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The Thunderbirds were done in by a brilliant performance by RHP Chad Blauer of the Sea Lions, who went one out short of a complete game, allowed only six hits (two of them in the
ninth inning), and struck out 16. The Birds didn't get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when SS Sammie Starr hit a solo home run. The Sea Lions led 5-1 at that point, and they added to their lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth, and three in the bottom of the eighth. Blauer started the ninth inning by striking out LF Nick Senior and CF Blake Carruthers. So, the last comeback attempt of the season started with two outs, and eight runs behind. 1B Andrew Firth hit a single, and pinch-hitter Kevin Nickel drew a walk on nine pitches. Pinch-hitter Christian Jolley batted next, and he hit a single to bat in two runs. Blauer was replaced by Robby Ross; he got 2B Alex White to hit a ground ball, and Jolley was forced out at second to end the game and send the Sea Lions to Lewiston. Starr was 3-4 for the game, and Firth was 2-4. Brandon Kaye started, went 3 1/3 innings, and allowed four runs (two of them unearned) on four hits. Andrew Ledger pitched 2/3rds of an inning, allowed one run on one hit. Taylor King pitched two innings, allowed one run on one hit. David Otterman pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowed one hit. Shawn Hetherington gave up those three runs in the eighth, one of which was unearned.
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