The Calgary Vipers blew a ninth inning lead and lost 6-4 to the Edmonton Cracker-Cats at Telus Field in Edmonton, Alberta. This was the fifth time this season the Vipers have lost a game when leading heading into the final frame. The loss spoiled a great start by Jeff Groeger who went seven inning and gave up three runs on six hits while walking just one and striking out four.Edmonton took the game's first lead with a Brian Munhall solo homerun in the bottom of the first inning.
The Cracker-Cats doubled their lead in the second inning. Terrence McClain leadoff with a single and after a Clint Johnston walk, he scored on a Kevin House RBI base hit to make the score 2-0.
Calgary got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning with a swinging bunt single by Mitch Evans to get started. With two outs Manabu Kuramochi moved him to second with a base knock and Darryl Brinkley cashed Evans with a sharp single to right field to cut the lead in half at 2-1.
The Vipers took the lead in the sixth thanks to three straight hits.
Jason Colson and Kyle Nichols both singled and Nelson Castro tripled both of them home to take a 3-2 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh the game became tied again after a leadoff single by McClain. With two outs, Kevin House moved McClain up 90 feet with a base hit and Chris Becker doubled him home to tie the game at three.
Back came the Snakes though in the top of the eighth with a two out, two strike solo homerun by Nichols to take the lead at 4-3.
The Cracker-Cats mounted a rally in the ninth inning with a leadoff single by McClain. After a sacrifice bunt to move him to second base and with two outs, House hit a fly ball into centerfield that dropped to tie the game. The next batter Becker hammered the first pitch he saw over the right field wall for a walk off homerun and the win.
This series concludes on Thursday at 7:05 PM (MDT). The game can be heard live online at am770chqr.com. The Vipers then head to Fargo for a three game series before returning home Tuesday August 7th at 7:05 PM (MDT) for a three game home stand against the Schaumburg Flyers. The two teams will also play on Wednesday August 8th and Thursday August 9th at 7:05 PM (MDT). Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255).
