[StLee]

38s Win in Ten

Long after the starting pitchers finished their masterful performances, the bullpens were forced to decide game five of the opening series between Freeside and Goodsprings. And they did a hell of a job, too.

The Lucky 38s prevailed, though, hitting their way to victory in 10 innings, 3-1. The series no returns to Goodsprings for the sixth and possibly seventh game with the Kings leading the series three games to two.

In the top of the tenth, closer Doug King got the nod for Freeside. With one out, Perry Ferguson and Java Stirfry got back-to-back singles. With two outs, pinch hitter Antonio Gutierrez kept the inning alive with a soft single to short right field. Leadoff hitter Stu Vanstone then found a gap, doubling in Ferguson and Stirfry for the 3-1 advantage.

Both teams had trouble finding offensive production throughout the rest of the game. The Lucky 38s scored first in the top of the fourth when Jesus Martinez hit a solo home run off starter Jeff MacTause.

Freeside scored its only run in uncanny fashion. MacTause led off the fifth with a single. With two outs and MacTause on second, Jim Seaman singled, but MacTause had to hold up at third base. With the next batter up, Goodsprings starting pitcher Donald Bush committed a balk allowing MacTause to score from third. Balks are rarely called in the Mojave Baseball League, so it was a surprising and somewhat controversial call at the time.

Bush was the game's MVP due to his outstanding pitching performance in a game where neither offense could get going. Bush allowed one run on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. He also added a sacrifice bunt at the plate. Willie Miller earned the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning. Greg Greer earned the save with a scoreless tenth.

MacTause also pitched well in the no decision. He allowed one earned run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings. King was the losing pitcher.