8,629 Watch East Win Thriller As Green Takes Home MVP

by Brian Clark, 07-27-2008

In what Cape League Commissioner Paul Galop called the most exciting All-Star game ever, the East rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat the West All-Stars 8-6 in front of a crowd of 8,629 at Veterans Field Saturday. Pitchers dominated in the game's early going, including Chatham ace Sammy Solis, who struck out two batters in the fourth inning. The game was tied at 1 behind home runs from the West's A.J. Pollock (Falmouth), and Rich Poythress (Orleans) of the East. In the top of the sixth, Orleans pitcher Martin Viramontes ran into trouble, as the West scored four runs before the Loyola Marymount pitcher could even record an out. Five runs scored in the inning before Harwich's Chris Manno relieved Viramontes and ended the inning.

The East bats had time for late dramatics. Falmouth pitcher Seth Blair took the mound for the top of the eighth inning, and ran into trouble. He loaded the bases with noone out, setting the stage for Tim Wheeler (Orleans) to double to right, clearing the bases. As Grant Green came to the plate, a group of streakers ran across the outfield, halting play for approximately a minute. Green, who had been laughing heartily, managed to compose himself enough to deposit Blair's first pitch over the centerfield fence, tying the game at six. Two batters later, the East took the lead for good, as Harwich's Mark Fleury homered to right, giving the East an 8-6 lead.

The top of the ninth was another opportunity for Chatham to shine, as Brad Boxberger came in to pitch. He did just that, as he recorded the save in the East's 8-6 victory. Green took home MVP honors for the East, while Ben Paulsen of Hyannis won Western division honors. The A's will have Sunday off before returning to action on Monday against the Bourne Braves at Doran Park. Gametime is 7 PM, with the A's Extra Pregame Show beginning at 6:40 on Chathamas.com