August 3rd, 2011

BY RECORD SEARCHLIGHT STAFF - RECORD SEARCHLIGHT

REDDING, CA - The Chico Outlaws split a doubleheader Wednesday with the Yuma Scorpions, winning 2-1 and then losing 4-2 at Tiger Field in Redding.

The doubleheader was part of a 10-game series to be played in Redding between the two minor-league teams, which are part of the North American Baseball League (NABL). The series was moved from the Outlaws' home field of Nettleton Stadium on the Chico State campus due to university-imposed blackout dates and to test the minor league baseball market in Redding.

In the first game, the Outlaws only managed three hits but they made them count. Chico scored one run in the third inning on an RBI single from Bobby Hill and the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning on a solo home run from Brandon Fowler.

Chico's Travis Kane picked up the win, not allowing a base runner in two-thirds innings of relief. Jake Muyco was credited with the save after striking out two batters in his one inning of work.

Yuma's James Garcia got the loss, tossing a seven-inning complete game, allowing two earned runs on three hits and four strikeouts. Yuma's player/manager and former professional baseball player Jose Canseco went 1-for-2 in the game with a walk as the designated hitter.

In the second game, Yuma used a four-run third inning, thanks to a two-run double by Gerardo Avila followed by Zach Larson's two-run homer, to get the win.

Chico responded with two unearned runs in the top of the fourth inning, but it wasn't enough to reach the Scorpions.

Evan White picked up the loss for the Outlaws, yielding seven hits and four earned runs while striking out five in his six-inning complete game.

Eric Stolp was the winning pitcher. He surrendered two runs on two hits and three strikeouts across four innings. Chris Thompson got the save.

Canseco didn't start the game, but went in to play right field after striking out in his only pinch-hit at bat.

The Outlaws and Scorpions are back in action at Tiger Field for another doubleheader today. The first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.