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Spoiled Lead Survived

August 28, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


Scoring five runs in the top of the tenth inning the Calgary Vipers (53-31) defeated the Edmonton Capitals (54-32) 16-12 in extra innings before 3241 fans at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. The Vipers jumped out early to a big lead but surrendered three separate multi-run leads as a 3-0 lead became a 3-2 game, a 8-2 lead became a 8-7 game, and a 11-7 lead became an 11-11 tie before the big tenth inning. C.J. Ziegler had a monster game at the plate for the Vipers finishing four-for-four with two walks, two home runs, seven runs batted in, and four runs scored. Louie Templeton meanwhile made the defensive play of the game with a diving play at second base and also collected four two-out RBI. On the mound Henry Mabee (1-0) recorded the win with a scoreless ninth inning while Chris Bodishbaugh also tossed a perfect eighth inning. With the win the Vipers need to win one of their two games on the final day of the season, Sunday August 28th, to claim the North Division pennant.

Calgary jumped onto the scoreboard in the top of the first inning when Bryan Burke walked, Wilver Perez singled to extend his on-base streak to 56 games, and C.J. Ziegler launched his 23rd home run of the season for a 3-0 advantage.

Edmonton responded in the bottom of the first as Jamie McGraw walked, Enrique Cruz reached on a fielding error, Todd Linden walked to load the bases, and Brent Metheny followed by J.D. Closser collected run batted in fielder's choices for a 3-2 score.

The scoring continued in the top of the second frame when Garret Holleran followed by Burke singled, Perez drove in a run with a base hit, Chad Ehrnsberger walked to load the bases, and Ziegler hit a grand slam for his second home run of the game and his 24th of the season for a 8-2 lead.

The Capitals cut the lead in half at 8-5 in the third inning as Linden followed by Metheny walked, Closser singled in a run, and after a groundout Tom Collaro drove in two with a base hit.

Edmonton made it a one-run game at 8-7 in the fourth when Cruz singled and Linden hit a home run.

Calgary increased their lead in the sixth frame as Ehrnsberger followed by Ziegler singled, Drew Miller drove in a run with a double, Al Quintana collected a sacrifice fly, and with two outs Louie Templeton plated one with a single for a 11-7 advantage.

The Capitals quickly answered in the bottom of the sixth inning when Cruz walked, Linden reached on a fielding error, and Metheny hit a home run for a 11-10 score.

Edmonton finally tied the game in the seventh as Matt Rogelstad singled and Cruz drove him in with a double for an 11-11 game.

In the top of the tenth frame the Vipers retook the lead when Ehrnsberger singled, Ziegler walked, Garcia singled but an out was made at the plate, with two outs Miller walked to load the bases, Quintana also walked for a go-ahead RBI, Templeton cleared the bases with a triple, and Jeff Giacomini plated a fifth run with a single for a 16-11 advantage.

The Capitals closed out the scoring in the bottom of the tenth inning as Metheny walked and scored on a Duncan RBI double for a 16-12 final.

The Vipers conclude this series and the 2011 regular season in Edmonton with a double-header on Sunday August 28th at 2:00.

The 2011 North American League playoffs will start with Game 1 of the North Division Championship best of seven series in Edmonton at Telus Field against the Capitals on Tuesday August 30th at 7:00. Game 2 of the N.D.C.S. will also be in Edmonton on Wednesday August 31st at 7:00.

The series shifts to Calgary and Foothills Stadium on Thursday September 1st at 6:30 for Game 3 and on Friday September 2nd at 6:30 for Game 4. If necessary Game 5 will also be played in Calgary on Saturday September 3rd at 2:30.

If a Game 6 is necessary it will be back in Edmonton on Sunday September 4th at 2:00.

If a Game 7 is necessary it will take place on Tuesday September 6th at whichever team finishes the regular season in first place.

Tickets are available at 2255 Crowchild Trail Northwest or www.calgaryvipers.com.

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