Tucker homer sinks Cats 6-5
Published on August 25, 2008 under American Association (AA)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
J.B. Tucker's two-run home run in the eighth inning was the difference as Grand Prairie defeated the Cats 6-5 in Game 1 of the Division Series Monday night at LaGrave Field.
A crowd of 3,011 fans saw the Cats jump out to a 2-0 lead. In the second inning, Charles Carter singled home Jake Gautreau to get the Cats on the scoreboard. In the fourth, they added to their lead as Nelson Teilon scored on an error by left fielder Aaron Garza.
The next half-inning, Garza atoned for his error with a solo homer off Cats' starter Joel Kirsten to cut the Cats' lead in half. They tied the game later that inning on an RBI double by Billy Munoz.
Fort Worth responded quickly in the bottom of the fifth as they re-claimed the lead on a Pat O'Sullivan sacrifice fly and a Teilon RBI single. But Grand Prairie again had an answer as Brandon Carter delivered a two-out, two-run single to left to knot the game 4-4 in the sixth.
In the eighth with one out, Brian Martin walked Derek Nicholson, the first batter he faced. The next batter, Tucker, belted a 3-1 offering on to the berm in left and gave the AirHogs their first lead of the game at 6-4.
John Allen homered to lead off the bottom of the eighth, but the Cats left a runner in scoring position in the eighth and then were shut down in the ninth by Grand Prairie closer James Morrison, who retired all five batters he faced to earn the save.
Geivy Garcia (1-0) got the win after working a scoreless seventh inning. Martin (0-1) took the loss after permitting the Tucker homer.
The AirHogs won despite committing five errors in the game. Fort Worth left eight runners on base in the game, including five in scoring position.
The Cats look to rebound in Game 2 which is on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at LaGrave Field. Lee Gwaltney is on the hill for the Cats with Jose Cordero going for Grand Prairie.
American Association Stories from August 25, 2008
- Tucker homer sinks Cats 6-5 - Fort Worth Cats
- American Association recap-- August 25 - AA
- AirHogs Capture Game One 6-5 - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Canaries grab series lead with win - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Mahomes and Regas shut down the X's, 2-1 - Sioux City Explorers
- Wichita Wingnuts 2008 Final Report - Wichita Wingnuts
- Reininger, Grybash American Association Players Of The Week - AA
- AirHogs Playoff Information - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Oscar De La Hoya's 1st Annual Fight Night at QuikTrip Park Set Friday, September 12th - Grand Prairie AirHogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
