Zephyrs Beat Beavers in the Ninth

Published on June 18, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Dave Matranga hit a two-run home run and doubled home the go-ahead run as part of a three-run top of the ninth as the New Orleans Zephyrs earned a 6-3 win over the Portland Beavers in front of 4,416 Tuesday night at PGE Park.

Pinch-hitter Royce Huffman added a two-run single for the final margin of victory.

The Beavers (38-35) rallied to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning on a two-run homer by Alex Pelaez and loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth with a chance to take the lead. New Orleans reliever Brandon Puffer escaped the jam by coaxing Ben Risinger to line out to third base.

New Orleans (41-31) got on the board in the top of the second when Matranga connected on a two-run home run off Portland starter Ben Howard. Raul Chavez singled home Henri Stanley an inning later to make it 3-0.

Alex Pelaez doubled and later scored on a passed ball in the fourth to cut the lead to 3-1.

Pelaez had three hits to lead the Beavers, who have lost their last three home games.

New Orleans starter Jared Fernandez and his knuckleball had Portland guessing early. Fernandez gave up three runs on six hits in 6.0 innings of work. In his 15th start for the Beavers, Howard lasted 7.0 innings, giving up three runs on six hits as well.

Puffer got the win after two innings of scoreless relief work. Rob Stanifer picked up his third save by retiring the side in the bottom of the ninth.

The Beavers turned in a host of defensive gems, including two sprawling catches by right-fielder Alex Fernandez and several off-balance plays by the left side of the infield - shortstop Khalil Greene and Risinger, Portland's third baseman.

NOTES: Wednesday is the first edition of "Dollar Dog Night" at PGE Park .... fans can enjoy $1.00 hot dogs every Wednesday home game.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 18, 2003


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