66ers Can't Dock on Ports
Stockton took the lead in the sixth as they managed to score three runs in the inning. Oakland A's Conor Jackson, who was on rehabilitation assignment, hit a run batted in double, scoring Grant Green who reached on a fielders' choice. Green earlier advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. During Michael Spina's at-bat Martin threw his third wild pitch of the inning allowing Jackson to score. Spina then followed by belting a solo shot to left field to give Stockton a 3-1 lead.
Inland Empire cut the lead down to one as they capitalized on a Ports' fielding error. Scott Van Slyke was able to reach on an error by the Ports' center fielder who couldn't come up with the ball. Van Slyke then scored on a double play hit by Pedro Baez to bring the 66ers within 3-2.
The 66ers got on the board early in the first as Alfredo Silverio extended his hit streak to eight games, and has now recorded a hit in the last 19 games in which he has started. He then advanced all the way to third on a pickoff attempt throwing error by the Ports. Chris Gutierrez then knocked him in with a single up the middle to put the 66ers up 1-0.
The Ports added some insurance runs in the ninth on an RBI double by Jeremy Barfield and he later would score on a pass ball to give them a 5-2 lead.
The southpaw Ethan Martin (9-11) got the call for the 66ers and picked up the loss. Martin was looking great for the first five innings as he retired eleven batters in a row at one point. In the sixth, Martin started to loss his control giving up three runs on four hits in the inning. He went five and two-third innings, yielding three runs on six hits, while fanning five batters and walking two.
Ports' Justin Murray (8-4) came in relief of Travis Blackley, who only went the first two innings of the game. Murray pitched four and two-third innings, giving up just one run (none earned) on six hits, while striking out three and walking one. Paul Smyth picked up his 20th save of the season pitching a scoreless ninth frame.
The 66ers will look to prevent the sweep in the final game of their three game series against the Stockton Ports Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Inland Empire will send the right-hander Josh Walter (1-6, 6,19 ERA) against Stockton's left-hander Ben Hornbeck (4-3, 5.35 ERA). Thursday is Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark where fans can purchase sodas and beers for $1.
For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909) 888-9922. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.66ers.com, where fans can print their tickets at home for free. For more information on 66ers baseball, contact Inland Empire 66ers Director of Broadcasting Sam Farber at (909) 495-7632.