Seven-run 8th inning leads Elks to 9-5 win
July 29, 2012 - West Coast League (WCL)
Bend Elks News Release
The Bend Elks were behind 4-2 heading into the top of the 8th inning when the Elks scored 7 runs in the top of the 8th inning en route to snapping a 6 game losing streak, defeating the Kitsap Blue Jackets 9-5.
The Elks took the lead in the top of the 4th inning against Kitsap starter Jared Gaynor with 3 doubles by Steven Halcomb, Will Sparks, and Grant Newton to put the Elks up 2-0. The Blue Jackets came back to score their first run off of J.R. Bunda in the bottom of the 5th when Kacey Chapan's RBI double scored Francisco Tellez from 1st base to cut the Elks lead to 1.
The score would stay at 2-1 until the bottom of the 7th inning, when the Blue Jackets chased Bunda from the game with an RBI single from Daniel Jewett with runners on 1st and 2nd and one away. Trevor Hildenberger came on in relief and surrendered a 2 run single to Drake Zarate, who gave Kitsap the first lead of the game 4-2.
The Elks then proceeded to rally from behind in the late innings for the first time this summer against the Blue Jackets. IT started after Steven Halcomb reached with a one out single, followed by a walk issued to Bo Walter. After Will Sparks struck out, Grant Newton was hit by a pitch to load the bases for the Elks with 2 outs. In previous games, it might have meant nothing for the Elks, who left 29 runners on base in the first 3 games, but not this time. Jake Azevedo delivered a 2 run single, Nick Wagner delivered a 2 run double, Jordan Spencer singled in Wagner, then after Zane Yanzick and Jordan Copeland reached to re-load the bases with 2 away, the 3rd pitcher in the inning came on to face Steven Halcomb. It would not be successful, as Halcomb followed a 2 run single to give the Elks a 7 run inning, scoring all 7 runs with 2 outs.
The Blue Jackets would score a run in the 8th, but manage nothing more against Hildenberger, who threw 1 and 1/3 inning to pick up the victory. Jordan Spencer pitched a scoreless 9th to secure the victory in a non-save situation.
The Elks will play in Bellingham Sunday against the Bells to make up a rainout from 7/22, first pitch scheduled for 1:35.
West Coast League Stories from July 29, 2012
- Diemer, Carroll Lead Another Late-Inning Comeback - Cowlitz Black Bears
- Elks Fall to Bells 8-1 - Bend Elks
- Kelowna Falcons Shut out Bells - Kelowna Falcons
- Seven-run 8th inning leads Elks to 9-5 win - Bend Elks
- Black Bears Win 6-5 over Gems, Next Game Tomorrow - Cowlitz Black Bears
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