Road woes continue for Yuba-Sutter
Thursday, July 7, 2005 - VACAVILLE - The Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox couldn't make a habit out of winning at Travis Credit Union Park.
After an 8-7 win over the Solano Thunderbirds a little over a week ago, the Gold Sox reverted to their old ways at the park, committing four errors and managing just five hits in a 14-1 Horizon Air Summer Series rout.
The Gold Sox are now just 2-9 all time in Vacaville and have dropped to 1-5 on the road this season.
The Thunderbirds had their way with the Gold Sox pitching staff, pounding out 16 hits and scoring four runs in two innings and three in another to hand the Gold Sox their worst beating ever.
“Whether you lose 14-1 or 2-1 it all looks the same in the standings,” Gold Sox manager Brad Peek said. “At least it's not a heart-breaking loss ... We just got punched in the mouth and didn't fight back.
The Gold Sox did take 1-0 lead in the second inning after Billy Krause knocked hom Mike Wilkes with a ground out. Wilkes singled to left.
However, the Gold Sox would get just three more hits over the final seven innings as Solano starting pitcher Jeff Wilkerson of Dartmouth College was solid in five innings of work for the win, and reliever Darrell Fisherbaugh worked four innings of one-hit ball to keep Yuba-Sutter off the bases.
Wilkerson pitched five innings, allowing one run on four hits, while fanning three and walking one.
Gold Sox starter Jake McKinley (1-1) made his first start and took his first loss of the season in 31/3 innings pitched, allowing six runs - three earned - on eight hits. He struck out four and walked one. McKinley pitched seven complete games at Bethany College in the spring, but couldn't get it done for the Gold Sox.
“His arm is just not used to throwing a lot, but tonight I thought he pitched fine,” Peek said. “When you get into some longs innings, you just make mistakes.”Wes Porter relieved McKinley in the fourth and held tough until the seventh, where he allowed three runs on three hits to give the Thunderbirds a 10-1 lead. Porter lasted three innings, allowing four runs - three earned - on three hits.
Gary Simmons continued to struggle in relief for the Gold Sox. He gave up four runs in the eighth, walking two and giving up three hits, as the Thunderbirds jumped out to the 13-run lead.
“It was just a combination of everything tonight,” Peek said. “Our defense let us down, and we got out of our game plan hitting. I can't say we did well in one of three areas.”Billy Sinacori continued to hit well away from All Seasons RV Stadium, going 2-for-3, including a double. He is now hitting 7-of-14 on the road and was the only Gold Sox player to get more than one hit.
Notes: A.J. Valentine is just 2-for-his-last 19 after starting off the season red hot, hitting above .400 at one point.
