D-Backs Tune up in Trail

The Vernon Diamondbacks traveled to Trail this past weekend to face the Trail Orioles in their final games before the 2009 OMBL Playoffs hosted by the D-backs at Marshall Field.  The Diamondbacks fell in all three games this weekend, however there were some positives. "We scored some runs, things are starting to click and we've got the offence heating up," said John McInnis, "We didn't make a few routine plays and that cost us."

In Game 1 on Saturday, the D-backs would lose 10-5. They put one up on the board in the 1^st inning when Peter Ortman drove in John McInnis who reached on a fielders choice.  Right Hander Kyle Anderson got the ball for the D-backs, and did not have his command early on.  After walking the first 2 batters, Anderson left a fastball belt high over the plate and had it crushed to right field.  The ball was still rising when it cleared the fence, a homerun estimated around at least 500 feet.  Anderson got a bases-loaded ground ball double play to get out of the inning limiting the damage of 3.  Anderson lasted 3 innings giving up 8 earned runs, walking 6 and hitting 4 batters. "I didn't have my command, I was all over the place but I know I'll bounce back for next weekend's playoffs." Anderson said after the game.  McInnis relieved Anderson and threw the final 3 innings giving up only 1 hit and 1 run.  At the plate for the Diamondbacks, McInnis went 1 for 3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.  Steve Daamen was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI and Pete Ortman was 2 for 3 with an RBI.  TJ Novakowski and Anderson had a hit apiece to round out the offence.

Game 2 would turn out to be the first 2-day ball game in Diamondback history.  Forced to play the first 2 games of the series in Castlegar, the teams were without lights and had the game suspended in the 5^th inning and resumed Sunday in Trail.  The D-backs lost 12-5.  Peter Ortman started on the mound, working 4 innings, striking out 4, and giving up 10 runs, only 5 of which were earned.  "We booted the ball around, and unfortunately that raises the pitch count and forces the pitcher to get 4 or 5 outs an inning," said Oggie Ortman.  "We know we have to tighten up for the playoffs in order to contend."  Oggie Ortman worked the final 2 innings giving up 2 runs and striking out 3.  Pete Ortman led the offence as well while on the mound, going 2 for 3 with a double and 4 RBI.  Bryce Whitehouse was 2 for 4 with a double, and Novakowski and Oggie Ortman each had base hits.

Game 3 was a pretty well-played ball game, with the D-Backs dropping a 5-1 decision.  Mike Patitucci went the distance throwing 6 innings of 4 hit ball.  He struck out three.  At the plate, Eric MacLachlan drove in the only run with an RBI single.  Bryce Whitehouse had the hot bat, going 3 for 4 with a double.  Geoff Cleaveley had the only other hit, breaking out of an 0 for 21 slump just in time to tear up the OMBL Playoffs.