Tornadoes Homer Their Way To 4-2 Win
June 13, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
WORCESTER - Behind six shutout innings from Junior Guerrero and three home runs, the Worcester Tornadoes topped the Ottawa Rapidz, 4-2, on Friday evening at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.
Francisco Caraballo and Jeff LaHair each hit solo homers while Chris Colabello added a two-run shot to account for Worcester's four runs. Scott Grimes added a 3-for-4 effort with two stolen bases to raise his league-leading .429 average to .450. The Tornadoes were efficient in leaving only one runner on base. Guerrero finished the night by retiring the last 13 batters extending from the second to sixth innings. He gave up no runs on three hits with no walks and two strikeouts good for his second win of the season. John Birtwell got himself in and out of trouble in the ninth for his fifth save.
Caraballo started the home-run barrage in the second inning, giving the Tornadoes the 1-0 advantage with a leadoff shot to right-center field. His fifth home run marks the most by a Worcester hitter (breaking a tie with Grimes) and ties for the league lead.
The Tornadoes crossed the plate three times in the third behind two more home runs. LaHair added a solo shot of his own while Colabello hit a two-run bomb to deep left-center to extend the lead to 4-0.
Ottawa took advantage of a new Tornadoes' pitcher, getting to Eddie Pena in the seventh inning with an unearned run to make it 4-1. Jereme Milons singled and Kyle Geiger was hit by the pitch. After a pass ball, Jose Salas drove him in with an RBI groundout.
The Rapidz made it interesting in the ninth with a run off Birtwell, but the Tornadoes' closer stranded the bases loaded. The run marked the first allowed all season in this, Birtwell's seventh appearance. Juan Infante led off the inning with a walk. Jabe Bergeron and Jose Salas continued the rally with singles while Felix Escalona was hit by the pitch to load the bases. With the tying run in scoring position, Birtwell struck out Pete Pirman to end the game.
Worcester continues its series with another 6:05 p.m. tilt vs. Ottawa. Ryan Mitchell takes the hill looking for his second win of the season on Superhero night! Be sure to dress up as your favorite superhero! 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.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian American League message board...
Canadian American League Stories from June 13, 2008
- Kelly Leads Jackals Past Skyhawks In Slugfest - New Jersey Jackals
- Can-Am League Recap - Can-Am
- Rapidz thrown for loss by Twisters - Ottawa Voyageurs
- Tornadoes Homer Their Way To 4-2 Win - Worcester Tornadoes
- Surf Steal Nail-Biter 2-1 From Rox - Brockton Rox
- Pride's Streak Snapped by Quebec â Nashua Falls 7-2 - American Defenders of New Hampshire
- Rapidz Announce Exciting Upcoming Promotions - Ottawa Voyageurs
- Pride Hold Weekend Home Stand vs. Quebec - 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.
