Snakes Magic Number Now One After 8-6 Win

Published on July 6, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers snapped a mini two game losing streak with their 8-6 victory over the Long Beach Armada at Blair Field in Long Beach, California. With the win Calgary is now 3.5 games ahead of the second place Edmonton Cracker-Cats with five games remaining in the first half of the season. The Vipers need either one win in their final five games or they need one Edmonton loss in their final four games to become the North Division first half champions and clinch a spot in the playoffs at the end of the season.

Long Beach scored the game's first runs in the bottom of the second inning when Brett Flowers singled, Cleatus Davidson walked, Julian Williams reached on a bunt single, and David Ramirez knocked in a pair of runs with a base hit for the 2-0 lead.

The lead was cut in half in the top of the third inning with singles from Kevin Price and Darryl Brinkley and a Jorge Mejia run batted in fielder's choice.

Calgary tied the game at two in the top of the fourth inning when Drew Miller nailed his 12th homerun of the season.

The Armada took the lead right back in the bottom of the inning when Ramirez added two more runs batted in with a single and Steve Moss doubled him home for the 5-2 score.

In the top of the fifth inning Brinkley smacked his fifth long ball of the season to get the scoring started. Patrick Arlis tied the game at five when he reached on an error by third baseman Ryan Lehr and two runs scored.

The Vipers took their first lead in the top of the sixth inning when Brinkley reached second base on a two base error by Lehr, took third base on a balk, and scored on a Mejia RBI single. After Carlos Duncan reached on an error by shortstop Mike Glomb, Travis Drader plated Mejia with a sacrifice fly for the 7-5 lead.

It became a one run game in the bottom of the seventh inning on a Norm Hutchins walk and a Davidson RBI double.

That run was grabbed back in the top of the ninth inning when Arlis scored on a Miller RBI base hit to regain Calgary's two run lead at 8-6.

Darryl Brinkley extended his on base streak to 29 straight games.

Jon Huizinga (1-1) picked up his first victory of the season and made his league high 19th appearance. P.J. Bevis (1-1-2) recorded his second save of the season with a perfect one-two-three ninth inning.

The Vipers now play the St. George RoadRunners with a double-header on Monday July 7th at 4:05 PM (MDT) with Dallas Mahan (3-1) and Ryan Schurman (1-2) starting. Tuesday July 8th at 7:05 PM (MDT) this two teams will play with Joe Sergent (1-0) taking the mound. Another twin-bill will be played Wednesday July 9th at 4:05 PM (MDT) with Jordy Alexander (3-3) and Evan Greusel (6-1) toeing the rubber. After a day off the road trip concludes and the second half of the season begins against the Edmonton Cracker-Cats Friday July 11th, Saturday July 12th, and Sunday July 13th.

On Tuesday July 15th Snakes' Manager 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) for "Paint the Park Pink" weekend. Friday's game will open a six day home stand which will feature seven games against the Chico Outlaws and the Yuma Scorpions.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255). All games can be heard live online at www.calgaryvipers.com.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from July 6, 2008


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