July 20th, 2011

BY ALEX ESPINOZA - YUMA SUN

It took him almost two months to do it, but Yuma Scorpions player-manager Jose Canseco made good on his pre-season guarantee to hit a home run at Desert Sun Stadium. By the time his no doubt two-run homer cleared the left field fence in the fourth inning, the game was well in tow, as Yuma romped the Lake County Fielders 18-8 on Tuesday.

Judging from the reaction of the players, everyone knew Canseco's blast was destined for the parking lot behind the left field fence. Canseco slowly strolled toward first base to watch as the ball floated into the dark sky, and Lake County left fielder Colin Moro didn't move his feet.

It was Canseco's fourth home run of the year, but first in 15 home games. Canseco is now batting .239 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 34 contests this year.

But his longshot was only a small part of the story, as Yuma erupted for 12 runs in the second inning. The rally was so lengthy that Scorpions starter Gilbert de la Vara had to go down to the bullpen and play catch to keep his arm loose. By the time Yuma took the field in the top of the third, an hour had already passed since first pitch.

De la Vara would give up four runs in the top of the third, but finished six innings for Yuma, giving up seven runs, one earned, on 12 hits and two walks while striking out eight. Yuma committed three errors on the evening. With the victory, the 26-year-old southpaw is now 4-3 with a 5.34 ERA.

Highlighting the 12-run frame was Arnoldo Ponce's impressive three-run home run to left-center field, as 16 Scorpions went to the plate. JJ Muse also had a big day at the plate for Yuma, going 4-for-6 with two doubles and four RBIs.

New addition Tony Phillips was removed from the lineup after the 12-run outburst, but contributed an RBI single before leaving. The 52-year-old ex-big leaguer said he wants to play in both games of Thursday's doubleheader against the Fielders, which will be played in Tucson.

The doubleheader will serve as something of a farewell game for local North American Baseball League fans, as the Tucson Toros' lease with Hi-Corbett field is set to expire and the team won't join the NABL as expected next year. The Scorpions are expected to wear Toros jerseys as part of the event.

With Wednesday's victory, Yuma moved to 18-33 on the year, but it still trails first-place San Angelo by 15 games. Lake County is now 1-9 since the team imploded due to financial reasons on July 9.

The Scorpions will host a fireworks show at Desert Sun Stadium following their game against Lake County on Friday night. Game time has been moved up to 6:35 p.m. to accommodate the fireworks display, with tickets starting at $5.