Sidewinders erase seven-run deficit but fall to Las Vegas, 9-8

Published on June 23, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Tucson, AZ - The Sidewinders erased an early seven run deficit but Las Vegas was able break the tie in the top the 9th inning to win 9-8. The 51s scored early plating three in the 2nd off of Sidewinder starter Dustin Nippert. Eric Riggs began a string of four consecutive Las Vegas hits, which also included doubles by Joel Guzman and Jon Weber to take the early lead.

Las Vegas expanded their lead to five runs in 3rd with help from a Sidewinders defensive miscue. James Loney reached when Sidewinders centerfielder Chris Young dropped his liner to center for an error. Delwyn Young walked, before a Riggs' second hit of the night went for two to plate a pair.

Vegas would score twice more in the fourth to increase the lead to 7-0 and chase Nippert, who allowed seven runs (five earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings of work.

The Sidewinders bats got on the board in the 4th however, when catcher Robby Hammock his first of two 2-run home runs on the night to give him six bombs this year. The multi-homer game was Robby's second of the season.

After exchanging runs in the 5th, Tucson closed the gap to two with three runs in the 6th on Hammock's encore blast and an RBI double by Alberto Callaspo scored reliever Bill Murphy, who reached on a single and stole second. The swipe was the first by a Sidewinders pitcher this season.

Tucson knotted the game at eight in the 7th when Brian Barden doubled to left center scoring Carlos Quentin and ChrisYoung. Tucson threatened to take the lead in the 8th, but Chris Carter's potential go-ahead liner was snagged by Las Vegas first baseman James Loney on a fine defensive play.

Quentin also reached twice in the game by being hit by his 24th and 25th pitches of the season. Carlos is easily on pace to break the PCL of 29 beanings, which he set last season.

The 51s reclaimed the lead for good in the 9th, again with the help of a Tucson error. Riggs' singled on a ball fielded by Callaspo behind second base. Callaspo's throw to first got away and reached the stands, putting the go ahead run in scoring position. After a pair of strikeouts, Las Vegas catcher Dioner Navarro, who entered the night .074, singled in the go ahead run to cap the scoring at 9-8.

Las Vegas reliever Franqualis Osoria picked up the win after blowing his third save of the season to improve to1-1. Sidewinder righty Mike Schultz took the loss to fall to 1-1, after allowing the unearned go ahead run. Lance Carter notched his fifth save of the season.

The Sidewinders will take on Las Vegas for the third of the five game set tomorrow, when righthander Adam Bass (4-0, 3.22.) faces 51s righty Harold Eckert (5-2, 6.12). The game will air live on COOL 1450 beginning at 7:00pm.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 23, 2006


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