The Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks took down the Kelowna Falcons 4-3 for the second night in a row in exhibition action at Elks Stadium Tuesday night.

The Falcons Dwight Tanaka went 3-4 on the evening, including a solo home run in his first at-bat, while Louie Templeton went 2-4. The eighth inning proved to be Kelowna’s undoing, as pitcher Brent Powers gave up a two-run homer that, despite a ninth-inning charge by the Falcons, proved to be enough for the Goldpanners to come away with the win.

The ‘Panners are here for one more game Wednesday. Game time is 7 p.m. at Elk’s Stadium.

http://www.kelowna.com/2009/07/15/goldpanners-mine-second-victory-over-falcons/

 

by Aaron Torres

KELOWNA, BC- In just a few games for the Midnight Sun Goldpanners, Mykal Stokes has already proven himself to be one of the elite centerfielders anywhere in amateur baseball.

Tuesday night, the Tustin, CA native displayed those defensive skills, making a game saving catch in the bottom of the 9^th inning, preserving a 4-3 Goldpanners win against the Kelowna Falcons in Kelowna.

In what is becoming a trend with these Midnight Sun Goldpanners, the game came right down to the wire, nerve wracking to the final out.

Carey Schwartz got the win, pitching the final 2.2 innings of relief. However he struggled holding on to a 4-2 Goldpanners lead heading into the last frame.

Schwartz let the first two runners to reach with singles, before shortstop Trent Olezsczuk got a force out at third base on a hard hit ground ball. Schwartz then gave up a single to Trent Jemmett, allowing Ryan Jenkins to score from second.

Schwartz next walked Kyle Mihaylo to load the bases, before getting the next batter to pop out, setting up Stokes’ catch.

With the bases loaded Kellen McColl hit a low line drive to centerfield, one that appeared as though it would fall. But running to his right, Stokes may a full extension diving grab, making the catch, and sealing the win for the Goldpanners.

As usual, the Goldpanners waited until late in the game to get the offense going. Down 2-1 in the top of the 8^th inning, Taylor Hunter led off the inning with a single, eventually scoring on an error off the bat of Josh Kalalau.

The grounder by Kalalau would have ended the inning. Instead with the rightfielder on first, the very next batter, Travis Andersen hit a 2-run home run, giving the Goldpanners a 4-2 lead, one they’d barely hold onto.

Brett Williams made his second start of the season for the Goldpanners, getting a no decision, despite giving up just two earned runs and striking out five in 6.1 innings of work. He was relieved by Schwartz who went the rest of the way, getting his first victory of the season.

The Goldpanners will return to action Wednesday night, as they play the final of a three game series against the same Kelowna Falcons. They then hit the road to Coeur D’Alene, ID, where they’ll face the Spokane RiverHawks on Thursday evening. Both games are set to start at 7 p.m., and please stay tuned to Goldpanners.com for continuing coverage.