Five-Run Second Inning Sinks Ports 8-2

STOCKTON, Calif. - With Max Muncy promoted to Double-A Midland and Addison Russell away at the Futures Game, the Stockton Ports offense lacked firepower on Sunday night. The High Desert Mavericks put up five runs in the second inning and never looked back as they beat the Ports 8-2 and snapped Stockton's three-game winning streak.

After a single and double started the second inning and put runners at second and third, Jabari Blash hit a line drive off Bowman's right arm for an infield single that scored the first run of the game. Bowman, after a visit from the trainer and coaching staff, would remain in the game. After retiring the next two batters, Bowman gave up an RBI single to Nate Melendres, followed by a two-run triple to Jamal Austin. As Austin went into third base, the relay throw skipped away and into the stands, giving Austin home plate and the Mavericks another run to make it 5-0.

Stockton's first and only runs came on one swing of the bat in the fourth inning. With one out Josh Whitaker singled and, two batters later with two away, Tony Thompson hit a two-run homer to left that cut the Stockton deficit to 5-2.

The Thompson home run was one of just two hits allowed by Mavericks starter Bobby Shore, who earned the win after going five innings and allowing two runs while striking out five.

George Mieses and David Colvin combined for four scoreless innings down the stretch with each reliever allowing just one hit as they combined to set down 12 of the final 14 Ports batters to end the game.

The Mavericks increased their lead to 6-2 in the fifth inning as Dan Paolini doubled with two outs and scored on an ensuing RBI single by Kevin Rivers. Bowman left the game in the sixth inning with two aboard and one out. T.J. Walz came on in relief and gave up a two-run double to Rivers, the first batter he faced, that stretched the High Desert lead to 8-2.

Bowman took the loss, going 6.1 innings and allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits while striking out four.

Walz went on to retire five straight hitters while striking out four after allowing the double to Rivers. Jonathan Joseph pitched a scoreless ninth for the Ports.

The Ports and Mavericks play the rubber match of their three-game series on Monday night at Banner Island Ballpark. In a battle of southpaws, Shaeffer Hall (2-3, 5.97 ERA) makes the start for Stockton, opposed by High Desert's Cam Hobson (5-5, 5.04 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PDT.