MCC drops World Series opener

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
May 30, 2004
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Meridian Community College opened its first game of the Junior College World Series with an error and ended it with a loss.
The Eagles committed five errors against the Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College Pirates in a 9-5 loss at Suplizio Field on Saturday. The Pirates didn't commit an error in the nine-inning game.
Pensacola tallied three runs in the top of the first, after MCC committed an error on the first hit of the game by Pirates leadoff hitter Kevin Ferreira.
The Pirates recorded two hits in the opening inning, and were helped by a wild pitch and a passed ball to take a 3-0 lead.
MCC took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double from left fielder Josh Morgan and a three-run home run by first baseman Joey Lieberman. The homer was Lieberman's 17th of the season.
Pensacola erased its one-run deficit in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer by left fielder Jason Kohl, but MCC tied the game in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run from catcher Ricky Newman.
MCC couldn't keep Pensacola from scoring again in the top of the sixth, giving up three runs on two hits and an error to give the Pirates an 8-5 lead.
Pensacola scored its ninth run off MCC's fifth error of the game in the top of the ninth inning.
Pirates shortstop Bo Brown led off the ninth with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and scored on an errant throw.
Pensacola's Brandon Gunter (4-4) picked up the win, allowing five runs on six hits in six innings with five strikeouts and no walks.
Pirates reliever Jeff Rodriguez recorded the save entering the game in the seventh inning. The left-hander didn't give up a hit in three innings, striking out one and walking one.
MCC's Chris Rayborn (9-2) took the loss, allowing eight runs, five earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts, five walks, a wild pitch and two hit batters.
Kohl went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a two-run homer for Pensacola, and Brian Rodgers and Donnie Vickers each went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
MCC third baseman Van Pope went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, as the Eagles finished the game with six hits.
Pensacola advanced in the winners' bracket and will play 8:30 p.m. Monday against the winner of the game between Indian Hills (Iowa) Community College and Grayson County (Texas) College.
MCC moved into the losers' bracket and will play at 11 a.m. today against the loser of the Indian Hills/Grayson County game. The game can be heard locally on WZKR 103.3 FM.