Nevada Griffons win first two Regional tournament games

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Herald-Tribune

CHICKASHA, Okla. -- The Nevada Griffons got play under way at the Washita Valley NBC Regional tournament Friday in very strong fashion.

Though they have spent most of the past two years unable to find a way to get to Joplin Outlaws starter Zach Juliano, that all changed when it needed to. Much like last season, the Griffons finally found the offensive spark they needed to beat Juliano in the opening game of this year's regional as they blanked the Outlaws 8-0.

The Griffons struggled in the latter part of this season against the Outlaws in general, but especially Juliano. In two previous matchups against Juliano, the Griffons had yet to score more than two runs in a game.

That was not the case Friday, however, as Juliano went just 4 2-3 innings, allowing seven runs -- four earned -- on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout. Eddie Donovan finished out the game for Joplin, allowing one earned run on a hit with two strikeouts.

In his second consecutive complete game effort, Ryan Parson earned the victory on the mound for the Griffons as he finished the day allowing five hits with one walk and one strikeout in a seven-inning shutout.

In the day's second game, the Griffons had another very strong offensive outing as they trounced the West Texas Outlaws by a final score of 14-4. In that contest, the offense came early and often as the Griffons scored in every inning while riding another strong pitching performance. Josh Dean picked up the victory, pitching six innings and allowing four runs -- all earned -- on four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.

Right fielder Patrick Deao led the offensive effort on the day for the Griffons as he finished the day's second game 4-for-4 with seven RBIs that more than made up for his 0-for-2 performance in the opener. Deao finished the day a combined 4-for-6 with seven RBIs and three runs scored.

Still in the winner's bracket of the double elimination tournament, the Griffons are now scheduled to get back into action today, taking the Cowboys of Clearwater, Kan., at 10 a.m., for a chance to move on to the winner's bracket championship tomorrow.

In other opening day action, the Ozark Generals beat Team Tulsa 12-9 before losing to the Cowboys 7-3 and Joplin went on to eliminate Team Tulsa with a 11-1 victory.

The winner of the Washita Valley NBC Regional tournament will earn an automatic berth into the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kan., July 30-Aug. 14.

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