CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

Sixers Bats Stay Hot as Johnson Cools Mavs

Published on May 8, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


ADELANTO, CA - The 66ers began the night with a six-run first inning and finished it with a five-run ninth to surpass the 10-run mark for the third straight evening, and this time it stood up, as Inland Empire took the series finale over the High Desert Mavericks, 13-3, on Thursday. Scott Van Slyke went 5-for-5 for his second five-hit game of the year.

Trayvon Robinson, who leads the California League with 24 leadoff hits, hit the first pitch of the ballgame from Donnie Hume over the wall in left for a leadoff home run. The next five batters reached base and came around to score as Inland Empire matched a season high with a six-run inning.

Staked to a 6-0 lead, Steven Johnson pitched six much-needed innings for a depleted pitching staff that used infielder Adolfo Gonzalez on the mound Wednesday. Johnson (2-2) recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts while limiting the Mavericks to 2 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk in his longest outing of the season.

After consecutive comeback wins by the Mavericks, the 66ers made sure Thursday's lead was safe with a five-run ninth inning off Natividad Dilone. Three Sixers each singled ahead of Tommy Giles, who launched a grand slam beyond the wall in right for his fourth long ball of the year and Inland Empire's first slam.

Van Slyke, who also went 5-for-5 at Lake Elsinore on April 25, doubled twice, knocked in a pair, and scored twice. Inland Empire scored 36 runs on 56 hits despite losing two of three in the series.

Giles had three hits, while Perdo Baez (3 runs), Alex Garabedian (3 RBIs) and Robinson (2 RBIs) had two apiece.

Hume (2-1) surrendered 7 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits in just 1 inning for the loss.

Inland Empire continues the road trip in Lancaster at 7:05 p.m. on Friday. RHP Chris Withrow (2-1, 4.26) takes the hill for the 66ers while the JetHawks counter with RHP Chris Hicks (3-2, 4.13). The 66ers Meet the Team Dinner is Monday, May 11, featuring Tommy Lasorda as the keynote speaker and an Italian feast. The dinner will be held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Individual tickets are $35 dollars, for more information, or to purchase tickets, call 909-888-9922 or visit www.66ers.com.

Check out the Inland Empire 66ers Statistics

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



California League Stories from May 8, 2009


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