Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Even Series In Pitchers Duel

May 31, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Brockton, Mass. - May 31, 2011) - The Brockton Rox (5-1) rode a masterful pitching performance from ace Mike Smith (2-0) to narrowly edge the Quebec Capitales (3-2) 2-1 on Tuesday night at Campanelli Stadium.

Smith dominated the Quebec lineup, at one point sitting down 16 straight batters. He allowed the only blemish on a solo home run by Capitales catcher Patrick D'Aoust (2).

Quebec starter Matthew Rusch (0-1) nearly matched Smith's performance. Rusch took the tough luck loss after allowing a run on two hits in the first inning and a go-ahead blast by Melvin Falu (2) in the third. He would settle down in the fourth and rival Smith's consecutive batters retired streak by sitting down 11 in-a-row, but by then the Rox had all the run support necessary.

Rusch finished the night tallying eight strike outs, while scattering nine hits and walking none.

Travis Hughes entered with one out in the eighth frame to slam the door for Brockton. The Rox closer retired all four men he faced, striking out three. Hughes added to his league lead in saves, collecting his fourth in as many opportunities.

Chris Valencia went 2-for-4 with two doubles.

The Rox and Capitales wrap up the series and the homestand Wednesday night, June 1 with Costco Wacky Wednesday featuring Black and Gold Night as the Rox support the Bruins' quest for the Stanley Cup. The rubber match pits Rox southpaw Mark Rosen (0-0, 2.25) against righthander Dan Sausville (0-0, 5.40) with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.




Canadian American League Stories from May 31, 2011


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