Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Blank Feds 8-0 To Force Rubber Match

Published on August 2, 2011 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Brockton, Mass. - August 2, 2011) - The Brockton Rox (11-5, 37-25) bounced back from consecutive losses, pounding out 19 hits against the New York Federals (2-15, 12-52) en route to an 8-0 shutout amidst stormy skies Tuesday night.

The Federals couldn't find an answer for the Rox lineup as every starter for Brockton as well as pinch hitter Steve Vranau collected at least one hit in the ballgame. Six different Rox picked up two or more hits in the affair with Keith Brachold (3-for-5, R, RBI), Tucker Nathans (3-for-4, R, RBI) and Melvin Falu (3-for-3, R, RBI) leading the way with three base knocks a piece.

Julian Sampson (6-3) looked sharp in the win, sitting down the first six Federals to come to the plate, while working through five scoreless frames, leading up to a 48 minute rain delay in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sampson scattered three hits and struck out four, pitching in and out of situations with two on and one out in both the third and fifth frames.

In his first start as a professional, Dave Ahern (0-1) tip toed through the first four frames before the flood gates opened for the Brockton bats in the fifth. Already ahead 2-0 on Chris Valencia's leadoff homer in the first and a Dan Barbero (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI) ground out that plated Falu in the second, Barbero blasted a solo shot to right that began Brockton's rally in the fifth. Doubles from Dominic Ramos, Nathans and Mike Torres, along with an RBI single from Brachold, widened the gap to 6-0, before Ahern exited one batter later.

As Noel DeLeon entered from the bullpen for New York, the game was simultaneously delayed as steady rain began to fall at Campanelli Stadium.

When play resumed, the Feds bullpen held the Rox to two runs despite allowing eight more hits, but it was too little too late as Brockton received four scoreless innings of relief from Zach Woods and Jack VanLeur to put things to rest.

The shutout is the fifth of the season for the Rox and keeps Brockton in a first place tie with Worcester atop the Can-Am League second half standings.

The Rox and Federals will meet for the final time this season in a rubber match Wednesday morning at 11:05 a.m. Jake Loye (2-4, 4.12) takes the ball for Brockton in game three against his former club and will be opposed by James Kukucka (3-5, 6.18).

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Canadian American League Stories from August 2, 2011


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