Surf falter, clinch berth anyway
August 28, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release
Nashua, N.H. -- A solid outing from Atlantic City starter Charlie Ruud wasn't enough as the Nashua Pride used an six-run eighth to defeat the Surf, 8-2, in a Can-Am League affair at Holman Stadium on Thursday evening. Despite the defeat, Atlantic City has qualified for the playoffs with Brockton's 9-6 loss to visiting Ottawa, eliminating the Rox from playoff contention.
Atlantic City (24-19) drew first blood with a run in the third. SS Anthony Granato led off the inning with a double, stole third base, and came home on a balk by Nashua starter Matt O'Brien. The Pride quickly responded with a run in their half of the third on LF Vinny Pennell's RBI single, making it a 1-1 game.
Nashua (18-25) took the lead in the fifth when Pennell hit a one-out double and was brought home on RF Ervin Alcantara's RBI double. The Surf then came back with a run in the sixth, when 1B Eddie Kim singled, stole second, moved to third on 2B Brad Thoma's single, and ran home on an error by Pride 2B Hans Stancil, tying the game at two.
The game stayed deadlocked until the eighth, when the Pride exploded for six runs on RBI singles by DH Edgard Clemente, Stancil and Alcantara; a two-run single by Pennell; and a bases-loaded walk to SS Sandy Almonte. Adam Piechowski then came in to set down the Surf in the ninth to ensure the win for Nashua.
In seven innings of work, Ruud allowed two runs on nine hits, striking out two, garnering a no-decision. Walker Whitley (1-6) was saddled with the loss. O'Brien (3-1) picked up the win, giving up one earned run on six hits in eight innings pitched, fanning five.
The Surf's six hits were spread among six different players, with Granato's third-inning double the only extra-base hit. The Pride were led by Pennell's 3-for-5, three-RBI evening, while Alcantara, Clemente and 3B Aregenis Tavarez each had a pair of hits.
Atlantic City, Quebec, Worcester and Sussex have clinched the Can-Am League's four playoff spots. The Surf open a four-game series against Sussex at Bernie Robbins Stadium on Friday evening. Atlantic City must win at least three out of the four games, and receive help from Nashua and Ottawa in their respective series against Quebec and Worcester, to win the second-half championship.
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Canadian American League Stories from August 28, 2008
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- Surf falter, clinch berth anyway - Atlantic City Surf
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