning to steal victory

Published on August 26, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


Brockton, MA (August 26, 2008) - The Brockton Rox held the Ottawa Rapidz scoreless for eight innings on Tuesday night, but Ottawa scratched across two runs in the ninth against Rox closer RHP Jerry Dunn to steal a victory at Campanelli Stadium.

Neither team scored over the first six and half innings, but Rox 3B Eduardo Rios led off the bottom of the seventh with a single. After a walk, DH Phillip Cuadrado dropped a sacrifice bunt placing runners at second and third base with one out. Then 1B Jason Colson popped a sacrifice fly to right field to plate Rios and give Brockton a 1-0 advantage.

With RHP Mike Smith delivering a stellar shutout performance, yet his longest of the season, the Rox handed the late innings off to the bullpen. Smith pitched 6.2 innings of scoreless ball and scattered four hits and a walk. He struck out seven and was replaced with two outs in the seventh and a runner at second base. New Rox pitcher RHP Rafael Bergstrom retired the only man he faced to end the top of the seventh inning.

RHP Matt Zachary pitched a scoreless eighth inning before handing off to closer RHP Jerry Dunn for the ninth. Dunn was pitching for the fifth time in six days and had recorded four saves in that span to post the league's highest total of 24 on the season. Ottawa started the ninth inning with a double by C Kyle Geiger off the glove of Rox RF Dennis Abreu. Geiger advanced to third base after a groundout, a walk, and a passed ball. LF Jereme Milons and 3B Nate Hall each drove in a run with a single and a sacrifice fly respectively to put Ottawa on top 2-1.

The tension mounted in the bottom of the ninth inning. Rox 3B Eduardo Rios singled to start the inning, but was still at first base with two outs. He stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error. 1B Jason Colson punched a broken bat ground ball up the middle which was bobbled by Rapidz SS Dytarious Edwards. Edwards threw on the run behind second base and his throw beat Colson by one half stride at first as Rios, the potentially game-tying run was crossing the plate, and the game was over.

The Rox and Rapidz meet in the third game of the four-game series on Wednesday night as RHP John Kelly (8-5, 2.61 ERA) faces Ottawa LHP Fraser Robinson (4-6, 4.95 ERA). Wednesday's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Check out the Brockton Rox Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian American League Stories from August 26, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central