2009 Midnight Sun Goldpanners
2009: Stats • Schedule/Results • Roster • Pictures

Clarinda, Iowa
 July 22, 2009

CLARINDA, IA- What a wacky two days it was in Clarinda, IA for the Midnight Sun Goldpanners.

On Tuesday they needed just two hits against the Clarinda A’s to defeat their hosts 2-1. Thursday, the Goldpanners scored 10 runs in the final two innings, and still had to hold off a furious A’s rally to seal the victory.

Although it took the Goldpanners until the 8^th inning to score Wednesday, they took full advantage, plating six runs in the 8th, courtesy of just two hits. The highlight was a Joe Pratt pinch hit RBI single. During the 8^th, there were five walks, a hit batter and a fielders choice as well as the previously mentioned two hits. In all it led to six Goldpanners runs.

The visitors added four more in the 9^th inning, this time courtesy of some good hitting. Mykal Stokes started the hit parade with a lead-off triple off of Chris Plasencia, the fifth Clarinda pitcher of the game. Stokes came around to score on the very next play, courtesy of an Eric Lane RBI single.

After Lane reached, Travis Andersen got his second hit of the game, a single, advancing Lane to third in the process. Josh Ashenbrenner was the very next batter, and he cleared the bases with a triple of his own. After he scored later in the inning the Goldpanners had what appeared to be a comfortable 10-3 lead, but even that wouldn’t last for long.

Tim Culligan started off the bottom of the 9^th on the mound, giving up a walk and a hit, before getting Stuart Smith to pop up for the first out of the inning. He was then replaced by Derek Speigner. Speigner, who’s been so effective all season, struggled, giving up a hit, to score one, followed by an RBI groundout. Three more hits after that, made the score 10-7, and brought the game tying run to the plate in Seve Alvarez.

With the game tight, Speigner was able to stay under control however, getting Alvarez to strike out, and seal the Goldpanners victory.

In the wacky game, Stephen Foster got the win for the Goldpanners, pitching 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. The losing pitcher was Clarinda’s Danny Strable, who was credited with all six 8^th inning runs, all of which were earned.

The win also signified a very important milestone, as Coach Jim Dietz recorded his 496^th victory for the Goldpanners, as the legendary field general continues to creep his way toward 500 career wins.

 

After traveling Thursday morning, the Goldpanners will be back in action later in the afternoon, when they go to Chillocothe, MO to take on the Chillocothe Mudcats. Game-time is set for 7 p.m., with full coverage coming on www.goldpanners.com.

 

Score by Innings                    R  H  E
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Midnight Sun Goldpan 000 000 064 - 10 10  0
Clarinda............ 000 210 004 -  7  8  0
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