Vipers win shootout

Published on June 18, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers gave up two big innings and it resulted in a 9-7 loss at the hands of the Chico Outlaws at Nettleton Stadium in Chico, California. The Vipers took an early 4-0 lead but a six run fourth inning saw the lead change hands and never return. Calgary fought back to tie the game at six but a three run seventh inning sealed the Outlaws' victory. The defeat ends the Snakes three-game winning streak, evens up the three game series, and drops the team to a 14-7 record on the first half of the GBL's season.

Calgary got on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning with a leadoff double by Jorge Mejia, a sacrifice bunt by Nelson Castro to move Mejia to third base, and a Drew Miller RBI single.

The Vipers added to the lead in the top of the fourth inning starting with a Miller walk and Jose Morban's eighth homerun of the season. Another run was added when Darryl Brinkley singled, stole both second and third base, and after a Patrick Arlis walk scored on a Jorge Tang RBI base hit for the 4-0 advantage.

Chico responded in a huge way in the bottom of the inning with three straight singles by Steve Boggs, Eric Pringle, and Casey Garrison for a run. Following Todd Gossage and Julian Benavidez walks for a second run, Lino Garcia smacked a grand slam for the 6-4 lead.

Back came the Snakes in the top of the sixth inning with Felix Jose's seventh long ball of the year to cut the lead to one. Calgary then tied the game when Travis Drader reached on a fielding error by left fielder Gab Riley, Arlis singled, both runners moved to second and third base on a wild pitch and Tang picked up his second run batted in on the night with a sacrifice fly.

The Outlaws reclaimed their lead in the bottom of the seventh inning as Riley reached on an error by shortstop Nelson Castro, stole second, moved to third on a Robert Coello balk, and after a walk to Matt Ceriani he scored on a Boggs RBI double. Both Ceriani and Boggs scored on a Pringle two run base hit for the 9-6 advantage.

A run was scored by Calgary in the top of the eighth inning as Arlis doubled, moved to third and scored on two separate wild pitches to bring the Vipers as close as they would come at 9-7.

Coello (1-1) received his first loss of the season in pitching two innings while Rob Ellis (2-0) got the victory out of the bullpen and Todd Gelatka (0-1-3) picked up the save. Calgary starter Nate Melek did not give up a hit or walk and was perfect in five of his six innings but because of the six run fourth inning he picked up a no decision.

Bright spots for the Snakes included Jose, Mejia, and Miller extending their hitting streaks to 15, 11, and ten games respectively. Mejia and Miller also both reached base for the 21st game consecutively to start the season.

The rubber match and series finale goes Thursday June 19th at 8:05 PM (MDT) with Evan Greusel (3-0) starting for Calgary against Jason Roach (0-4). On Friday June 20th at 8:05 PM (MDT) the Vipers take on the Silver Sox for the first time in franchise history. The two teams will play a double-header Saturday June 21st starting at 6:05 PM (MDT) to wrap up the three game series. All games can be heard live online at www.calgaryvipers.com.

Calgary returns home Tuesday June 24th to open up a six day home stand against the Reno Silver Sox and the Long Beach Armada. Both teams are making their first appearance at Foothills Stadium. Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Golden Baseball League Stories from June 18, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central