Sergent Shrinks Magic Number to Three

Published on July 3, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers got a dominant pitching performance from Joe Sergent for their 12-2 victory over the Edmonton Cracker-Cats at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. Sergent tossed seven innings and gave up only four hits for two runs while walking just one and striking out three. In his first six innings the left hander gave up only one hit and faced just one over the minimum possible batters. With the victory the Vipers are now 23-13 on the first half and 4.5 games ahead of the Cracker-Cats. With eight games remaining in the first half of the season Calgary needs three wins, three Edmonton losses, or any combination equalling three to clinch the first half pennant.

Calgary scored the game's first runs in the bottom of the second inning with both Felix Jose and Nelson Castro singling and Drew Miller being hit by a pitch to load the bases. With two outs Colin Moro delivered a clutch two run base hit for the 2-0 lead.

The Vipers added to the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning with singles from Castro and Miller and a two run base hit from Carlos Duncan who was playing in his first game of the season. Patrick Arlis followed with a double and Moro was hit by a pitch before Duncan scored on a wild pitch. Jorge Mejia made the score 6-0 with a RBI groundout.

Back scoring were the Snakes in the bottom of the fifth with a second consecutive four run frame. Jose started off the inning with his 9th homerun of the year and was followed by Castro and Miller with singles. Duncan looked to be in mid-season form in his first game back with a run batted in double and Arlis made it back-to-back two baggers to drive in two more runs for the 10-0 lead. Duncan ended the game going three-for-five with three runs batted in and two runs scored.

Edmonton broke Joe Sergent's shutout bid in the top of the seventh inning. Ruddy Yan got second life at the plate after his pop up in foul territory dropped and was unable to be caught. He used the second chance to double to left-centerfield and following a Joe Jiannetti walk both Orlando Miller and Carlos Arroyo notched RBI base hits to cut the lead down to 10-2.

Calgary regained their ten run lead in the bottom of the inning starting with a solo homerun from Arlis who went three-for-five with three runs batted in, two runs scored, and two doubles. Moro followed with a single, Mejia reached on a fielder's choice, Brinkley walked, and Drader made it 12-2 with a RBI base hit.

Miller started his 300th consecutive game in a Vipers uniform dating back to June 17th, 2005 when the streak began. Brinkley extended his on base streak to 26 straight games.

Sergent (1-0) picked up his first ever Vipers' victory while P.J. Bevis and Sean Kramer both tossed a scoreless inning each in relief out of the bullpen.

The Vipers now head out onto the road for a ten day road trip which will see the Snakes play 11 games. Calgary starts the trip by making their first ever appearance in Long Beach against the Armada Friday July 4th at 8:05 PM (MDT) with Evan Greusel (6-0) starting, Saturday July 5th at 7:35 PM (MDT) Nate Melek (2-1) will start, and Sunday July 6th at 6:05 PM (MDT) Jordy Alexander (3-3) takes the mound. Next the Vipers will play the St. George RoadRunners with a double-header on Monday July 7th, regularly scheduled game Tuesday July 8th, and another twin-bill Wednesday July 9th. After a day off the road trip concludes against the Edmonton Cracker-Cats Friday July 11th, Saturday July 12th, and Sunday July 13th.

On Tuesday July 15th Mike Busch will lead the 20-man Golden Baseball League All-Star squad as they take on the United League's All-Stars in a battle of two of the top independent leagues in San Angelo, Texas. Joining Busch from the Vipers will be ace and pitching coach Evan Greusel, designated hitter Felix Jose, and outfielders Darryl Brinkley and Drew Miller.

The Snakes return home to Foothills Stadium Friday July 18th at 7:05 PM (MDT) to open a six day home stand which will feature seven games against the Chico Outlaws and the Yuma Scorpions.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from July 3, 2008


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