Charleston, WV (August 2, 2006) –The West Virginia Power sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs on four hits in the fifth inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Columbus Catfish and kicked off their eight game home stand with an 8-4 victory at Appalachian Power Park.

Columbus scored first on a two out RBI single from Tony Harper in the top of the first inning. The Power answered quickly in the bottom of the first and tied the game on a solo homerun from Angel Salome, his ninth of year. The Power scored twice in the second inning to take the lead. Mike Bell scored the first run on an errant throw from Columbus pitcher Marlon Arias and Brad Willcutt brought in the next run on an RBI groundout. Mike Bell ripped an RBI triple to score Angel Salome in the bottom of the third to put the Power ahead 4-1.

Columbus started their comeback in the top of the fourth inning. Bridger Hunt knocked in a run on a double, and Ivan DeJesus knocked in the second run of the inning on a groundout. In the top of the fifth inning the Catfish tied the game on Lucas May’s two out RBI single. The Power pulled away, scoring four times in the bottom of the fifth. Michael Brantley knocked in the first run on a base hit, and Ryan Barba drove in the next two with a bases loaded single. Brad Willcutt scored the final run of the four run frame on an error committed by Columbus third baseman Russ Mitchell.

Columbus Catcher Tony Harper and Manager Travis Barbary were both ejected by home plate umpire Chad Whitson in the middle of the eighth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

Will Inman (9-1) earned the victory, giving him a win in each of his last four starts while Marlon Arias (7-6) obtained the loss. The Power are 57-50 overall and 18-20 in the second half after the win while the Catfish fell to 55-54 overall and 18-21 in the second half after the loss.

The Power will continue the four game series against the Columbus Catfish at Appalachian Power Park on Thursday night. Right hander Mario Alvarez (5-6, 6.03) will make the start for Columbus and the Power will counter with right hander Shawn Ferguson (0-1, 7.84). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. For more information contact the Power Front Offices at (304) 344-2287 or visit the Power website at www.wvpower.com.