Trappers Rally Falls One Run Short
August 3, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Edmonton Trappers News Release
Center fielder Ryan Christensen homered and made what may have been a game-saving, diving catch in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Oklahoma RedHawks edged the Edmonton Trappers 4-3 Sunday afternoon at TELUS Field. Christenson, who was part of the Trappers' PCL Championship squad in 1997, has made two spectacular catches in the first two contests in this series. He has spent most of the season either on the disabled list or in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers, but has made the most of his time in Oklahoma and entered Sunday's game batting .333 in 29 games with the RedHawks. After losing five consecutive games to the Tucson Sidewinders the Trappers have been playing well. The club has won four of its last six games, with the only two losses being one-run affairs. The Trappers are now 16-13 in one-run games. Edmonton has struggled at home lately, winning only three times in 11 games at TELUS Field since the All-Star break. The Trappers and RedHawks continue this four-game series on Monday afternoon at TELUS Field.
Christenson led off the game with his fourth home run of the season. The next batter, second baseman Jeff Pickler, reached on an error by Trapper first baseman Ryan Balfe and advanced to second when Mike Lamb drew a walk. Pickler moved over to third when Jason Hart grounded into a double play and scored when Manny Alexander reached on an infield single. The Trappers threatened in the bottom of the first inning, leaving the bases loaded against Oklahoma starter Victor Santos (5-3). They cut the RedHawks lead in half in the bottom of the third with a single run off Santos. Second baseman Luis Figueroa led off with a single, moved to second on a groundout and scored on a two-out single by Valentino Pascucci. Oklahoma left fielder Jermaine Clark homered with one out in the top of the fourth inning to restore the RedHawks two-run cushion. Pickler drew a leadoff walk off Trapper starter Britt Reames (3-12) in the fifth inning. He advanced to third on Lamb's long double to center field and scored the RedHawks fourth run on a groundout by Hart.
On Saturday night the Trappers rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to overcome a 2-1 deficit and go on to defeat the RedHawks 6-2. Edmonton began the seventh inning on Sunday down by three runs. With one out in the frame Peter Bergeron singled to left field and advanced to second when Figueroa drew a walk. Terrmel Sledge grounded into a fielder's choice, erasing Figueroa, but allowing Bergeron to advance to third. Balfe then drew a free pass from lefty C.J. Nitkowski to load the bases for Pascucci, who deposited a full-count pitch into right field, plating Bergeron and Sledge to make it a one-run game. Matt Cepicky then blooped a Nitkowski pitch into center field that Christenson came in on and dived to make the final out of the frame. The Trappers had an opportunity to tie the game in the eighth inning when Scott Hodges led off with a single and moved to second on a Scott Sandusky sacrifice bunt. Anthony Medrano then lined a single into right field, but Hodges was gunned down at home plate by right fielder Paul Ottavinia to preserve the one-run lead. Ray Beasley pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for his fourth save of the season.
Highlights:
Trappers: Are 32-27 at TELUS Field...left 10 runners stranded...are 16-13 in one-run games...are 17-17 in day games, but are 0-5 since the All-Star break...are 13-21 when the opponent scores the first run at TELUS Field...are 15-7 on Sunday's, including an 8-5 record at TELUS Field...had 10 or more hits for the 55th time...began the day leading the North Division by 2 ½ games over the Salt Lake Stingers...are 7-6 vs. the East Division...the season series is tied, 1-1...Oklahoma leads the all-time series, 21-17.
RF Valentino Pascucci: Drew two walks and drove in all three Trapper runs with two singles...leads the club with 85 walks...is on pace to draw 106 walks, which would be two shy of the club record...began the day with a .423 on-base percentage...has 74 RBI.
Alumni Report:
LHP Johan Santana (MIN) vs. DET: Yielded two runs on five hits and three walks, while fanning seven in 6.0 innings of work as the Twins downed the Tigers 7-2...earned the win to run his record to 5-3...has posted a 3.46 ERA thus far in 2003.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 3, 2003
- Alfaro Provides the Offense in 3-2 Zephyrs Victory - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Powell shuts down, shuts out first place Missions - Round Rock Express
- Beavers Raise $2,500 for Victims of Laurelhurst Dog Poisonings - Portland Beavers
- Trappers Rally Falls One Run Short - Edmonton Trappers
- Beavers Miss Golden Opportunity - Portland Beavers
- Sounds Rebound With 6-3 Win Over Sky Sox - Nashville Sounds
- River Cats To Name Puglia Award Winners Tomorrow At Raley Field - Sacramento River Cats
- Gissell, Sanchez No-Hit Sounds - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Beavers Host 'Bark in the Park' Today - Portland Beavers
- Greene Leads Charge in Beavers Comeback - Portland Beavers
- Rainiers Best River Cats, 11-3 - Sacramento River Cats
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