CarL1 Carolina Mudcats

Aussie Magic: Battaglia's Walk-Off Single Lifts Carolina Past Salem

Published on May 16, 2013 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release


Zebulon, N.C. - The Carolina Mudcats' first walk-off win came from the most unlikely choice on Thursday night. Ryan Battaglia, who entered the game in the fourth inning as a defensive substitution, lined a two-run single into left field that capped a dramatic comeback in a 5-4 win over the Salem Red Sox.

The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Mudcats (14-26). The Sox suffered their sixth walk-off defeat, and dropped to 17-21.

Enosil Tejeda (1-2) got the win after tossing a scoreless top of the ninth. The right-hander struck out one, and allowed a single before a double play cleared the bases. Matty Ott (2-4) was stuck with the loss and his second blown save. The right-hander surrendered three runs on four hits in the thrilling finish.

Trailing 4-2, Zack MacPhee got the rally started with a double to right. He moved to third on a groundout by Yhoxian Medina. Tyler Naquin beat out a slow chop to the first base side, and MacPhee scored to cut the deficit to one. Francisco Lindor followed with a double to right, putting the winning runs into scoring position for Battaglia, a native of Brisbane, Australia.

Salem built the advantage by plating four runs against starter Robert Whitenack. Keury De La Cruz put the Red Sox ahead 1-0 on a single in the first. A wild pitch scored Sean Coyle in the second, and the Sox's second baseman later scored on a passed ball.

The Mudcats were able to stay within arm's reach thanks to Naquin and Lindor. The top of the order duo had three hits apiece. MacPhee stroked three hits, including a pair of doubles.

Charlie Valerio drove in the first run in the third as Jerrud Sabourin raced home from second. The Mudcats trailed 2-1 after the three.

After Salem scored twice in the fifth, MacPhee doubled home Valerio with two out in the sixth.

The Mudcats open a three-game series at Lynchburg on Friday night. First pitch against the Hillcats is set for 6:05 p.m. The team returns home on May 24th for a three-game tilt with the Winston-Salem Dash. Purchase tickets today by calling (919) 269-2287, or visiting carolinamudcats.com.

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Carolina League Stories from May 16, 2013


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