Trappers Closing in on First Place
Published on May 22, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Edmonton Trappers News Release
Left-hander Scott Downs (5-2) allowed two runs, one earned in 6.1 innings to lead the Edmonton Trappers past the Fresno Grizzlies 4-2 Wednesday night at Grizzlies Stadium. The win, coupled with a Portland loss, puts the second place Trappers only two games behind the Beavers in the North Division of the Pacific Coast League. Edmonton is on an amazing streak at Grizzlies Stadium, having won all seven of the games played between the two clubs in Fresno this season. The Trappers have lost only one game in the last two seasons at Grizzlies Stadium and are 10-1 overall at Fresno's new ballpark. Downs did not allow a home run on Wednesday night, the 18th consecutive game that the Trappers starting pitcher has not yielded a longball. The streak covers 107.1 innings. The Trappers have moved their overall record to 22-21, the first time this season that the club has been over .500. Edmonton will attempt to sweep their second consecutive series against Fresno in the finale on Thursday afternoon. The Trappers will begin a four-game series in Colorado Springs on Friday night.
Fresno got on the board first in a game that was dominated by pitching. With one out left fielder Francisco Santos reached on an error by shortstop Anthony Medrano. Shortstop Clay Bellinger then doubled to left center, moving Santos to third. First baseman Tony Torcato followed with a sacrifice fly that plated Santos with the game's first tally. Left-hander Jeff Urban (3-2) limited the Trappers to three hits through the fourth inning and retired the first batter of the fifth. His defense let him down after that as Bellinger and third baseman Lance Niekro committed back-to-back errors allowing catcher Randy Knorr and Downs to reach base. Medrano followed with his second home run of the season, a blast to left field that gave the Trappers all the runs they would need.
Downs yielded just the one run on four hits through the first four frames, but Fresno touched him for one run in the bottom of the fifth to narrow the lead to one run. Lunsford led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Urban laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved the catcher over to third base and center fielder Jason Ellison grounded out, plating Lunsford from third with the Grizzlies third run. Bryan Hebson took over from Downs with one on and one out in the seventh and retired five of the six batters that he faced. First baseman Luis Ortiz gave the Trappers an insurance run in the eighth inning with a solo home run off reliever Joe Horgan. It was the third home run in four games for Ortiz, who has driven in 10 runs in those four contests. Closer Julio Manon came on in the ninth inning to record his 10th save of the season for the Trappers, but not before a scare. Manon walked Santos to start the inning and yielded a two-out single to Lunsford before finally getting pinch-hitter Carlos Hernandez for the final out of the game.
Highlights:
Trappers: Are 16-8 in the last 24 games...are 10-3 against left-handed starting pitchers...are over .500 for the first time this season...have won all seven games against Fresno at Grizzlies Stadium this season...starting pitchers have not allowed a home run in the last 18 games (107.1 IP)...staff has yielded only 20 longballs all season, the lowest total in the PCL...Edmonton is in second place in the North Division, two games behind the Portland Beavers...are 10-13 on the road...are 15-16 against the South Division...Edmonton leads the season series, 9-1...Edmonton leads the All-Time series between the two clubs, 31-27.
1B Luis Ortiz: Has driven in 10 runs in the last four games...has hit safely in six consecutive games, going 11-for-24 (.458-3-10) in that time...has three doubles and three home runs during the streak...home run was the 100th of his minor league career.
Alumni Report:
RHP Claudio Vargas (MTL) vs. FLA: Allowed two runs on six hits and one walk, while fanning three in 6.2 solid innings as the Expos won for the seventh time in nine games, 7-2 over the Marlins...is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA for the Expos, who are now 29-17.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 22, 2003
- Zephyrs Defeat Isotopes, 2-0 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sounds Dispatch Redbirds, 2-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Grizzlies Avoid Sweep with 11-2 Win over Trappers - Edmonton Trappers
- River Cats Announce 2003 TV Schedule - Sacramento River Cats
- Sacramento to host Fresno Grizzlies in Highway 99 Rivalry Series - Sacramento River Cats
- Zephyrs Visit Children's Hospital - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Trappers Closing in on First Place - Edmonton Trappers
- Natalie Gilbert Sings National Anthem at PGE Park - Portland Beavers
- Beavers Lose Fourth Straight - Portland Beavers
- Kim Exits Early But Sidewinders Battle For 10-7 Win - Tucson Sidewinders
- RedHawks Nip Royals, 4-3, in 12 - Omaha Storm Chasers
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