Tucson Battles Back to Beat Omaha 6-5 in Extras
Published on July 27, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release
Tucson, AZ - A ninth inning rally and an extra innings walk-off single by Jesus Merchan gave Tucson a 6-5 win over Omaha on Saturday night.
In the bottom of the tenth Trent Oeltjen led off the inning by reaching first on error by First Baseman Mike Stodolka. Tim Raines, Jr. got Oeltjen to second with a sacrifice bunt and the next batter, Josh Whitesell, was intentionally walked. Merchan came to the plate and drove a ball to the wall in left to bring in Oeltjen for the winning run of the game.
Juan Cruz made a Major League Rehabilitation start for the Sidewinders on Saturday pitching a perfect first inning. Cruz struck out two of the three batters he faced, while throwing a total 12 pitches, 10 of which were strikes.
Tucson got on the board in first inning when Oeltjen tripled to right and came around to score on a throw error on the same play.
Omaha came back and took the lead off a three run homer by Damon Hollins in the fourth inning. They extended their lead in the sixth inning scoring two off RBI singles by Matt Tupman and Angel Sanchez to make it 5-1.
The Sidewinders cut the Royals lead by two in the seventh inning by leading off the inning with back-to-back doubles by Merchan and Robby Hammock.. Tucson's third run of the game was produced by a Donnie Kelly sacrifice fly to left scoring Hammock from third.
Tucson plated a pair in the bottom of the ninth inning to force the game into extras. John Salmons came in for Tacoma to replace starter Jose Capellan and blew the save by allowing Wilkin Castillo and Kelly to drive in the game tying runs.
The Sidewinders will face the Omaha Royals in the second game of a four game series at 6:00 PM. RHP Max Scherzer (0-0, 3.25) is scheduled to start for Tucson. Left-hander Josh Newman (0-0, 0.00) will start for the Royals. The game will air live on COOL 1450 beginning at 5:50 p.m.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 27, 2008
- Ninth Inning Rally Lifts Omaha over Tucson 5-4 - Tucson Sidewinders
- Rally Cut Short For Isotopes, 8-7 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Beavers Capture Win With Nine-Run Rally In Extra Innings - Portland Beavers
- Sounds Give Up Nine In 11th Inning, Lose 10-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Z's win in Salt Lake - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Freese, 'Birds slam Rainiers - Memphis Redbirds
- Colorado Springs Strands Two In Ninth, Loses Second in a Row to Oklahoma 4-2 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Grizz Edge Out Isotopes, 5-3 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Oklahoma Scores Early, Holds On Late To Take Opener 15-12 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Z's fall in Salt Lake - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Tucson Battles Back to Beat Omaha 6-5 in Extras - Tucson Sidewinders
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