Decatur Dirty Birds 4      Portland Rockets 3                               June 30, 2010

Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland.

Portland Rockets were defeated Wednesday evening by the Decatur Dirty Birds by a score of 4-3 in

11 innings.  The Rockets, undefeated at home, saw that streak end in a squeaker that wasn’t over until it was over.  Two out and 2 men on and our most productive hitter, Mark Isenberg, at the plate. .Still many of the large crowd on hand were holding their collective breath as Mark hit it hard, deep to right, but it came down at the warning track in the right fielders glove much to the dismay of the locals. Lots of suspense at the corner of Western and Blaine in this one. Decatur scored first, 3 runs off starter, Eathen Tribolet, he went 4 innings. Will Walters pitched the next 4 innings allowing 0 runs, and the Rockets rallied with runs in the 3^rd and  7^th innings. However, in the 9^th, we were down 3-2 and Brandon Bubba Van Matre delivered a clutch lead off double, pinch runner, Corey Scott, advanced to third on Chris Tillery’s single, and scored on a long sacrifice fly drilled by Heath Williams to tie the score.  We still had two more innings of jams and stomach churning action to go.  Derek Mounsey pitched the last 3 innings and only has one pitch he wish he had back.  Decatur ‘s Austin Grate hit a home run to left –the Rocket rally was not to be in the 11^th as Isenberg's drive was just short. We spent 3 hours 11 minutes in this Titanic struggle.  Decatur had 8 hits, Portland 6. Portland had baserunners in every inning including a threat in the 10^th, 2 on and 1 out, but the next 2 hitters struck out on 3-2 pitches by closer Josh Shatto.

The Decatur victory gives coach Victor Canales his 100^th career win. Decatur Dirty Birds now 13-3 on the year.  Rockets rally but fall short in extras, record now 6-10.

Rockets will play in the Ft. Wayne Federation Tournament on Friday and Saturday. We won that tourney 2 years ago. On Friday we play at 6:15 at Carrington Field vs. the Ft. Wayne Cubs with Dan Bollenbacher the starter. On Saturday, we play either 1pm or 4pm.

Cool evening on Wednesday but some hot action.  Thanks to Vicki and Charlie Tague for helping out at the lunching pad. Thanks to bat boy Seth Rupe and future Rocket, Colton Compton for helping out.  Also, thanks mom for those blt’s.

Happy anniversary Larry and Donna Chittum, 48 years!!!

On this historic day, we are proud to report the Runkle-Miller Field backstop donated by the Lions Club in 1960—will be torn down and a new netted backstop will be constructed.  50 years of service and $15,000 of improvement.  Nostalgic note, I remember Coach John Engle of the Portland Panthers throwing bp to Rich Matchett at that backstop and Rick putting on a power display. He hit 7 of 10 pitches over the fence...wow!!!!  Somehow those 15 baserunners left on base last nite don’t seem that important when you consider the "field of dreams" some innovative guys had named Runkle and Miller, and the city of Portland’s support over the years.  Makes us Portland proud and we say "thank you"!

Guess we will go to Fort Wayne and win a championship for Portland this weekend.  Rockets in Fort Wayne Friday—615 at Carrington field.  All tournament games 7 innings. We’re all behind our baseball team, go get 'em Rockets!!!!!

Randy miller pg 14