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Stags Take Control of ALDS Despite Rodríguez's Two-Homer Day
PORTLAND -- Even a heroic performance from Sacramento center fielder Izan Rodríguez couldn't prevent the Portland Stags from seizing control of their American League Division Series, as the home team powered their way to a 7-4 victory on Thursday afternoon at Civic Stadium.
The win gives Portland a 2-1 series lead and puts them one victory away from advancing to the League Championship Series.
Rodríguez put on a show for the visiting Solons, launching two solo home runs off Portland right-hander Grant Hayes and adding an outfield assist, but the Stags' balanced offensive attack proved too much to overcome. The Portland lineup racked up 12 hits, with third baseman Marc McCoy delivering the decisive blow -- a two-run double in the fifth inning that put the Stags ahead for good.
"Feels good to get the job done," McCoy said after his clutch hit broke the game open.
The afternoon started promisingly for Sacramento when left fielder Jorge Galo gave them an early 1-0 lead with a solo shot in the first. Rodríguez followed with his first homer in the second inning to make it 2-0, but Portland's offense wouldn't stay quiet for long.
The Stags struck back with three runs in the fourth inning to take their first lead of the game. They added two more in both the fifth and sixth innings, with left fielder Erik Monaghan's two-run homer in the sixth providing crucial insurance runs.
Hayes (2-0) battled through seven innings to earn his second win of the series, allowing four runs (three earned) on just four hits. The veteran right-hander surrendered three home runs but limited the damage by holding the Solons to just one hit with runners in scoring position.
Sacramento right-hander Roy Shearer (0-1) took the loss after being tagged for five runs on eight hits in 2⅔ innings.
Right-hander Dominic Beard closed out the victory with two scoreless innings for his third save of the postseason, setting up a potential series-clinching Game 4 tomorrow at Civic Stadium.
"We're in a good position, but we know this series isn't over," McCoy added. "Sacramento's a tough team and we need to bring the same energy tomorrow."
The announced crowd of 30,765 was treated to perfect baseball weather, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-60s providing an ideal backdrop for postseason baseball in the Pacific Northwest.
Quick hits
- Rodríguez became the first Solon to hit multiple home runs in a playoff game this season
- Designated hitter Peter LaBay continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with an RBI double
- The Stags improved to 2-0 at home this postseason
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