Tornadoes fall to Rox
June 19, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
WORCESTER - Despite battling back from a 9-1 deficit, the Worcester Tornadoes couldn't complete the comeback, dropping a 12-9 decision to the Brockton Rox on Thursday evening at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.
The teams combined for five home runs, four of which came off the bats of Brockton hitters. Scott Grimes swatted Worcester's (16-9) lone long ball, his sixth of the season to tie teammate Francisco Caraballo for the league lead. B.J. Weed, Grimes, and Chris Colabello all finished 2-for-5 while Omar Pena was 2-for-4. Alex Pena was strong in relief, pitching 4.1 innings while only allowing three hits and two runs.
Worcester rode a second inning Caraballo double to the 1-0 lead. Chuck Jeroloman moved him to third base on a groundout while Pena found the hole between shortstop and third base for the RBI single.
Brockton answered, and in a big way, with eight runs in the top of the third to knock Worcester starter Junior Guerrero out of the game. Josh Vander Hey started the inning with his first-career hit, a solo home run. He came up for a second time in the inning and swatted a three-run shot for Brockton's sixth, seventh, and eighth runs. In between, the Rox picked up three singles, two walks, and a double, with all runners crossing the plate.
After a string of scoreless frames, Ervin Alcantara hit a solo home run to lead off the sixth inning, extending Brockton's advantage to 9-1.
The Tornadoes answered with a big inning of their own, sending 11 men to the plate in cutting the deficit to three at 9-6. Jeff LaHair, Weed, and Grimes reached to start the inning. Colabello then cleared the bases with a double to right-center field to pull within five. After Alex Trezza grounded out and Caraballo hit a sacrifice fly, Jeroloman, Pena, Mike MacMillan, and LaHair all reached base, scoring twice more for the 9-6 score.
Each team hit a solo homerun in the seventh to keep the margin at three. Melvin Falu hit a soaring shot in the top of the inning while Grimes left the yard to lead off the bottom of the inning.
The Rox extended their lead back to five with a pair in the eighth. Alcantara started the inning with a walk and a stolen base. Jud Thigpen scored him with a double while Francisco Lebron scored Thigpen for the 12-7 score.
The Tornadoes made it interesting, scoring twice in the top of the ninth, but Brockton closer Gerald Dunn shut the door for his sixth save of the season.
Worcester heads to Atlantic City for a three-game tilt with the Atlantic City Surf. Eddie Pena takes the hill for the Tornadoes. Worcester will return home on Guaranteed Win Monday when they host the New Jersey Jackals at 6:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Tornadoes' office at 508-792-2288 or crash the web at worcestertornadoes.com. All games can be heard live on NewsTalk 580 AM and 94.9 FM WTAG and online at www.wtag.com.
Canadian American League Stories from June 19, 2008
- Jackals can't pull out 'W' in series finale - New Jersey Jackals
- Surf offense impressive in win - Atlantic City Surf
- Can-Am League recap June 19 - Can-Am
- Pride avoid sweep in win - Sussex Skyhawks
- Tornadoes fall to Rox - Worcester Tornadoes
- Rox stave off sweep - Brockton Rox
- Tornadoes Announce "Smiley Face" T-Shirt Giveaway - Worcester Tornadoes
- Brockton Rox Fireworks, Diamond Giveaway & More - Brockton Rox
- One Lucky Fan to Win a Pair of Valuable "Rox" - Brockton Rox
- Pride Host Ottawa All Weekend - American Defenders of New Hampshire
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.
