Rogues Drop Non-League Game to Top Speed
June 19, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Medford Rogues News Release
MEDFORD, OR - It was nothing but heartbreak for the Medford Rogues tonight at Harry and David Field after the visiting Top Speed managed to grab a 12th-inning run and win the game 10-9. It was the first of a two game non-league series against the visiting Top Speed Academy as the two teams face again tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m. at Harry and David Field. The Rogues still hold a 7-3 West Coast League record as well as first place in the WCL South.
The Rogues found themselves in a hole early after Top Speed put four runs on the board at the beginning of the first before managing to put the scores level at 4-4 in the bottom of the second. Rogues designated hitter Chris DeVito gave Medford their sole lead of the game when he hit a powerful home run over the right field fence to put the Rogues ahead 5-4. DeVito finished the night going 3-6, three RBI's, as well as his homer. DeVito improved his batting average to a steady .500.
Following DeVito's homer, Top Speed instantly took control of the game. A Top Speed triple plus an error allowed the visitors to go up 8-5 and left the Rogues chasing for the rest of the game. Andre Vigil's double to bring Levi Periera home plus a sacrifice fly by Kyle Beam to bring in Vigil cut Top Speed's lead to 8-7.
The Rogues managed to finally catch Top Speed in the bottom of the seventh to even the game at 9-9. For the next five innings the Rogues and Top Speed battled strongly before an 11th inning home run by Top Speed's Ridge Hoopii-Haslam gave Top Speed the win.
For the Rogues, Vigil ended the night with four at bats for the Rogues for one hit, one run, two RBI's, and a walk with his batting average standing at .250. Adonis Morrison, who started at second base for the Rogues, also had a solid night at the plate. Morrison had five at bats for one run, two hits, and two RBI's. Morrison's batting average now stands as an even .400.
The Rogues will face Top Speed again tomorrow before returning to league play with games against the Cowlitz Black Bears. Cowlitz currently sits second in the standings for the West Division with a 7-4 record.
The West Coast League is a 12-team collegiate wood-bat baseball league composed of the best college players, coaches, facilities and operators in the industry. Ranging from Medford, Oregon north to Kelowna, B.C., and the league has operated as the WCL since 2005. In June, 56 WCL players were selected in the Major League draft. For more information on the WCL, go to www.wccbl.com.
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West Coast League Stories from June 19, 2014
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