August 1, 2006

Gutierrez silences U.S. East bats
Dugout

Brodie Snapp, the first batter that U.S. West pitcher Max Gutierrez faces in the 2006 Big League World Series, hit a single. Snapp stole second, but did not go any further.

That was the last Gutierrez would give up in masterful complete shut out that included nine strikeouts and no bases on balls, allowing the U.S West team from California to top the East representative from Deleware 10-0 Monday night. Gutierrez allowed just three more base runners — one on a fielding error and two who were hit by pitches.

What makes Gutierrez's performance even more impressive is that the U.S. East team had been phenomenally explosive in its first two BLWS games, scoring a total of 35 runs.

California scored what turned out to be the winning run in the second inning when Cody Fierro reached on a single and later came home on a sacrifice fly hit by Michael Ricatto.

In the third inning, Kyle Jones reached on a fielder's choice play, then made to second base on a passed ball. Cole Kahle's single brought Jones home, giving the West a 2-0 lead.

The West gained more security in the fifth inning by scoring four runs.

Kellen Fink opened the inning with a single, then came home on a double hit by Kyle Jones. Jones came home on Kyle Kahle's single. Later in the inning, Brent Fick hit a triple to drive Kahle home. Garret Rau's single then scored Fick.

In the seventh inning, the West added four more runs. Kyle Kahle walked, then Stephen Notaro hit a double. Both came in on Brett Fick's double. Garrett Rau walked, setting up a two-run double by Jason Barmasse.

California improved its record to 3-0 with the win. The U.S. East dropped to 2-1.