Higuchi Stars; Downey Wins First Start

By Amanda O’Neill
Denver Post Sports Writer
April 11, 2011

OF Kazu Higuchi

The Everest opened at home against the Akron Dandies before 44.000+ fans and everyone agreed that they saw a thriller. The locals came from behind in the last of the eighth on a two run homer by Kazu Higuchi to take a 3-2 lead. Mike Montgomery blew the save in the top of the ninth when he gave up a walk, a sacrifice, and a run-scoring single. But Montgomery ended up with a win when Justin O’Day singled to lead off the last of the ninth. He was erased on an attempted sacrifice gone awry. With Jose Alvarez on first with two out, Higuchi kept things alive with a single moving Alvarez to second. Then defensive replacement John Edwards drove in the winner with another single.

The club followed that win up with another 4-3 victory on day two behind a three run homer by catcher Nick Young. Steve Downey got his first win as an Everestian while hurling eight strong innings. The team then lost the series finale 9-4. They then proceeded to lose two of three to the Whitehorse Blue Dogs, saving a sweep by winning the final game 10-5 behind a four for four hitting performance by Ken Higuchi. Two of Higuchi’s hits were home runs.

After the expected near sellout on Opening Day attendance dropped off into the high 20,000’s for the remainder of the home stand. Actually the Everest would be very happy if they can keep attendance above the 25,000 mark. That’s a possibility if the team can keep playing .500 or better ball. The next four games are on the road at Mexican Hat before returning home for series against Redbank and Portland.♦