September 5th Game Recap
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2008
Contact: Jon Boswell (978-805-5117 / jboswell@lowellspinners.com)
Extra Error Costs Spinners
10th inning error leads to extra-inning loss, 5-4
TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats scored two runs in the sixth inning to tie the game and scored again in the top of the 10th inning to defeat the Lowell Spinners, 5-4 in 10 innings Friday night in Troy, New York.
With a playoff spot already clinched, manager Gary DiSarcina continued to rotate his lineup to ensure everyone received playing time prior to the team's September 8 playoff game at LeLacheur Park.
Lowell (40-33) scored first, plating a run in the top of the second inning. After a one-out double by Ricardo Burgos, Will Middlebrooks atoned for a four strikeout performance Thursday night in Oneonta with a two-out, RBI single.
The lead was short lived however, as Tri-City (28-45) received a lead-off home run from David Flores to even the score at one.
The game remained knotted at one until the fourth inning when Lowell responded with a three run outburst. Doubles by Mitch Dening, Middlebrooks and Kade Keowen plated three runs, as the Spinners opened up a 4-1 lead.
After Spinners' starter Yeiper Castillo ran into trouble in the bottom of the sixth inning, DiSarcina called upon Stephen Fife to protect the lead. Fife however allowed two inherited runners to score, tying the score at four.
The game would remained tied into extra-innings, as the Spinners struggled against the ValleyCat bullpen. After 3.2 scoreless innings from Fife, Alex Hale came in to start the 10th inning and did not record an out. After lead off man Andrew Simunic reached on a fielding error by centerfield Peter Hissey, Hale intentionally walked the next to batters to load the bases. Flores again made the Spinners pay, lining a single to left field to score Simunic and win the game for the ValleyCats.
Overall Castillo pitched 5.1 innings and was charged with four runs on five hits. He struck out six and walked one, but was victimized by two Tri-City home runs. In 3.2 scoreless innings, Fife struck out six, allowing just three hits.
Offensively the Spinners were led by Middlebrooks 2-for-4 night. After his eight game hitting streak was snapped Thursday night, Middlebrooks responded with his team leading 17th double and two RBI. Ricardo Burgos and Kade Keowen also recorded two hit nights, Burgos scoring two runs and Keowen producing an RBI. Ryan Lavarnway, Zach Gentile and Dening each picked up hits to round out the Spinners offensive attack.
Lowell looks to end the regular season on a high-note leading up to the franchise's first ever playoff game when they again meet the ValleyCats Saturday evening fro a 7 p.m. first pitch. Manager Gary DiSarcina will turn to the bullpen as he looks to line up Kyle Weiland for a start in Monday's playoff game.
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