Sports stats



PCL1 Nashville Sounds

Vogelsong Pitches Sounds To Title

August 26, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release


NASHVILLE — The eight-year playoff drought for the Sounds ended courtesy of the right arm of Nashville starter Ryan Vogelsong. This year's Opening Day starter turned in a virtuoso performance, one that included striking out a season-high 12 to lead Nashville to a 3-0 victory over the second-place New Orleans Zephyrs in front of the home faithful on Tuesday night, clinching the PCL East Division crown.

It is Nashville's first division crown since 1993 and assures the club of its first postseason play since 1994, both as a member of the American Association.

Following a double by the Zephyrs' Kyle Logan to start the game, Vogelsong settled into a groove, erasing Logan on a comebacker, then inducing Alan Zinter to hit into a double play. Starting in the last of the fourth with catcher John Buck, Vogelsong struck out six straight, part of thirteen in row he would retire before allowing two singles to start the ninth.

With the Zephyrs threatening and two men up in the Nashville bullpen, Vogelsong quelled the rally, striking out Zinter then forced Jason Alfaro to hit into a double play, finishing the masterpiece.

"It was an awesome feeling," Vogelsong said in a champagne-filled clubhouse. "We played an errorless game from top to bottom. It's an unbelievable way to finish it.

The 12 punchouts for Vogelsong leap-frog him past Portland's Dennis Tankersley for the PCL lead. Vogelsong's 145 K's place him two ahead of the Beavers hurler.

The Sounds provided all the offense Vogelsong would need in the last of the first inning. With two outs and Dave Doster at first, Adam Hyzdu and Jorge Toca posted back-to-back singles, the second driving in Doster.

Nashville added to the lead in the bottom of the third. The rally started again after two men had been retired. John Barnes singled then stole second. Hyzdu drove in Barnes with a double that one-hopped off the wall in right-center.

"When you are in the four-hole, you are expected to drive in runs," Hyzdu said. "Winning is winning; we will remember this 2003 Sounds team for the rest of our lives.

Doster provided the final run of the game, driving a two-out Doug Sessions delivery over the wall in left in the fifth for his 10th longball of the year.

Doster is one six players who has spent the entire season in Nashville. The team has undergone a whirlwind of change as Pittsburgh has reshuffled its roster since the middle of July.

"I've never been part of a better group of guys," manager Trent Jewett said following the post-game festivities that included outfielder Tony Alvarez, who will be part of a postseason for the first time as a professional, leaping into the bucket of ice that had been housing the champagne.

"We have to give credit to the guys that have been here all year, as well those who have been here and left, because they laid the groundwork," Jewett said.

The opening round of the Pacific Coast League playoffs will pit the Sounds against the yet-to-be-determined Central Division champs. Greer Stadium will be the site for games one and two of the best-of-five series. Games will be played on Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4th. Game times will be 7:00 p.m. for both.

Tickets for Greer Stadium playoff dates are available now and may be purchased by calling the box office at 615-242-4371 or online at www.nashvillesounds.com.

Before the Sounds can think of the playoffs, the remainder of the regular season sits in front of them. In their first game as champs, right-hander Matt Guerrier (3-6, 4.10) will take the hill for Nashville in the noon contest. The Zephyrs will counter with right-hander D.J. Houlton (3-2 4.96).

Check out the Nashville Sounds Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 26, 2003


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