Mudcats shut out by Mobile

Published in Sports on June 1, 2007 1:48 PM

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MOBILE, Ala. -- Carlos Gonzalez belted an eighth-inning home run in the opener and three Mobile pitchers combined to shut out Southern League rival Carolina in the nightcap at Hank Aaron Stadium on Thursday evening.

Gonzalez's homer capped a 6-5 comeback in game one. In game two, Matt Elliott, Dustin Glant and Shappi combined for a two-hitter in the Baybears' 8-0 win.

Gonzalez's blast capped a Mobile rally that began with Mobile down to their last out in the opening game. Justin Upton hit a two-out homer against Scott Nestor to tie the game 5-5, then Gonzalez led off the eighth with a centerfield blast to end it.

Carolina had scored two two-out runs in the top of the seventh when Eric Riggs doubled home Jai Miller, then scored on a triple by Chase Lambin.

The Mudcats gave starter Rick Vanden Hurk a 3-0 lead, which Vanden Hurk maintained until the sixth. Vanden Hurk opened the game ablaze, whiffing the first six batters he faced before walking the pitcher. Mobile ultimately tied the game in the sixth on a two-out single by catcher Josh Ford.

In game two, James Russ surrendered a two-run double in the first to Javier Brito, then a two-run homer to Wilkin Castillo in the fourth as Mobile rolled in the nightcap. Kurt Koehler permitted four runs in the fifth.

Matt Elliott worked three perfect innings in game two, his first-ever professional start. Dustin Glant recorded the win with three scoreless innings.

Carolina concludes its 10-game road swing today. Game time is 8:05 p.m.