Tornadoes Knock Capitales Out Of Playoffs With Win

September 3, 2007 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release


Quebec City, Quebec -- Greg Smith ripped a two-out, two-run double down the rightfield line to cap a five-run 9th inning, as the Worcester Tornadoes came from behind to defeat the Quebec Capitales, 13-11, and eliminate them from playoff contention on Sunday night.

The Tornadoes scored twice in the 1st inning and used a Keith Beauregard solo home run in the 2nd to take a 3-0 lead. But Quebec scored two runs in the 2nd, two more in the 3rd, then added three unearned runs in the 4th to go ahead, 7-3. However, the Tornadoes took advantage of a costly Quebec error to tack on four unearned runs of their own in the top of the 5th, to even things at 7-7. The Capitales came right back with single runs in the 5th and 6th innings, and after Worcester scratched another unearned run across in the 7th, Quebec tacked on two more off P.J. Bevis (3-5) in the 8th to take an 11-8 lead into the top of the 9th inning. Quebec closer Cristian Mendoza (1-3) was betrayed by his defense in the 9th, as two costly errors, coupled with a walk and two singles tied the game at 11-11 with two on and two outs in the 9th. That set the stage for Smith, in his second at-bat after pinch-hitting for Josh Beauregard in the 8th, Smith hit a sharp liner just fair inside the rightfield line, plating Patrick Perry and Yohanny Valera with the go-ahead runs that would prove to be the difference in the game.

Bevis (3-5) was credited with the win and Mendoza (1-3) allowed 5 runs (only 1 of which was earned) to take the loss. John Birtwell pitched a scoreless 9th for his 12th save of the season. The game featured 24 runs, 26 hits (17 by Quebec), 7 errors (5 by Quebec) that led to 12 unearned runs (9 of the 13 Worcester runs were unearned), 29 men left on base (17 by Quebec, a season-high for a Tornadoes opponent) and 18 walks (11 of which were issued by Capitales pitching). Every member of the Tornadoes starting nine, except Valera, walked at least once and every member of the Quebec starting nine, except Eddie Lantigua, had at least one hit. Tornadoes pitching has now allowed 13 or more hits in 5 consecutive games. The game took a season-long 4:01 to play, and was longer than all 9 extra-inning games in which the Tornadoes have participated in '07. With the loss, Quebec has been officially eliminated from postseason play. New Jersey (1st half winner) will play Nashua (#4 seed) and North Shore (2nd half winner) will play Atlantic City (#3 seed) in the first round of the playoffs. The Tornadoes will try to ride the momentum from the comeback victory into the season finale on Monday evening, when they send righty Junior Guerrero to the mound. The Quebec starter is TBA. First pitch is set for 4:05pm.



Canadian American League Stories from September 3, 2007


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