The Calgary Vipers broke a three game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes at CanWest Global Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Vipers' starter Scott Sarver was fantastic going eight innings and giving up only four hits for one earned run. Drew Miller also continued his fabulous season going two-for-four with three runs batted in.
Manabu Kuramochi leadoff the third inning with a walk and followed it up by stealing second base. Miller cashed the game's first run with a single to left field for the 1-0 score.
It did not take Winnipeg long to respond as in the bottom of the inning Corey Stang singled, moved to third base on a failed pickoff attempt, and scored on a RBI groundout from Max Poulin.
Three singles gave Calgary the lead again in the next half inning.
Kyle Nichols and Nelson Castro started it and Jorge Tang drove in Nichols for the 2-1 lead.
Once again the Goldeyes tied the game in the bottom of the fourth.
Walter Young singled, Aaron McEachran walked, and Luis Alen drove in Young with a RBI base hit.
The Vipers took the lead for good in the sixth inning as Castro walked and was moved up to second base on a Tang sacrifice bunt. Dustin Pease came into the game for the Fish and attempted to get Castro out at third base but threw the ball away and allowed him to score for the 3-2 advantage.
Two insurance runs were added in the eighth inning by the Snakes starting with a Tang walk. Shaun Ashman then hit a groundball to McEachran at first base who threw to second but the ball ended up in left field allowing Tang to advance to third. Kuramochi followed with a walk to load the bases and Miller delivered a two run single for the 5-2 ballgame.
The win was Sarver's second on the season and Curtis Moenter recorded his fifth save going a flawless ninth inning which included a strikeout.
This series concludes Tuesday August 28th at 6:00 PM (MDT). Fans can watch the game on Calgary's SHAW-TV Channel 10. The game 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.
