Surf inch closer to playoffs

August 27, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release


(Nashua) - SS Anthony Granato?s two-run home run in the top of the seventh broke a 3-3 tie, and starter Rory Shortell (10-3) worked six strong innings to earn his fifth in August, as Atlantic City defeated Nashua 5-3. A Surf win combined with a Brockton loss tomorrow would clinch a playoff spot.

The Pride struck first in the bottom of the first inning. CF Ervin Alcantra singled with one out and stole second. The next batter, 3B Argenis Tavarez also singled, moving Alcantra to third. Later in the inning, the C Mike Torres flied out to right, scoring the speedy Alcantra from third. The Pride tacked on another run in the third inning, when 1B Bryan Duplissie hit his team leading 17th home run of the year, giving the Pride a 2-0 cushion.

Nashua starter Isaac Burkett (3-6) was sharp until the fourth inning, when the Surf finally got on the board. With one out, the DH Clyde Williams hit his tenth home run of the season, to draw the Surf within one. Williams wasn?t done however. In the sixth inning, the Surf plated two more runs. LF Joe Burke led off with a walk and stole second. With one out, the DH stepped up to the plate again and delivered; this time a two run blast that gave the Surf their first lead off the night 3-2. Williams finished the game 3-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI?s. His 60 RBI?s lead the squad.

Nashua responded quickly however in the bottom of the sixth. DH Edgar Clemente led off with a double, and scored on a 2B Dorian Rojas double.

In the top of the seventh, 2B Brad Thoma singled with one out. 3B Gil Zayas then hit into a fielder?s choice for the second out of the inning. Granato then stepped up to the plate, and hit the game winning two-run home run off Burkett.

Because Brockton can still technically win the second half as they sit only four games behind first place with five games to go, the Surf are still one game away from clinching a playoff spot, despite holding a seven game lead in the overall standings over the Rox. However if the Rox lose one of their final five games and the Surf win any of their remaining games, Atlantic City, Sussex, and Worcester will all clinch a playoff spot.

As mentioned, Williams had the big night at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two home runs. Granato?s two-run home run was his 12th of the season. Shortell earned his 10th win, and ties Brian Rodaway for the team lead. Shortell threw six strong innings, yielding just the three earned runs. Reliever Kyle George came on in relief and pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save of the year.

The Surf looks to clinch a playoff start tomorrow as they play Nashua in the finale of this five game road series. Atlantic City will send Charlie Rudd (0-1) to the mound for his second start in Blue. The Pride will counter with Matt O?Brien (2-1).



Canadian American League Stories from August 27, 2008


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