The Calgary Vipers won their third consecutive game and improved to 15-15 on the second half with a 7-3 victory over the Schaumburg Flyers at Alexian Field in Schaumburg, Illinois. Calgary starter Ryan Klatt was fantastic in going six innings giving up only four hits for the three runs, walking just one and striking out a season high six batters. With the Vipers looking to rest their bullpen, Chris Schutt came into the game in the seventh inning and made his first relief appearance of the season. Schutt was also top notch going the final three innings of the game and giving up no runs for first save of the year. Schutt also struck out two and did not walk a batter in his time.
The Vipers scored in the top half of the first inning when Darryl Brinkley singled, Nelson Castro reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base, and was knocked in on a two-out single by Jason Colson.
Schaumburg tied the game in the bottom of the inning when after a Mike Rohde walk, Jimmy Hurst scored him with a RBI double.
Calgary exploded for four runs in the third inning to establish a solid four run lead. Brinkley leadoff with a double, Carlos Duncan was hit by a pitch, and after both batters stole third and second respectively, Colson delivered again with a two run single to overtake Brinkley for the team and league lead in runs batted in with 73. Kyle Nichols promptly hammered his 13th homerun of the year for the 5-1 lead.
Two runs were taken back by the Flyers in the bottom of the sixth to close the game to 5-3. With two outs Rohde singled and Hurst hit one out of the park.
However those two runs were matched in the eighth inning by the Snakes to add some insurance and put the ballgame away. Drew Miller walked, stole second, and scored a Kevin Price base hit. With Price standing on second base after the throw to the plate, Jorge Tang knocked him in for the 7-3 score.
This series continues Wednesday August 15th, and Thursday August 16th with both games at 6:05 PM (MDT). The games can be heard live online at
am770chqr.com. The Vipers return home Friday August 17th for a Sneak Out of Work Special at 2:35 PM (MDT) against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Saturday August 18th at 5:05 PM (MDT) it's the Cardel Night Under the Stars with almost 200 youth at risk camping out under the stars in the outfield and watching movies on the ViperVision after the ballgame. On the morning of Sunday August 19th the kids will have a pancake breakfast, mini-training camp and watch the Vipers game at 1:35 PM (MDT). Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255).
The Vipers are already selling playoff tickets. The Northern League North Division Final opens in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 4 and Wednesday, Sept. 5. And the Vipers are also offering free parking for the Labour Day Classic between the Stampeders and Eskimos for any football fan who buys a Vipers playoff ticket.
