Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Score Four In Ninth Inning, But Fall To Feds 6-5

August 1, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Brockton, Mass. - August 1, 2011) - The Brockton Rox (10-5, 36-25) nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but fell just short, dropping the series opener at Campanelli Stadium to the New York Federals (2-14, 12-51) 6-5 on Monday night.

Trailing 6-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth, Steve Vranau reached base on an infield single, his first Can-Am League hit, to lead off the frame and begin a four run rally. Dominic Ramos and Mike Torres followed with base hits, before Keith Brachold crushed a three-run shot to rightfield, closing the gap to one.

After retiring Melvin Falu for the second out, New York reliever Alex Foltz (0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 BB) walked Chris Grossman to put the tying run aboard, before making way for Mike Mullen. Mullen walked the next two to load the bases, but got Vranau to fly out to leftfield, ending the game and sealing the first save of his professional career.

Jim Schult (1-2) pitched well in the victory for the Feds, tossing six frames and allowing one run on five hits. It was Schult's best outing of the season as the Rox struggled with men on base, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position in the first eight frames. The only damage against Schult came on Brachold's RBI double, scoring Chris Valencia in the third.

Brachold went 3-for-3 with two walks, a run scored and four RBIs, reaching base in all five at bats.

The Feds saddled Dustin Birosak (6-1) with his first loss of the season, knocking the southpaw out of the game with two outs in the sixth. Birosak went five and 2/3 innings, allowing a season high five runs on eight hits, while walking two and striking out three.

Brad Jackson (3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) put New York on the board with a two-run double in the first inning and the rest of the work was done by Tom Maloney.

Maloney knocked in a season high four runs, while going 3-for-4, including his first two home runs of the season. His final RBI came on a single in the eighth against Jimmer Kennedy that would prove to be the winning run.

The win snapped a seven game losing streak for the Federals and also dealt the Rox their first back-to-back loses since their five game skid from June 30 to July 4.

The Rox open the month of August 0-1 after completing the best month of July in franchise history with a record of 19 wins and nine losses.

The series continues Tuesday night as Julian Sampson (5-3, 4.50) toes the rubber against Dave Ahearn (0-0, 9.00) in game two. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. as the Rox look to get back to their winning ways against the Feds.

Check out the Brockton Rox Statistics



Canadian American League Stories from August 1, 2011


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.

OurSports Central