Vipers Slither Past Caps 6-5 on Thirsty Thursday

June 3, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release


Edmonton, AB - For the second time in as many games, baseball's battle of Alberta went right down to the wire, but it was the Edmonton Capitals who wound up on the losing end of Thursday's showdown, dropping a 6-5 decision to the Calgary Vipers.

The Caps scored in the bottom of the ninth inning to post a 5-4 walk-off win during Wednesday afternoon's Home Run Hooky game. But the Vipers got their revenge with a one-run victory of their own during the first Thirsty Thursday game of the year - presented by Hudsons Canadian Tap House, 104.9 Virgin Radio and 100.3 The Bear - as beer was on sale for just $3.

The first three innings were full of scoring from both squads, as Calgary scored a pair of runs in the first and singles in the second and third to take a 4-2 lead. They stretched their lead to 5-2 and then 6-3 by the top of the eighth, but Caps first baseman and former Viper Brent Metheny hit a 420-foot two-run double off the centre field wall to make it 6-5 in the home half. That was as close as the home side got, though, as they went three up three down in the bottom of the ninth to end the tight battle.

Metheny went 2-for-3 in the game with three RBI, while catcher Lou Santangelo also had a pair of hits and scored two runs. Right fielder Tom Collaro chipped in with a 2-for-4 outing and one run scored. Starting pitcher Steve Green picked up the loss for the Caps, who also sent Mike Hrynio, Rory Shortell and Jorge Vasquez to the mound.

Right fielder Bryan Burke had the best game for the Vipers, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and one RBI, while Stephen Whalen pitched six innings to pick up the win and Claudio Galva tossed a scoreless ninth for the save.

The provincial rivalry continues Friday with another 7 p.m. start at TELUS Field. Caps 2009 and 2010 MVP, Sherwood Park's own Lou Pote, is scheduled to get the start on the mound, looking to follow up on his complete game shutout during Sunday's season opener in Calgary. Edmonton is 3-2 to start the North American League campaign, while the Vipers are 3-4.

The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Season seats start at less than $9 per seat. Individual game tickets start at $10 in advance and can be purchased at the Capitals Box Office (10233 - 96 Ave) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, at any Ticketmaster location, online at capsbaseball.ca or via phone at 780-414-GOAL (4625).



North American League Stories from June 3, 2011


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