There's No Place Like Home: Offensive Explosion, Fireworks, and Thunder Victory
July 18, 2009 - United League Baseball (ULB)
Coastal Bend Thunder News Release
Robstown, TX -- Leivi Ventura greeted the 1,998 Thunder Fans who came out to welcome the team home from the long road trip with a thunderous solo blast in the bottom of the first. Coastal Bend used the momentum from last night's shut out of league leading San Angelo and Ventura's blast in the first tonight to power their way to a 12-1 victory. Carlos Rodriguez was responsible for a large portion of the offensive output as he belted his first homer as a member of the Thunder and added seven RBIs to his stat line. Alfred Joseph and Amadeo Zazueta both had multiple hits for the offense as well. The win sends the Coastal Bend record to 19-18 and improve to 13-4 at home this season.
Amarillo had an extremely difficult time trying to break through against Thunder starter J.J. Trujillo. The Coastal Bend hurler scattered five hits over the first two innings and got a little help from centerfielder Alfred Joseph, who threw out Stantrel Smith at the plate in the bottom of the second inning. Overall, Trujillo had another strong outing for the Thunder allowing only one run, scattering six hits, and striking out five Dillas in the contest.
Coastal Bend got on the board first with Leivi Ventura seventh homer of the year. The home run was a solo shot and came on an 0-2 pitch in the bottom of the first inning.
The Thunder added to their lead in the bottom of the third exploding for six runs. Michael Lewis got things started with a leadoff double. Alfred Joseph singled Lewis home making the score 2-0. Amadeo Zazueta followed with a double allowing Joseph to score. Back to back walks to Ventura and Mejia loaded the bases for Carlos Rodriguez. Rodriguez delivered a base clearing double off the wall, which sent the score to 6-0. Vickers stepped up next and belted a double of his own driving in Rodriguez. When the dust settled, Coastal Bend emerged with a seven run advantage.
The home team added to that advantage in the next half inning as Carlos Rodriguez again stepped up with the bases loaded. This time Rodriguez refused to settle for a double as his towering grand slam sent the score to 11-0.
Amarillo got on the board in the top of the fifth inning on an RBI groundout from Carlos Figueroa which scored Willie James from third.
Coastal Bend pushed the lead back to 11 in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Leivi Ventura to score Amadeo Zazueta from third.
Alex Gett finished out the game the game for the Thunder pitching the final two innings. He did not allow a run and struck out two in the ballgame.
Coastal Bend and Amarillo meet for game two of this four game series tomorrow night at 7:05 at Fairgrounds Field. Bring a perishable food item to tomorrow night's game and get in free.
• Discuss this story on the United League Baseball message board...
United League Baseball Stories from July 18, 2009
- Sanchez lifts Broncos over Roadrunners - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Colts Begin Road Series With a Win - San Angelo Colts
- Broncos walk off with victory - Laredo Broncos
- Former Broncos Signed By Major League Baseball Club - Laredo Broncos
- There's No Place Like Home: Offensive Explosion, Fireworks, and Thunder Victory - Coastal Bend Thunder
- Late runs send Colts past WhiteWings - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- WhiteWings Game Notes for July 18 - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Thunder sign LHP Ricardo Morales - Coastal Bend Thunder
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
