Aided by a pair of three-run homers, Phoenix Firebirds defeated Edmonton 10-2 Monday night to take the lead in the best-of-five Pacific Coast League championship series.
The win broke the Firebirds' four-game losing streak against the Trappers, who rapped out two homers of their own Monday night and had swept the Firebirds only a month ago in Edmonton.Winner Dan Carlson allowed only six hits and two walks while fanning 10 in his 7-plus innings. Aaron Small took the loss, giving up five runs on five hits and three walks in slightly more than one inning.
Dante Powell led Phoenix with 4 RBIs, and Keith Williams added three. Marcus Jensen had three hits, and Kenny Woods and Wilson Delgado had a pair each.
For Edmonton, Scott Spiezio had three hits, including his fifth homer of the playoffs in as many games. Creighton Gubanich hit his third homer of the season while Jason McDonald had two hits.
The Firebirds jumped into the lead with five runs in the second. Williams walked and moved to third on an error. After Jensen walked, Benji Simonton grounded out to score Williams. Woods then singled to center, scoring Jensen. Powell followed with a three-run homer.