Vipers Blow Lead, Drop into Second Place

Published on June 26, 2007 under Northern League (NL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers stranded 14 base runners and blew a 5-4 eighth inning lead, losing 9-5 to the Winnipeg Goldeyes at CanWest Global Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Calgary held 3-0 and 4-1 leads in the game but a five run bottom of the eighth inning by Winnipeg was the difference. With a Fargo-Moorhead victory, the Vipers now drop a half game behind them in the North Division standings with 12 games remaining in the first half.

Calgary wasted little time scoring, loading the bases in the first inning with a Darryl Brinkley walk and singles by Carlos Duncan and Jason Colson. Mitch Evans was next to the plate, walking to bring in the first run and Kevin Price hit a two run double to make the score 3-0.

Back to back doubles in the bottom of the second by Jordan Lundberg and Fehlandt Lentini brought in the Goldeyes first run.

That run was taken back in the sixth inning by the Vipers as Manabu Kuramochi reached on a bunt single and moved to third on a two base throwing error by first baseman Walter Young. Nelson Castro made it 4-1 when he bounced one up the middle for a RBI single.

The Winnipeg comeback started in the bottom of that inning with Walter Young singling and Luis Alen reaching on a fielder's choice. Max Poulin followed by smacking a two run triple to right-centerfield to close the lead to one run.

Fish newcomer Anton French tied the game in the seventh when he drove in Lentini who had singled, stole second, and moved to third on a balk.

Calgary retook the lead the next inning in the eighth, as with two outs Evans picked up his second RBI of the night with a double to score Castro and give the Snakes a 5-4 lead.

That lead was squandered in the bottom of that inning as Lundberg drove in Brent Metheny to tie the game. With one out and runners at first and third, Winnipeg put the suicide squeeze play on and it worked when Ryan Olson's pitchout went to the backstop, allowing Poulin to score and give the Goldeyes a 6-5 lead. Lentini followed with a RBI single and French capped off his first game with a two run homer to give Winnipeg a 9-5 lead.

Kazu Minami gave the Snakes another solid start going six innings while giving up four runs while walking only two and striking out seven.

This series continues Wednesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM (MDT). Thursday's game can be seen on Calgary's SHAW TV Channel 10. The games can also be heard live online at www.am770chqr.com. On Friday the Vipers welcome the Kansas City T-Bones at 7:05 PM (MDT) and the first 1500 fans through the gates will receive a Vipers Baseball Cap. On Saturday at 1:35 PM (MDT) every fan going to see the Stamps and Ti-Cats in the evening will be allowed into the Vipers game at no charge simply by showing their football ticket. On Sunday July 1st and Monday July 2nd the Snakes will celebrate the Canada Day Long Weekend with games starting at 1:35 PM (MDT). Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255).

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Northern League Stories from June 26, 2007


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