San Rafael Strands Eight in Loss to Maui
Published on August 23, 2013 under North American League (NAmL)
San Rafael Pacifics News Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Price Kendall continued to tear the cover off the ball with a 3-for-5 night and a run scored but the San Rafael Pacifics fell 5-3 to Na Koa Ikaika Maui on Thursday night despite tallying 10 hits.
San Rafael outfielder Morgan Mickan stole second, then scored on Zack Pace's ground rule double put the first run of the night on the board in the second inning. The lead didn't hold for long though, as Maui (43-28) struck back in the third. Vic Ferrante's single scored Justin James to tie it, though the score quickly swung back to San Rafael's favor in the bottom half of the frame. Danny Gonzalez's single brought home Kyle Dhanani, who put himself into scoring position with another Pacifics stolen base.
Yet, San Rafael (53-19) couldn't find the shutdown inning it so desperately needed. Starter Dan Rogers (4-1) allowed pair of runs to give the lead back to Maui, 3-2, in the fourth and headed to the showers after just four innings.
"As a pitching staff we're trying to conserve arms a little bit to get ready for the championship game," said Rogers. "We're trying to work out bugs right now. As you can see, our hitters are still hitting the ball pretty well."
The score was knotted again in the fifth when Johnny Woodard's base hit to right field drove home Kendall. Ross Pomerantz pitched two scoreless innings before allowing the go-ahead run in the seventh on a Brandon Gregorich groundout and a leadoff homer in the eighth to Angus Roeger that made it 5-3. Maui's TJ Macy closed out the game with a pair of strikeouts in the ninth.
Maui stranded 10 runners while San Rafael left eight out on the bases, including a pair in the eighth after getting two runners on with two outs. In addition, the Pacifics posted four errors, including three around the infield.
"We know we can play baseball. We just need to get back to fundamentals," said Danny Gonzalez. "We've proven it before that we can play defense and we'll keep on doing that."
The Pacifics host Maui again on Friday, Aug. 23. That is Funeral Night presented by Mt. Tam Mortuary and one lucky fan will win with his or her own funeral.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, the famous "Soup Nazi" from Seinfeld, actor Larry Thomas, will be at Albert Park signing autographs, posing photos, and serving soup... if you do as he says. That is brought to you by Miller's East Coast Deli. First pitch is 5:00 p.m.
The 2013 campaign concludes on Sunday in the 2013 Pacific Association Championship presented by First Federal Savings & Loan. The Pacifics will play at 5:00 p.m. and face the winner of the semifinal at 1:00 p.m. Fans need just one ticket for the doubleheader as the Pacifics look to win their second championship in as many seasons.
Tickets for the entire weekend are available at www.pacificsbaseball.com.
North American League Stories from August 23, 2013
- San Rafael Strands Eight in Loss to Maui - San Rafael Pacifics
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