For the second straight night the Calgary Vipers got a terrific pitching performance in beating the Edmonton Cracker-Cats 8-2 at Telus Field in Edmonton. Jeff Groeger picked up the victory in tossing eight innings and allowing only two hits for the two runs. Groeger left the game after the eighth inning when for the second time in the night he retired nine Cracker-Cats in a row. The right hander also did not allow a hit until the sixth inning while striking out six batters. With the victory the Vipers take a 2-0 series lead in the Golden Baseball League's North Division Finals.
In the top of the sixth inning the Vipers scored the game's first runs when Colin Moro singled and Jorge Mejia hit a two run homerun over the right field wall. Calgary added to the lead with two outs when both Felix Jose and Drew Miller walked and Kit Pellow stroked a run batted in double to left field which Marcus Nettles booted for an error to also allow Miller to score for the 4-0 advantage.
Edmonton responded in the bottom of the sixth as Carlos Arroyo singled and Jose Morban drilled a two run big fly to cut the lead in half at 4-2.
Calgary added some insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning as Patrick Arlis, Nelson Castro, and Mejia all singled to load the bases. Carlos Duncan cashed a run with a sacrifice fly and Kevin Price came up with a huge two out two run double to put the Snakes up by five. Finally Pellow knocked in his second run of the game with a single for the 8-2 lead.
Mejia had a big night at the plate going three-for-five with two runs scored and two batted in.
Evan Greusel came in for the ninth inning and pitched a scoreless frame while striking out one. Ricardo Rodriguez (0-1) was tagged with the loss in giving up eight runs on 12 hits.
This series now shifts to Calgary Friday September 5th at 7:05 PM (MDT) as the Vipers will host Game 3 of the Golden Baseball League's North Division Finals. Stanley Cup champion, Olympic gold medallist, and former Calgary Vipers outfielder Theoren Fleury will be on hand at Friday's game to meet fans and sign autographs. Games 4 & 5 will also be played at Foothills Stadium on Saturday September 6th at 5:05 PM (MDT) and Sunday September 7th at 1:35 PM (MDT) if necessary.
Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255). All games can be heard live online at www.calgaryvipers.com.
