Johnny_Blaze_47
06-27-2007, 07:02 PM
Just started. It was an exciting game in the early and late innings. Some decent pitching performances and some HRs.
To find out what happened already (game is on tape-delay), read this.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/baseball/missions/stories/MYSA062707.04C.BBMtexasleague.3b1d9e2.html
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Baseball: Missions' Venable sparks all-star victory
Web Posted: 06/27/2007 12:32 AM CDT
Joe Ruiz
Special to the Express-News
CORPUS CHRISTI — A clutch performance from the Missions' center fielder kept the South Division in the driver's seat Tuesday night as it won a thrilling 10-inning version of the Texas League All-Star Game 5-4.
With the victory in jeopardy and the North leading 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th, the Missions' Will Venable sent a 2-2 pitch from Tulsa pitcher Ryan Mattheus onto the berm past left field at Whataburger Field.
The home run tied the game at 4-4 and sealed the victory for the South per league rules. With Frisco infielder German Duran winning the pregame home run contest, a tie game after 10 innings gave the South the victory.
"I was just looking for a good pitch to hit," Venable said. "Early in the count, I got two strikes on me so I had to protect and look for a decent pitch over the plate."
Venable finished 2 for 3 and scored twice on the night. He also was in line for the game's Most Valuable Player award, but the South still had three outs to win the game outright.
Frisco infielder Casey Benjamin walked in the following at-bat and moved to third on a hit-and-run by Corpus Christi's Todd Self, but the MVP would go to another Hooks player.
Jonny Ash, responding to the 8,676 hometown fans chanting his name, drove a ball into left field to score Benjamin and the outright victory.
"We had no idea of (the league rules), we just wanted to put the icing on the cake and get that fifth run," Missions closer Paul Abraham said.
The right-hander entered the game in the top of the ninth and promptly gave up a solid single to Wichita Wranglers outfielder Chris Lubanski. Two pitches later, Abraham induced a double play to end both the scoring threat and the game.
"There's nothing like coming in, throwing three pitches, two bolts and then take it to the house, but that was already preplanned — two outs, then (Midland reliever Steve) 'Sharpy' (Sharpe) comes in," Abraham said.
The two other Missions representatives, pitcher Josh Geer and starting left fielder Peter Ciofrone, also performed well on the big stage.
Geer pitched a scoreless sixth inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. He nearly finished the All-Star Game unscathed, but a pop-up by Springfield's Colby Rasmus dropped into shallow left field when Ash lost the ball in the lights.
Ciofrone finished 1 for 2 by hitting a single through the left side in the bottom of the second off Wichita ace Luke Hochevar.
Early today, the four Missions will leave for Tulsa to rejoin their teammates and continue on their quick second-half start.
"Hopefully, we can get a ring and make this a complete success," Abraham said.
To find out what happened already (game is on tape-delay), read this.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/baseball/missions/stories/MYSA062707.04C.BBMtexasleague.3b1d9e2.html
------
Baseball: Missions' Venable sparks all-star victory
Web Posted: 06/27/2007 12:32 AM CDT
Joe Ruiz
Special to the Express-News
CORPUS CHRISTI — A clutch performance from the Missions' center fielder kept the South Division in the driver's seat Tuesday night as it won a thrilling 10-inning version of the Texas League All-Star Game 5-4.
With the victory in jeopardy and the North leading 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th, the Missions' Will Venable sent a 2-2 pitch from Tulsa pitcher Ryan Mattheus onto the berm past left field at Whataburger Field.
The home run tied the game at 4-4 and sealed the victory for the South per league rules. With Frisco infielder German Duran winning the pregame home run contest, a tie game after 10 innings gave the South the victory.
"I was just looking for a good pitch to hit," Venable said. "Early in the count, I got two strikes on me so I had to protect and look for a decent pitch over the plate."
Venable finished 2 for 3 and scored twice on the night. He also was in line for the game's Most Valuable Player award, but the South still had three outs to win the game outright.
Frisco infielder Casey Benjamin walked in the following at-bat and moved to third on a hit-and-run by Corpus Christi's Todd Self, but the MVP would go to another Hooks player.
Jonny Ash, responding to the 8,676 hometown fans chanting his name, drove a ball into left field to score Benjamin and the outright victory.
"We had no idea of (the league rules), we just wanted to put the icing on the cake and get that fifth run," Missions closer Paul Abraham said.
The right-hander entered the game in the top of the ninth and promptly gave up a solid single to Wichita Wranglers outfielder Chris Lubanski. Two pitches later, Abraham induced a double play to end both the scoring threat and the game.
"There's nothing like coming in, throwing three pitches, two bolts and then take it to the house, but that was already preplanned — two outs, then (Midland reliever Steve) 'Sharpy' (Sharpe) comes in," Abraham said.
The two other Missions representatives, pitcher Josh Geer and starting left fielder Peter Ciofrone, also performed well on the big stage.
Geer pitched a scoreless sixth inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. He nearly finished the All-Star Game unscathed, but a pop-up by Springfield's Colby Rasmus dropped into shallow left field when Ash lost the ball in the lights.
Ciofrone finished 1 for 2 by hitting a single through the left side in the bottom of the second off Wichita ace Luke Hochevar.
Early today, the four Missions will leave for Tulsa to rejoin their teammates and continue on their quick second-half start.
"Hopefully, we can get a ring and make this a complete success," Abraham said.