Van Dusen Stellar Again as Aviators Stifle Sports

Published on May 22, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Coastal Bend Aviators News Release


Derrick Van Dusen turned in another commanding performance as he struck out six over 8 and 1/3 innings en route to a 6-1 Coastal Bend victory. With the win the Aviators snap a 4 game slide and Van Dusen improves to 3-0, lowering his ERA to 2.11.

Designated hitter Phillip Grau had the big hit of the ballgame for the Aviators when he smacked a bases loaded double to left-center in the 2nd inning to open a 3-0 lead. The Aviators added another in the inning and Van Dusen never looked back in a game that took only 2 hours and 7 minutes to complete. He got some help from his defense in the 5th when outfielder Juan Figueroa made a fine play, reeling in a fly ball on the dead run that was ticketed for the right field line. Not to be outdone, rookie left fielder Ryan Rachal who joined the team just a few hours before game time made a diving catch on a sharp liner off the bat of Sports second baseman Juan Ventura. Other Aviators who had good performances at the plate included second baseman James Lofton who went 3 for 4 with a stolen base and RBI, and third baseman Grant Richardson who went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Shreveport starter Colby Miller, who had entered the game with a sparkling 1.64 ERA was touched up for 4 earned runs off 9 hits and took the loss, falling to 0-2.

With the victory Coastal Bend improves to 5-7. Shreveport falls to 7-4. Game 2 of the 4 game set is tomorrow night at Fairgrounds Field. First pitch is at 7:05 and can be heard locally on KOPY 1070 AM or online at www.aviatorsbaseball.com.

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American Association Stories from May 22, 2007


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