Sports stats



Rock Cats can't outslug Phils

July 24, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - In what began as a pitcher's duel, things quickly unraveled for the Rock Cats pitching staff and the Reading Phillies went on to down the ‘Cats, 7-3 on Thursday night.

Rock Cats starter Ryan Mullins cruised through the first two innings as he retired the first six-straight batters; meanwhile, Reading's Fabio Castro struck out the side in the bottom of the first.

Danny Valencia put the Rock Cats on the board with a solo homer - his first in Double-A - in the second inning. Drew Butera added an RBI single to extend the lead to 2-0.

Reading broke through in the third with four consecutive singles, with Jason Donald's drive to center field scoring Clay Harris to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Martin fired a strike to catcher Drew Butera to nail Jake Blalock at the plate.

The R-Phils continued their onslaught in the fourth. Brad Harman's three-run blast put the Phillies ahead, 4-2. Mullins walked three batters and allowed three hits in the inning, leaving with the bases loaded and two outs. Jason Miller came on in relief and walked the first batter he faced, Greg Golson, to walk in another run. Miller came back to strike out Lou Marson - who started the inning by reaching base on a walk - to end the inning.

Mullins (7-7, 4.28) finished with five runs on seven hits through 3 2/3 innings.

Things went from bad to worse in the sixth when a botched call by the home plate umpire led to the ejection of Rock Cats manager Bobby Cuellar. The inning started with Jason Donald's triple to right field. Golson followed with a walk and stole second. Jeremy Slayden then stepped to the plate and hit a ball that was fielded by Felix Molina at second base. Molina fired a throw to Butera at the plate and Donald was initially called out; however, Butera never had control of the ball. The call was overturned and the run counted, which led to the ejection of Cuellar.

Castro (8-1, 4.20) fired seven solid innings, limiting the Rock Cats to two runs on five hits while striking out five.



Eastern League Stories from July 24, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central