Tolleson eighth-inning grand slam ends Beavers' comenack attempt

Published on April 10, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Steve Tolleson hit a tie-breaking grand slam in the top of the eighth inning and Dallas McPherson had a three-run home run to help the Sacramento River Cats defeat the Portland Beavers 10-5 Friday night before 1,919 fans at PGE Park.

After the Beavers erased an early 5-1 deficit in the bottom of the seventh, Tolleson sent Adam Russell's (0-1) offering over the wall in left to help Sacramento regain a four-run lead.

Tolleson added a double and Josh Donaldson had two RBIs for the River Cats (2-0), who collected 12 hits on the night.

Chris Denorfia had a single and RBI double for the Beavers (0-2), who were held to six hits but managed to work nine walks in the game.

The River Cats put up four runs in the top of the first when Corey Wimberly, Eric Sogard and Donaldson singled leading up to McPherson's three-run shot onto the left field walkway.

Four Sacramento errors in the fifth inning helped the Beavers get within one at 5-4. With two outs, Craig Stansberry stole second and went to third on the catcher Donaldson's throwing error. A wild pitch on ball four to Lance Zawadzki allowed Stansberry to come home. After a single by Denorfia and an error on River Cats second baseman Sogard, Aaron Cunningham hit a two-hopper to the third baseman Wimberly, who deflected the ball into the air before throwing it over first baseman Landon Powell's head, allowing two runs to score.

Craig Cooper later delivered a two-out, pinch-hit RBI single in the seventh to tie the game at five.

Michael Taylor and Matt Carson started the eighth with singles and a bobble on an attempted force at second loaded the bases for Tolleson's slam down the left-field line.

Taylor added a solo shot in the ninth.

The win went to Cedrick Bowers (1-0), who struck out three over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Beavers starter Josh Geer gave up five earned runs on eight hits and two walks.

Graham Godfrey, in his first career Triple-A start for the River Cats, went five innings, allowed four runs (2 earned) on four hits and four walks and struck out three.

The Beavers and River Cats continue their four-game series at PGE Park Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. (Pacific).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from April 10, 2010


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.

OurSports Central