CalL1 Stockton Ports

Rawhide Roar Back, Hand Ports 5-4 Loss

Published on May 11, 2018 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


VISALIA, Calif. - The Stockton Ports were two outs away from sweeping their series with the Visalia Rawhide on Thursday night. Visalia, however, would score two runs in the bottom of the ninth off Ports closer Miguel Romero (0-2) to come from behind and avoid the sweep, handing the Ports a 5-4 loss to close out a three-game series at Recreation Ballpark.

The Ports took advantage of a fielding error to score three runs in the top of the third. With a runner at first and one out, Kevin Merrell hit a double play ball to second that second baseman Raymel Flores dropped. The Ports would go on to load the bases with two outs for Jonah Heim, who extended his hit streak to 17 games with a three-run double to right field to give Stockton a 3-0 lead.

The three runs in the third inning were all unearned and the only runs allowed by Rawhide starter Kevin McCanna, who gave up four hits while walking three and striking out five.

Visalia got two runs back in the bottom of the fourth. With runners at second and third and one out, Stephen Smith grounded out to first to bring in a run to make it 3-1. Luis Siverio followed and hit a fly ball to left that left fielder Dairon Blanco lost in the twilight sky. The ball bounced behind Blanco and over the fence four an RBI ground rule double that cut the Ports lead to 3-2.

The Rawhide tied the game in the fifth when, with runners at the corners and one out, Daulton Varsho grounded into a fielder's choice play to score Camden Duzenak and tie the game at 3-3.

Ports starter Zack Erwin would be in line for the win but would be rendered a no-decision, going six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two.

Stockton would pull ahead by taking advantage of another break in the seventh. With Merrell at first base and one out, Rawhide reliever Miguel Aguilar picked over to first and caught Merrell running from first to second. First baseman Ramon Hernandez' throw down to second ricocheted off Merrell's helmet and into left field. With Merrell at second, Melvin Mercedes drove him home with a double down the right field line to give Stockton a 4-3 advantage. It was the only run allowed by Aguilar in two innings of work.

After Sam Sheehan pitched two scoreless innings beginning in the seventh, Romero took over in the ninth and opened the inning with a strikeout of Adam Walton. Raymel Flores came up next and doubled down the left field line and scored on an ensuing double by Duzenak to tie the game at 4-4. After a groundout advanced Duzenak to third base with two outs, Hernandez grounded a single up the middle to score Duzenak with the game-winning run as Visalia walked off with a 5-4 win.

Romero suffered the loss and his first blown save of the season. Josh Taylor (1-2), who pitched a scoreless top of the ninth, picked up his first win of the season for the Rawhide.

After taking two of three in Visalia, the Ports continue their road trip as they travel to San Bernardino to open a four-game series with the Inland Empire 66ers on Friday night. Jake Bray (1-1, 1.25 ERA) makes the start for Stockton, opposed by Inland Empire right-hander Erik Manoah (1-3, 7.71 ERA). First pitch at San Manuel Stadium is set for 7:05 p.m. PDT.

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California League Stories from May 11, 2018


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