Win Streak Stops At Four With Split
July 8, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Chico, CA - The Edmonton Capitals extended their winning streak to four games on Thursday night but then had it come to an end just a few hours later as they split their double-header with the Chico Outlaws. Both games were decided by just one run, as the Caps won 4-3 and the Outlaws prevailed 8-7.
The Caps' offence was absolutely on fire during Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's action, as they outscored the Outlaws 33-8 during three straight lopsided victories. Thursday's action at Nettleton Stadium was much closer, though, with both shortened games decided in the seventh and final inning.
The first game was tied 3-3 heading into the seventh, but first baseman Brent Metheny singled in left fielder Todd Linden to put the visitors up by one. Relief pitcher Brandon Villafuerte then came in and shut the door on the Outlaws to pick up the save, in turn giving starter Lou Pote the victory, as the hurler from Sherwood Park gave up three runs on six hits while striking out six Chico batters through six innings. Second baseman Matt Rogelstad, shortstop Enrique Cruz and right fielder Tom Collaro each also drove in runs during the victory.
The Outlaws scored all eight of their runs in the second game of the double-header over the first four innings, including putting five runs on the board in the third. But the Caps battled back with four runs of their own in the fifth and two more on a pinch hit home run by Lou Santangelo in the sixth to make it 8-7. But Jason Roenicke shut the door on Edmonton in the seventh inning to pick up the save and snap Chico's losing skid.
In addition to Santangelo's pinch hit home run, Metheny also hit a two-run double, while Linden and Collaro each had two hits and combined to score three of the Caps' runs. Starting pitcher Mike Hrynio took the loss, giving up four earned runs on eight hits through 2.1 innings. Chad Blackwell, Jorge Vasquez and Tom Boleska each also spent time on the Edmonton mound.
The Thursday split gives the Caps a 26-15 record on the NAL season, putting them just a half game behind the Lake County Fielders for first place in the North Division. The Caps and Outlaws play single games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to finish the nine-game series. Edmonton then plays three games in Calgary against the Vipers July 12-14.
The Caps finally make their return to TELUS Field to host the Vipers and continue the battle of Alberta July 15-17. The Friday game is another Fireworks Friday presented by 92.5 JOE FM, while the Sunday afternoon game is Cheemo Ukrainian Day, as well as Family Pack Sunday presented by Dental Choice and 630 CHED, as fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi products for just $52.
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 July 8, 2011
- Outlaws earn 13-5 victory - Chico Outlaws
- Captain Crosland Strikes Again - San Angelo Colts
- Roadrunners Comeback to Defeat 'Wings - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Roadrunners Rally Past WhiteWings - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Fielders Drop a Close One, Lose 1-0 to Yuma - Lake County Fielders
- Lead Lost in Middle Innings - Calgary Vipers
- Win Streak Stops At Four With Split - Edmonton Capitals
- Roadrunners Split Double-header With âwings - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Eddie Dennis Jr. Records First Win in Game 2 of Doubleheader - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
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.
