Rawhide Powers Over Ports, 5-3
April 18, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Ports left the first inning with a 1-1 tie with Visalia, but couldn't keep up with the Rawhide in the course of Saturday night's game. Stockton (4-5) dropped their third straight game, 5-3, to Visalia (6-4) at Banner Island Ballpark. The Ports will look to avoid being swept in their first series at home when they take on Visalia on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.
Designated hitter Grant Green, the A's First Round pick in last summer's draft, collected his first professional home run in the first inning off RHP Josh Collmenter. It was a solo shot to left field over the mini monster wall. Green's hit was the only Stockton hit of seven total hits that went for extra bases in the contest, while seven of the nine Visalia hits were for extra bases-including five doubles, a triple and a home run. The Ports are batting .182 (6x33) with runners in scoring position with 27 runners left on base in this series. Visalia is batting .33 (9x3)0 with 22 runners left on base in this series.
Ports starter Anvioris Ramirez had another rough outing, posting a line almost identical to his April 11 debut against Visalia. He allowed five runs, all earned, on eight hits with three walks and a home run in 5.0 innings. But Ports relievers turned in another stellar performance. Paul Smyth allowed just one hit and fanned five in 2.2 innings. Daniel Thomas threw 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings and struck out two as well.
Visalia jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. After walking the leadoff batter, Rey Navarro, Ramirez got second baseman Brent Greer to ground into a double play. First baseman Ryan Wheeler then doubled to right-center field and designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt then brought him home with a double to left field. Stockton tied it up in the bottom of the first as Green homered.
An RBI double by right fielder Dan Kaczrowski and a sacrifice fly by Navarro scored a pair of runs to put Visalia ahead, 3-1, in the second inning. The Rawhide pulled ahead, 5-1, in the third inning on a two-run home run by center fielder Alfredo Marte.
The Ports chipped away at the lead, however. Left fielder Shane Keough singled to get the Ports offense going in the fifth inning. He came around to score on an RBI single by second baseman Jason Christian. Christian collected a pair of hits in the game.
In the ninth inning, the Ports attempted to rally. Shortstop Tyler Ladendorf singled to get things rolling. Keough then reached first safely as Greer committed an error in a Visalia attempt to turn a double play. With runners on first and second, catcher Ryan Ortiz hit into a 6-4-3 double play, which allowed Ladendorf to score the Ports third and final run. Christian struck out to end the game.
Stockton will take on the Rawhide for the final game of the series at 2:05 p.m. PST on Sunday at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Justin Murray (1-0, 1.50) will start for Stockton, while LHP Wade Miley (0-2, 6.30) will be on the hill for Visalia. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Ports fist bump giveaway. A's roving instructor and legend Rickey Henderson will continue to work with the Stockton Ports on Sunday.
• Discuss this story on the California League message board...
California League Stories from April 18, 2010
- JetHawks Top Quakes In Series Finale - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Conclude Homestand With 6-3 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Ports Drop Close Game to Rawhide, 2-1 - Stockton Ports
- Rawhide Powers Over Ports, 5-3 - Stockton Ports
- JetHawks Drop Third Straight To Quakes - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Rally for Third Straight "W" - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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.
