Vipers defeat Capitals

August 31, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


Led by their starting pitcher the Calgary Vipers (1-0) defeated the Edmonton Capitals (0-1) 9-3 in Game 1 of the North Division Championship Series at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. Mike Burns (1-0) led the way going eight innings and allowing only one run on five hits. The former big leaguer did not walk a batter, threw 23 first-pitch strikes to 30 batters, and tossed 81 strikes to 29 balls for 110 pitches in total. Offensively Calgary collected 16 hits and broke out for big innings in the sixth and eighth with three and five runs respectively. With the win Calgary leads the best of seven series 1-0.

Edmonton opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Matt Rogelstad singled, Todd Linden was hit by a pitch, and with two outs J.D. Closser hit a ground ball to the right side of the infield for a 1-0 lead.

Calgary broke through in the sixth frame as Jimmy Rohan singled, Chad Ehrnsberger doubled, Lino Garcia knocked in two with a base hit, Drew Miller reached with a single, and Al Quintana collected a run batted in base knock for a 3-1 advantage.

The Vipers added to their lead in the eighth when with two outs Mike Burns followed by Jonny Kaplan singled, Wilver Perez drove in a run with a base hit, Rohan walked to load the bases, and C.J. Ziegler lined a grand slam over the wall for a 8-1 lead.

In the ninth inning as Garcia doubled and with two outs Bryan Burke singled for a RBI and a 9-1 advantage.

The Capitals closed out the scoring in the bottom of the ninth when Linden homered, Brent Metheny reached on a fielding error, Cruz walked, Tom Collaro reached on a fielder's choice, and Rex Rundgren drove in one with a base hit for a 9-3 final.

The 2011 North American League playoffs continue with Game 2 of the North Division Championship best of seven series in Edmonton at Telus Field against the Capitals on Wednesday August 31st at 7:00.

The series shifts to Calgary and Foothills Stadium on Thursday September 1st at 6:30 for Game 3 and on Friday September 2nd at 6:30 for Game 4. If necessary Game 5 will also be played in Calgary on Saturday September 3rd at 2:30.

If a Game 6 is necessary it will be back in Edmonton on Sunday September 4th at 2:00. If a Game 7 is necessary it will also take place in Edmonton on Tuesday September 6th at 7:00.

Tickets are available at 2255 Crowchild Trail Northwest or www.calgaryvipers.com.



North American League Stories from August 31, 2011


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