The Orion Online

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of the Chico Outlaws Outlaws third baseman and designated hitter Todd Gossage takes off to first base after making contact last season. [Click to enlarge]

Aug. 30, 2008

After 7 1/2 innings and a 6-0 deficit, the Chico Outlaws' offense came alive against St. George starter Mac Nelson and then reliever Claudio Galva for a seven run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Outlaws a win in the first game of its final homestand.

Chico starter Greg Bicknell struggled early, giving up a two-run shot to Roadrunner Second Baseman Eddy Garabito, a former Colorado Rockies infielder, in the top of the first inning.

As the Roadrunner offense slowly but surely built its lead, Nelson put together a gem, throwing four innings of no-hit ball before a single by Outlaw third baseman Todd Gossage.

Nelson fought through the seventh scoreless, after a couple of blown opportunities and bad baserunning kept the Outlaws off of the board.

But, in the bottom of the eighth, the Outlaws exploded for seven runs.

Catcher Matt Ceriani reached on an error to lead off the inning, Julian Benavidez smacked a 2 RBI single, Gossage followed with an RBI single as well, followed by a bases loaded walk by Bryan Silverman to bring the score within two runs.

Left fielder Jesse Kovacs stepped up to the plate and, after working the count, promptly ripped a 3 RBI double down the right field line to put the Outlaws on top for good.

Todd Gelatka came in to record the save in the top of the ninth, giving the Outlaws win No. 33 on the season.

Gossage led the way all-game long for the Outlaws, going 3-for-4 with an RBI.

The Outlaws continue their final series of the season on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Nettleton Stadium, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

Thomas Lawrence can be reached at
tlawrence@theorion.com

Related links
The Outlaws Web site
Golden Baseball League YouTube site

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools