CALGARY CAN'T HOLD ON TO LATE
LEAD
The Calgary Vipers gave up a three run lead to lose 6-5 to the Schaumburg Flyers at Alexian Field in Schaumburg, Illinois. Two runs were scored in both the bottom of the seventh and ninth innings by the Flyers to cap the comeback and even the three game series. Jeff Groeger had a great start spoiled as he went six inning and gave up only four hits for just one earned run while striking out six.
After a 37 minute rain delay Schaumburg took the early lead in the second inning following a Billy Malone single. Groeger tried to pick Malone off first base but threw the ball away and Malone went all the way to third base where he scored on a Kyle Leon RBI groundout.
The lead was doubled in the third inning starting with Alex Derhak and Robert Matlock single. After a Jason Colson error moved the runners into scoring position, Mike Rohde supplied a RBI single for the 2-0 lead.
Calgary tied the game in the top of the fourth with two runs. After two outs were retired Nichols walked, Miller singled, and Evans reached on a base on balls to load the bases. Jorge Tang promptly smacked home two with a base hit for the 2-2 game.
The Vipers took the lead in the fifth started by a Darryl Brinkley single and walks to Nelson Castro and Carlos Duncan to load the bases. Calgary's middle of the order supplied three runs with a Colson RBI fielder's choice, Kyle Nichols sacrifice fly, and a Drew Miller run batted in double for the 5-2 score.
In the bottom of the seventh the Flyers made it a one run game with two runs. Alex Fonseca and Alex Derhak walked and were followed by Rohde and Jimmy Hurst RBI base hits to cut the lead down to 5-4.
The comeback was completed in the bottom of the ninth with started with a Fonseca double and a Anthony Monegan bunt single. Christian Snavely tied the game with a RBI single and Rohde snatched victory on his third run batted in base hit of the night.
The series rubber match goes Thursday August 16th at 6:05 PM (MDT). The game 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.
