07/17/2006

Kings top Bums on homers

Kalamazoo uses three two-run blasts to win 7-2

KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo Kings got a trio of two-run home runs and a strong pitching performance from Dane DeValk en route to a 7-2 victory over the Traverse City Beach Bums.

The Kings got on the board in the first inning when, with a runner on first and two down, Pete Pirman hit a two-run homer over the left-centerfield fence to make it 2-0 Kings.

The long ball and short porch in left came into play again in the third inning. After an RBI single by Jared Johnson scored Kyle Kmiecik to make it 3-0, Ian Church hit a high fly ball that just cleared the left field fence for a two-run homer and a 5-0 Kalamazoo lead.

The Beach Bums got on the board in the fifth. Doug Garcia led off with a single off the glove of DeValk. After a pop out, Al Roach doubled down the left field line, to send Garcia to third. Clay Blevins followed with an RBI single to get the first Beach Bums tally of the game. Roach stopped at third on the play to put runners on the corners. Looking for more, Justin Meagher singled into right field to score Roach and cut the Kings edge to 5-2.

The Kings got the two runs back in the bottom of the sixth when Ray Gill deposited a pitch over the left field fence for his 11th home run of the season and a 7-2 Kalamazoo lead.

DeValk (4-2) pitched seven innings allowing seven hits and two runs in picking up the win for the Kings. Steve Shippey (4-3) absorbed the loss for the Beach Bums. Jason Furrow and Paul Mezzetta combined to shut the Kings down in three innings of relief work.

Robbie McClellan (3-2, 3.96) will get the start tonight as the Beach Bums begin a six-game homestand with a three game series against Windy City.