Peoria scores early, withstands late charge

11/11 Cup of Coffee: Peoria scored eight unanswered runs in the first seven innings before withstanding a late charge by Surprise to squeak out an 8-5 victory.

The Javelinas scored 3 runs before the Rafters even had an at-bat on a 2-run homer by Adam Loewen (TOR) and a solo shot by Ryan Lavarnway. Lavarnway scored another run in the fourth inning after singling and being driven in on a Jason Kipnis (CLE) single. The Javelinas plated 2 runs total in the inning, and tacked on another 3 in the seventh. The big hit in that inning was a 2-RBI double by Cord Phelps (CLE). Marc Rzepczynski (TOR) lowered his Fall ERA to 0.69 after tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while striking out 8 and giving up only 2 hits. However, the Peoria bullpen was roughed up, giving up a run in the seventh and eighth before running into major trouble in the ninth. Chen Lee (CLE) came on for Peoria to start the bottom of the last frame, but after walking the first two batters, he was replaced by Jason Rice. After getting two quick outs, Rice gave up a single that drove in a run, and an error by shortstop Matt Lawson (SEA) allowed the Rafters to score two more runs. With the Javelinas' lead down to just 3 runs, Rice was able to induce a ground ball to the second baseman for the final out of the game.

Lavarnway was 2 for 4 in the game, with a home run and 2 runs scored. Rice allowed 2 hits over his 1.0 inning while giving up 1 unearned runs.

The Javelinas next travel across town to play the Saguaros today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Ryan Lavarnway, who was 2 for 4 with a home run.

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