Tornadoes win in eleventh on Rios single
July 27, 2006 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
WORCESTER, MA- The Worcester Tornadoes and the New Jersey Jackals battled for eleven innings Thursday evening, marking the longest game at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field this season. Brian Rios had his second game winning hit in three nights, providing a bases loaded single for the Tornadoes in the 3-2 win.
The game began with the Tornadoes putting up the first run of the game as leadoff batter Josh Beauregard hit a leadoff homerun, his second leadoff homerun against the Jackals this season.
In the third inning, New Jersey took the lead scoring two runs off Tornadoes starter Junior Guerrero. Jackal's catcher Jason Belcher got things started with a single. After a fly ball out, Guerrero loaded the bases with two walks. Jackals shortstop Alex Fernandez picked up New Jersey's first run with a sac fly to right field. Guillermo Reyes followed with a RBI double, but Worcester second baseman saved a run by throwing out John Lindsay on a perfect relay throw to home plate.
Similar to recent games, the Tornadoes showed a flare for the dramatic as they scored a run to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth. Keith Beauregard started the rally with one out, lining a single into left field. Jabe Bergeron then hit a ball towards the gap in left-center field. Jackal's center fielder Zach Smithlin tried to cut the ball off, but it snuck under his glove allowing Beauregard to score all the way from first.
Although neither starting pitcher figured in the decision, both pitched very well. Jackal's starter Aaron Myers went eight innings, giving up two earned runs on nine hits. Guerrero went seven innings for Worcester, also allowing two earned runs on nine hits.
The ninth and tenth innings passed with both teams having threats but no runs thanks to good relief pitching and defense.
Worcester finally broke through in the 11th off New Jersey reliever Jared Brown. Tornadoes second baseman Austin Wasserman was hit by a pitch and Lucas Taylor walked to start the inning. Josh Beauregard tried to advance the runners with a sacrifice bunt, but Brown made a nice play getting a force out at third. Taylor and Beauregard pulled off a double steal on the next pitching, prompting the Jackals to intentionally walk Ricardo Cordova, who already had three hits in the game. Rios worked the count to 3-1 before ripping a fastball down the left field line for the walk-off win.
The win went to Dallas Mahan who improved his record to 2-2 on the season.
For the box score and recap go to http://worcestertornadoes.com.ismmedia.com/ISM2/wor07270.htm.
Tomorrow's game between the Tornadoes and Jackals has a start time of 7:05 P.M. The first 1,000 fans will receive Championship DVDs compliments of Charter.
For more information, contact the Worcester Tornadoes at 508-792-228 or log on at worcestertornadoes.com. Lyle Lovett is coming in concert August 19th to Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. Tickets are on sale now at catchaconcert.com.
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