Travs back in first with win
Published on June 12, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas - Michael Collins' bases-loaded, one-out, RBI single in the 10th gave the Travelers a 4-3 victory in game one of the series against the Tulsa Drillers. Stephen Marek (2-3) pitched the top of the 10th and struck out four batters for his second win of the year. His third strikeout got away from the catcher, allowing the batter to take first base. The Travs' victory coupled with the Cards' loss propelled the Travs back into first place in the Texas League North Division.
Brian Stavisky got things started for the Travs in the 10th by hitting a one-out double to center, his third double of the game. Ben Johnson was intentionally walked to set up the possible double play on Jordan Czarniecki. After a wild pitch to Czarniecki advancing both runners into scoring position, Drillers' reliever Eduardo Valdez (2-2) hit Czarniecki to load the bases. Collins stepped in, already 1-for-3 on the night with a sac bunt, and drilled a 1-0 pitch from Valdez to the gap in right center to score Stavisky with the winning run.
Stavisky finished the game 3-for-5, ballooning his average to .370. He has 13 hits in his last eight games.
Fernando Rodriguez pitched the first six innings and recorded a quality start by allowing only three runs. He struck out eight batters against just two walks. Rafael Rodriguez pitched three innings in relief and held the Drillers scoreless on two hits.
Nate Sutton opened the game for the Travs with a lead-off triple down the right-field line and scored on Stavisky's first double. Stavisky came around to score the Travs' second run on Ben Johnson's RBI single putting the Travs up 2-0 after one inning.
The Drillers cut into the lead in the second inning when Jeff Kindel singled and scored on Jeff Dragicevich's sac-fly.
Tulsa took the lead in the third inning on Kindel's two-RBI single scoring Eric Young Jr. and Dexter Fowler. When Fowler came home to score, the throw beat him but Brian Walker dropped the ball allowing Fowler to touch home plate and take the lead. In order to touch home, Fowler had to jump over the back of Walker. Fowler then took his time getting off Walker in order to allow Matt Miller to take third. When Walker had enough, he and Fowler started a benches clearing brawl that turned out to be nothing more than a shouting match. By the time the bullpens cleared, the altercation was over and Miller was ordered to return to second base.
Czarniecki led off the sixth inning and came around to score on Corey Smith's RBI single to tie the game and take Fernando Rodriguez off the hook.
The Travs stranded 10 runners on the night.
Boxscore
Time of game was 3:00 and paid attendance was 5,358.
Game two will feature Brok Butcher (4-2, 4.12 ERA) and Alan Johnson (3-6, 5.22 ERA) at 7:10 Friday night. Gates will open at 6:10.
Texas League Stories from June 12, 2008
- Travs back in first with win - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers Streak Ends With 10-Inning Loss - Tulsa Drillers
- 'Riders win by two touchdowns - Frisco RoughRiders
- Travs Weekly Report - Arkansas Travelers
- Carlos Rosa Promoted to Kansas City - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- "Big-League" Week Continues At Hammons Field - Springfield Cardinals
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