Orloff Hits Walk-Off Single in 11th
Published on May 26, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
LANCASTER, CA - Ben Orloff's line drive to centerfield went in and out of the glove of the diving Travis Witherspoon allowing Rafael Valenzuela to score the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th on Friday night at The Hangar. The JetHawks, who had scored two in the ninth to tie the game, beat the Inland Empire 66ers, 4-3.
Valenzuela doubled to leadoff in the 11th against 66ers reliever Bryant George (2-2). After the next two batters were retired, Orloff lined a pitch to shallow centerfield. Witherspoon, who was shaded toward right field, charged and dove but could not make the catch.
A crowd of 2,459 on a cold and drizzly night stuck around to see the JetHawks tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. Down by two, Valenzuela hit his first home run of the season on a 3-2 pitch to bring Lancaster within one. The first baseman finished the game 3-for-4.
After the next two batters failed to reach base, the top of the order came up with two outs against 66ers closer Ryan Chaffee. Chaffee, who entered the game with seven saves, had a streak of 12.1 consecutive scoreless innings coming in. He walked Orloff on four pitches and gave up a single to George Springer to put runners at first and second for Adam Bailey.
Bailey chased and missed an 0-1 wild pitch allowing the runners to advance to second and third. Bailey chased another pitch in the dirt for strike three but it got away from the catcher Jett Bandy allowing Bailey to reach first and Orloff to score the tying run.
The JetHawks had been 0-20 this season when trailing after eight innings.
Inland Empire scored all three of its runs in the first inning off JetHawks starter Ruben Alaniz. C.J. Cron tripled in two runs and scored on a Taylor Lindsey RBI-groundout. The 66ers went scoreless for the next 10 innings. Alaniz left after five innings.
Kirk Clark (3-1) tossed two scoreless innings to pick up the win and Andrew Robinson dominated for 3.2 innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.
The JetHawks (24-24) snapped a four game losing streak with the win and are now two back of High Desert, who lost to Modesto tonight. They will face the 66ers (23-25) on Saturday night in the rubber game of the three game series. First pitch is at 7:00 pm at The Hangar. David Martinez (1-3, 6.55) will start against Manny Correa (3-2, 2.92).
Saturday is Military Appreciation Night at The Hangar. The first 1,000 fans will receive a JetHawks Camo Giveaway Shirt presented by Edwards Federal Credit Union. Military personnel in uniform will receive free admission.
Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.
California League Stories from May 26, 2012
- Quakes Play Long Ball in 7-1 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- 66ers Squander Russellââ¬â¢s Quality Effort, Fall 4-3 in 11 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Extend Division Lead with 9-5 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Giants Grab Second of Big Series, 9-5 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Orloff Hits Walk-Off Single in 11th - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Rocked by Storm on Friday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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