The Calgary Vipers dropped their third consecutive game to the Winnipeg Goldeyes by a score of 7-5 at CanWest Global Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Vipers took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth but after a run scored, Demond Smith hit a walkoff grand slam for the victory. The loss spoiled a terrific start from Jeff Groeger who went seven innings and gave up only four hits for one run while striking out three.
Calgary took the early lead in the top of the first with a Drew Miller single and Jason Colson's 16th home run of the season. Colson continues to lead the league in runs batted in with his 83rd and 84th for the 2-0 lead.
Nelson Castro started the second inning off with his league leading 35th double. Jorge Tang advanced Castro to third with a groundout and Shaun Ashman plated him with a sacrifice fly for the 3-0 game.
In the bottom of the third Corey Stand doubled, moved to third on a Max Poulin fly ball and scored on a Fehlandt Lentini groundout.
Darryl Brinkley caused havoc in the eighth inning as he reached on a infield single and moved to second base on a throwing error. Brinkley then stole third base and the throw to third was also off it allowing him to score for the 4-1 advantage.
Three consecutive singles scored a run for the Goldeyes in the bottom of the inning. Brent Metheny, Walter Young, and Antoin Gray went back-to-back-to-back with Gray picking up the RBI to cut the lead in half at 4-2.
Kyle Nichols hit his 15th home run of the year in the top of the ninth to restore the three run lead.
Luis Alen, Stang, and Poulin started the bottom of the inning with singles off Calgary's Ryan Olson to load the bases. Tom Lyons came in and Lentini reached on a fielder's choice for a RBI to cut the lead to two. Jordy Alexander then made his return from the inactive list and gave up the grand slam to Smith for the ballgame.
This series continues Monday August 27th and Tuesday August 28th at 6:00 PM (MDT). Fans can watch both games on Calgary's SHAW-TV Channel 10. All games can also be heard live online at am770chqr.com. The Vipers return home Wednesday August 29th, Thursday August 30th, and Friday August 31st all at 7:05 PM (MDT) against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. The five game series will continue on Saturday September 1st at 5:05 PM (MDT) and Sunday September 2nd at 1:35 PM (MDT) to close out the 2007 regular season. 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, September 4 and Wednesday, September 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.
