Raptors Walk-Off Chukars for Comeback Win
June 29, 2016 - Pioneer League (PL)
Ogden Raptors News Release
OGDEN-It was a typical Pioneer League game with an atypical ending.
In a raucous clubhouse, skipper Shaun Larkin, simply stated, "My staff and I tell our guys all the time: 'This is why we play all nine innings. Big things happen fast.'"
In a game that compares to a heavyweight boxing match, where both fighters trade knock out blows and refuse to be counted out, the Ogden Raptors (2-9) emerged victorious in Tuesday night's series opener against the Idaho Falls Chukars (6-5).
With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Raptors catcher Will Smith hit a hard ground ball to Chukars second baseman Angelo Castellano for a seemingly routine double play. Castellano tossed the ball to shortstop Ricky Aracena for the force out, but Aracena's throw to first base was low, allowing Smith to reach base safely, scoring Luke Raley for the win.
The official tally on the play? A walkoff fielder's choice.
"I was just looking for something to drive, hit hard, and I did, but it was right at him," Smith said of his final at-bat. "But I didn't get out."
"I was confident in Will," Raley added. "I knew that he was going to get the job done, and I was prepared to score."
The Raptors averaged just 3.2 runs over their first ten games. However, the 12 runs and 16 hits Tuesday night may be a sign of good things to come.
"We've done a really great job of coming in and preparing for games, coming ready to play, and playing hard. Tonight, we had four two-out RBI's, hit .347 with runners in scoring position. That's just getting it done." Larkin said. "We have the firepower to do some things. Although we've struggled so far, tonight and these last few games have proven that we're starting to come together."
Key Stat: 11.5- the average number of runs scored in the raptors two wins (both at home). The average number of runs in losses is 2.67.
Note: Raptors OF Saige Jenco made his MiLB debut, and registered back-to-back doubles in his first two at-bats.
Next Up: The Raptors seed their first series win Wednesday night, before four-straight games against Orem to finish out the week.
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Pioneer League Stories from June 29, 2016
- Owlz and Rockies Postponed - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Pint to Debut Friday at Melaleuca Field - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Raptors Walk-Off Chukars for Comeback Win - Ogden Raptors
- Owlz Hold on for 6-5 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Voyagers Use Long Ball to Level Series with Billings - Great Falls Voyagers
- Late Rally Falls Short in Orem - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Osprey Edged in Helena, 4-2 - Missoula PaddleHeads
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