PCL1 Nashville Sounds

Sounds Drop Extra-Inning Affair in New Orleans, 2-1

Published on April 6, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release


METAIRIE, La. - The Nashville Sounds lost 2-1 to the New Orleans Zephyrs in a wild extra-inning affair on Friday night at Zephyr Field. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the twelfth inning, New Orleans first baseman Ben Lasater scored the controversial game-winning run on a throwing error by Sounds catcher Martin Maldonado.

The Zephyrs previously loaded the bases with one out on reliever Jim Henderson. Third baseman Matt Dominguez would then hit a grounder to second baseman Eric Farris, who threw home to get the force and begin the double play. After Maldonado stepped on the plate, the backstop airmailed a throw past first baseman Sean Halton down the right field line to end the game.

Maldonado and manager Mike Guerrero both argued for runner interference on Dominguez for being too far inside the line, but the umpires would not change the call.

The Sounds were held to six hits in the contest, with three coming from outfielder Caleb Gindl, including a double for the second straight night.

Sounds pitcher Mike Fiers allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven in six innings of work for a quality start and no-decision.

Fiers, who did not allow an earned run during the first three innings in any of his 10 PCL starts (30.0 IP) last season, gave up his only run in the first frame as the the Zephyrs quickly took a 1-0 advantage. Leadoff hitter Kevin Mattison singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and then came home on two consecutive infield groundouts.

The 26-year-old settled down to retire 13 of the next 14 batters, including a stretch of 11 straight Zephyrs sat down.

Nashville's only run came in the top of the fifth inning thanks to two consecutive throwing errors by the Zephyrs. With two outs in the inning, center fielder Logan Schafer reached base and moved to scoring position after second baseman Gil Velazquez committed the first throwing error of the frame. Farris then hit an infield dribbler, but shortstop Donovan Solano made another throwing error that allowed Schafer to score.

In a new relief role, Amaury Rivas struck out one over one scoreless inning. Dan Meadows stranded his only inherited runner in a shutout frame. Mike McClendon followed with two hitless innings.

In his Sounds debut, Henderson (0-1) was charged with the loss after striking out the side in the eleventh frame.

Zephyrs starter Brad Hand also took a no-decision, allowing one unearned run on five hits and seven strikeouts in five innings of work. Elih Villanueva (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless inning.

The Sounds and Zephyrs continue their series with the third game of a four-game set at 6:00 pm CT on Saturday night at Zephyr Field. Right-hander Josh Butler will make his season debut on the mound and face New Orleans southpaw Wade LeBlanc.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 6, 2012


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