Sidewinders even series with win over Z's

Published on July 31, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


New Orleans, LA - Josh Whitesell homered and Jeff Salazar, Wilkin Castillo and Frank Curreri all had RBI as the Sidewinders beat the New Orleans Zephyrs 5-3 on Thursday night to even the series at one game apiece.

Tucson jumped on New Orleans starter Ruddy Lugo for three runs in the second inning on just two hits. Lugo hit a batter, walked two and threw a run scoring wild pitch to aid the rally. Curreri had a RBI groundout and Salazar a sacrifice fly to put the Sidewinders ahead 3-0.

Max Scherzer started and turned in a dominant three innings in his fourth outing since returning from the disabled list. Scherzer struck out seven, walked one and allowed just one hit. He threw 50 pitches, 30 for strikes.

Whitesell led off the fourth inning with his 21st home run of the season. He is now tied for sixth on Tucson's single season home run list with Chris Young (2006), Carlos Quentin (2005), Jose Tolentino (1990) and Pat Putnam (1978).

Wilkin Castillo's infield RBI single in the fifth capped Tucson's scoring.

Esmerling Vasquez overcame early control problems to earn the win. Vasquez (2-5) walked Chris Aguila leading off in the fourth and surrendered a two run home run to Valentino Pascucci. After back to back walks to Michel Abreu and Anderson Machado, Vasquez settled in and struck out the side. He allowed just two more baserunners in his final two innings of work and finished with five strikeouts.

Reid Mahon worked a perfect ninth for his fourth Triple-A save and 22nd overall this season.

The Sidewinders and Zephyrs play game three of their four game series on Friday night at Zephyr Field. Right-hander Matt Torra (2-2, 4.37) starts for Tucson against right-hander Brian Stokes (9-8, 4.44) for New Orleans. First pitch is at 5:00 Tucson time. The game will air LIVE on COOL 1450 beginning at 4:50.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 31, 2008


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