Vipers' Struggles Continue

Published on August 20, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers dropped their third straight contest with a 9-4 loss to the Orange County Flyers at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. After falling behind 5-0 the Vipers closed to within one run but with four tallies in the final two innings the Flyers put the game away. For the third consecutive game the Snakes gave up at least 16 hits and nine runs. Calgary is now 15-20 on the second half of the season and 41-38 overall.

Vipers' shortstop Nelson Castro had to leave the game in the bottom of the first inning after extending his hitting streak to 12 games.

In the top of the fourth inning the Flyers scored the game's first runs when Patrick Breen walked, Jeff LaRue was hit by a pitch, and Josh Arhart smacked a three run big fly. Mark Okano made it back-to-back homeruns with a solo shot for the 4-0 lead.

Another homerun was hit in the top of the sixth inning by Orange County's LaRue for the 5-0 advantage.

The Snakes scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the frame with a Demond Smith single, wild pitch to advance him to second base, and a Felix Jose run batted in single for the 5-1 score.

Calgary made it a one run game in the bottom of the seventh with a three spot. Colin Moro walked, Jorge Mejia laid down a perfect drag bunt for a hit, Jorge Tang grounded out to move the runners into scoring position, and Patrick Arlis plated a run with a RBI groundout. Kevin Price followed with a RBI single and Smith knocked in one with a double for the 5-4 game.

Right back responded the Flyers though in the top of the eighth inning as with two outs Nick Guerra walked, Travon Jackson singled, and David Bacani cashed two runs with a clutch double for the 7-4 lead.

Two more runs were added in the top of the ninth as Breen doubled and Okano and Terry Mermer both picked up RBI doubles for the 9-4 Flyers lead.

Jeff Groeger (0-1) received the loss in his first start of the year while Jesse Smith (6-1) tossed a complete game for the victory.

This series concludes Thursday August 21st at 7:05 PM (MDT) with Phil Sobkow (2-4) toeing the rubber.

Friday August 22nd at 7:05 PM (MDT) the Snakes welcome back the Reno Silver Sox for a three game series. The two teams will also play Saturday August 23rd at 5:05 PM (MDT) and Sunday August 24th at 1:35 PM (MDT).

Calgary's final two regular season home games will be Wednesday August 27th and Thursday August 28th at 7:05 PM (MDT) against the Edmonton Cracker-Cats.

On Thursday it will be "Theo Fleury Retirement Night". The former Flames great and Olympic Gold Medalist has decided to hang up the cleats after making his pro baseball debut with the Vipers on August 9th. Fleury is expected to get at least one more at bat before his retirement. He is currently hitting .333 in his professional baseball career. "We want to make this a special night for Theo', said Vipers president Peter Young. "So we're going to retire his number 14 jersey, at least until somebody else asks for it." In reality the Vipers will be auctioning off Fleury's jersey for their children's charity Snakes and Batters. It will also be awards night for the Vipers as they announce the team outstanding player awards for 2008.

Friday September 5th at 7:05 PM (MDT) the Vipers will host Game 3 of the North Division Finals. Games 4 & 5 if necessary will also be played at Foothills Stadium on Saturday September 6th at 5:05 PM (MDT)and Sunday September 7th at 1:35 PM (MDT).

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Golden Baseball League Stories from August 20, 2008


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