Tornadoes Squander Big Lead, Lose To Sussex
Published on August 30, 2007 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
Worcester, MA -- The Worcester Tornadoes squandered an early 5-0, eventually falling to the Sussex Skyhawks, 7-6, at Hanover Insurance Park on Thursday night.
The Tornadoes jumped all over former Worcester righty Jamie Merchant (3-2) in the 1st inning, using 4 singles and 2 walks to score 5 runs and take the early 5-0 lead. Sussex got 2 runs in the 3rd off righty Junior Guerrero on back-to-back two-out RBI hits from Brian Rios (double) and Rob Gandolfo (single) to make it 5-2, Worcester. The Tornadoes loaded the bases on a Mike DeCarlo double and 2 walks in the 4th, but managed only one run. Meanwhile, the Skyhawks kept chipping away, getting to Guerrero for another run in the 5th and then scored an unearned run of Shaun McNamara in the 7th. Worcester still led 6-4 heading to the 8th, but the Skyhawks used 3 singles and 3 costly Tornadoes errors to score 3 unearned runs off P.J. Bevis (2-5), and a take a 7-6 lead that they would not relinquish.
Merchant (3-2), who allowed just 4 hits and 1 run after the rocky first inning, threw a staggering 158 pitches (95 strikes) for the complete game win. Bevis (2-5) took the loss. It was was the third time in the last 10 games in which the Tornadoes led by 5 runs or more, yet ended up losing the game. Worcester had not lost a game in which they led by more than 3 runs over the first 80 games of the season. The loss ensures that the Tornadoes will finish the season with both a losing record at home and a losing record overall. Worcester sits at 42-48 on the season, one game better than the 41-49 mark they posted in 2006. The Tornadoes will try to take three out of four from the Skyhawks when they play the series finale and final home game of the season on Friday night. Righty Matt Weagle will make the start for Worcester and he will be opposed by Sussex righty Trey Stephens. First pitch is set for 7:05pm.
Canadian American League Stories from August 30, 2007
- Can-Am League Recap - Can-Am
- Disputed Call In Ninth Leads To Jackals Loss - New Jersey Jackals
- Tornadoes Squander Big Lead, Lose To Sussex - Worcester Tornadoes
- Cutters' postseason hopes end - New Haven County Cutters
- Rox End Cutters Playoff Hopes With 6-4 Win In Connecticut - Brockton Rox
- Monkey Boy to Make a Special Appearance for Last Homestand of the Season - American Defenders of New Hampshire
- Former Rox RHP John Kelly named to All-Star Team - Brockton Rox
- Can-Am League announces Postseason All-Star Team - Can-Am
- Perry named to Can-Am League Postseason All-Star Team - Worcester Tornadoes
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