Hockenberry Shuts Door, Claws Hold on for 5-4 Win
July 17, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
ROME, GA - Cord Sandberg drove in the go-ahead run with an eighth inning RBI single and Matt Hockenberry struck out Omar Obregon with the winning run at second base in the ninth as Lakewood topped Rome 5-4 on Friday night at State Mutual Stadium.
Rome had runners and 2nd and 3rd in the ninth inning when Hockenberry's breaking ball missed outside to Obregon to run the count to 2-2. After the pitch, Lakewood manager Shawn Williams was ejected by home plate umpire Justin Robinson. After a foul ball on 2-2, Hockenberry struck out Obregon to earn his 8th save of the season.
Sandberg put the BlueClaws ahead 5-4 with an RBI single in the eighth inning on the final batter faced by Rome starter Jean Carlos Gil. Sandberg drove in the go-ahead runs with a two-run single on Thursday night in a win at Kannapolis.
The BlueClaws have now won seven of their last nine games and improve to 13-9 in the second half, 46-44 overall this year. Rome falls to 10-11 in the second half, 41-50 on the season.
Kyle Martin drove in runs with hits in each of his first three at bats, starting the game 3-3 which included an RBI double in the top of the fifth inning to put the BlueClaws up 4-2.
Rome battled back to tie the game, adding one run on a home run by Braxton Davidson in the sixth off Elniery Garcia and another in the seventh on a SAC fly by Omar Obregon off Calvin Rayburn. Rayburn (2-1) earned the win, allowing one run in two innings of work.
Garcia came out after six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, and got a no-decision.
Rome starter Yean Carlos Gil came out after allowing four runs over a season-long 7.1 innings of work.
The series in Rome continues on Saturday night at 6:00. RHP Shane Watson (0-1) starts for Lakewood against RHP Zach Quintana (1-2).
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South Atlantic League Stories from July 17, 2015
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