Wiseman powers Gold Sox past Lodi

When Thomas and Gail Wiseman flew to California from Whitelake, Mich., this week, they were just hoping to spend some quality time with their son.

After a nice breakfast, some catching up and enjoying the plus-90 degree weather of the Golden State, the Wisemans took a trip to All Seasons RV Stadium to watch their son's summer ballclub, the Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox.

And after receiving an ovation from the crowd after their names were announced over the loudspeaker, the Wisemans joined the 2,013 fans in attendance in standing up for their son, Gold Sox first baseman Mike Wiseman, after he once again led Yuba-Sutter to another victory over the Lodi Baseball Club.

"I haven't seen my parents in a couple of months so it's nice seeing them and finally being able to play in front of them," Mike Wiseman said. "I was able to look back and see a familiar face, which is always nice."

Wiseman left his parents beaming with joy after his two-RBI single put the Gold Sox ahead in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a 6-3 win on Saturday night.

The Gold Sox scored on an error to knot the score at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, but took the lead with three more in the eighth.

After Aaron Crooks walked, Niko Saladis and Mikey Raudenbush loaded the bases with back-to-back bunt singles.

Dan Black walked to put Yuba-Sutter up 4-3 before the big hit by Wiseman.

The Wayne State Warrior also added another "web gem" to his resume with a diving stop at first base, even though his natural position is catcher. He also doubled.

"It's been a good weekend for me," said Wiseman, who also knocked in two runs on Friday. "Coach said our goal is 30 wins so we're just trying our hardest to get there and put on a show for the fans."

One of the biggest fan favorites, Gold Sox starting pitcher Andy Hebrard, continued his success on the mound and went seven innings, struck out six and allowed three earned runs.

Since returning from his separated shoulder injury, Hebrard has pitched seven innings or more in three starts, including a nine-inning no-decision two weekends ago against the San Jose Seals.

Hebrard once again received a no-decision on Saturday, but kept his team in the ballclub throughout.

Manager Jack Johnson said Hebrard has been one of his biggest leaders on the mound and especially in the clubhouse.

"My shoulder isn't necessarily 100 percent where it should be so I'm just trying to do what I can, which is throwing strikes," Hebrard said. "We keep hanging in there and battling our tails off even though we don't have all of our guys."

Hebrard and Trent Evins are the only two starters left from Johnson's original starting rotation, which makes today's game all the more interesting.

The most qualified candidate to pitch the series finale tonight is right-hander Brett Shankin, who hasn't thrown at all this weekend, but has made five starts this season.

However, no official starter has been announced yet.

Johnson said Hebrard's performance was essential in Friday's win and the Gold Sox will need another one if they hope to pull off the sweep.

"When (Hebrard) got better he gave us the jolt we needed on the mound and in the dugout," Johnson said. "His physical presence has been a big lift for us."

Tonight the pitching staff will receive the presence of something it hasn't had all season — a left-handed pitcher.

Yuba City High southpaw Jake Stassi is set to join the team tonight to help fill in for the depleted pitching staff.

Stassi was instrumental in the Honkers' section title run as he went 9-1 with a 1.58 ERA as a junior.

"(The Gold Sox) are picking each other up," Johnson said. "A guy gives up two runs in the first inning; we come back and pick them up. They know the end of the summer is coming and the team chemistry has been really good."

Second baseman Deven Braden's hitting streak ended at 15 games on Friday with an 0-for-5 performance. Max Stassi set the season-high with 16 games.