Ravens Take First Two in Series With Cowley

April 28, 2012

David Espinosa tees off on a pitch for a double that scored the eventual game-winning runs in the Ravens 4-3 win over Cowley in game one of Saturday's doubleheader. Coffeyville swept the doubleheader by winning game two 4-3.

The Coffeyville Red Ravens will look for a four-game series sweep over the Cowley Tigers on Monday after winning both games of Saturday's doubleheader played at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville. The Ravens came from behind to win game one 4-3. The Ravens completed the doubleheader sweep by winning the second game 4-1.

In game one, Cowley struck first by scoring two runs in the top of the third. The damage could have been worse, but Ravens' starter Cole Webb induced a bases-loaded, inning-ending double play grounder back to the mound. Webb went home to force out the lead runner at the plate and catcher Aric Valencia completed the double play with a strong throw to first to retire the batter. The play would immediately swing momentum back to the Ravens as they would answer with a four-run rally in the bottom of the third.

With two outs and nobody on, Adam Valencia walked. Braden Brown then laid down a beautiful bunt that he beat out for a single. Luke Slagle followed with a single to score Adam Valencia from second for the Ravens' first run. John Branum followed with an infield single. The Cowley second baseman attempted to retire Branum with a throw to first from his knees, but the throw sailed wide right and off the Cowley dugout railing. Brown scored from second on the play to tie the score at 2-2. Slagle advanced to third and Branum to second on the play. David Espinosa then drove in the eventual game-winning runs with a rocket double off the centerfield fence to score Slagle and Branum to give Coffeyville a 4-2 advantage.

Cowley got a run back in the fifth to cut the Ravens' lead to 4-3, but Coffeyville would hang on for the win. Webb labored through 5 2/3 innings, but improved to 9-2 on the season. Webb allowed nine hits, walked six and struck out seven, but allowed just three runs. The Tigers stranded 12 runners on base in game one. Branum got the final four outs to gain the save. Branum didn't allow a runner to reach and struck out one.

In game two, Drew Noble improved to 5-6 on the season with a complete game effort against the Tigers. Noble allowed an earned run on five hits and a walk over seven innings. Noble struck out four and needed only 89 pitches to finish off the Tigers.

Coffeyville jumped out to 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Branum singled home Luis Munoz with the games first tally.

Coffeyville added two more in the second to take a 3-0 lead. Alex Wilson walked to lead off the inning and he advanced to second on Robbie Hoffman's sacrifice bunt. Aric Valencia grounded out to second for the second out of the inning, but Wilson advanced to third on the play. Jordan Hodges was plunked by a pitch to put runners on the corners for Coffeyville. Adam Valencia would come through in the clutch with a single to score Wilson and Hodges advanced to second. Munoz would follow with another single that scored Hodges from second for the inning's second run.

Cowley would get a run back in the fourth to cut the Ravens' lead to 3-1. Coffeyville would get the run back in the bottom of the fifth. Slagle led off with a single. With one out, Slagle would steal second and then advance to third on a wild pitch. Slagle would score on Wilson's two-out single to center, putting the Ravens ahead 4-1.

Noble would close out the game with two more scoreless frames to seal the win for Coffeyville. The Ravens are now 21-13 in Jayhawk East play and 27-26 overall on the season. The Ravens have tied the school record for conference wins in a season with 21. The Ravens won 21 conference games in 2010. The Ravens school record for wins in a season is also within reach. The Ravens won 29 season games in 2010.

The Ravens will look to make history on Monday afternoon. Due to wet grounds, Coffeyville and Cowley are scheduled to play the doubleheader at Emporia State University with game one starting at 5 p.m.

The Ravens have guaranteed themselves at least a fourth place finish in the Jayhawk East. Going into the final day of conference action on Sunday, Johnson County leads the Jayhawk East with a 26-10 record. The Cavaliers have already completed conference play. Cowley is second at 24-10 with Neosho County in third at 23-11. Coffeyville is fourth at 21-13 and Kansas City is fifth at 18-16.