NYPL Aberdeen IronBirds

Another Walk Off: IronBirds Take Series, Beat ValleyCats 2-1

Published on July 29, 2014 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Aberdeen IronBirds News Release


Aberdeen, MD- The Aberdeen IronBirds were 2-1 walk off winners Tuesday night in the final game of a three game set with the Tri-City ValleyCats. Much like Monday night's contest, the IronBirds and ValleyCats faced off in what quickly became a pitcher's duel.

Ubaldo Jimenez took the rubber for the first time ever in an IronBirds' uniform as he was on a major league rehab assignment. Jimenez went 4.2 innings giving up five hits, one run that was un-earned and racked up three strikeouts. ValleyCat hitters struggled to connect with Jimenez's fastball and off speed pitches throughout the game.

Despite having the bases loaded in the third inning and failing to score, the ValleyCats scored a run in the top of the fourth inning after Derek Fisher scored on an Jimenez wild pitch. The score was 1-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth.

However, the IronBirds didn't wait long to respond as Alex Murphy lifted a line drive home run over the left field fence to lead off the bottom of the fourth. It was Murphy's third home run of the season and the score would be tied at 1.

The IronBirds pitching staff was lights out after Jimenez was removed from the game. Nigel Nootbaar got a critical out in the top of the fifth with two away and the bases loaded. Nootbaar was able to strikeout ValleyCats designated hitter Derek Fisher.

Patrick Connaughton came on in relief of Nootbaar in the top of the sixth as he would pitch 4.2 innings giving up just one hit, two walks and struck out two. Connaughton kept the IronBirds in the game as the score remained tied at one.

Stephan Crichton earned the win and improved to 2-4 on the season after he came in to relieve Connaughton in the tenth.

Alex Murphy came up with the bases loaded and one out in the tenth inning and lifted a base hit to shallow right field that allowed Steve Wilkerson to score the game winning run, and the IronBirds walked off winners for the second time this season 2-1.

In addition to Murphy's big night, Hector Veloz and Riley Palmer each collected two hits as well. The IronBirds offense combined for 11 hits and seven IronBird hitters had at least one base hit.

Following an 0-6 road trip, the IronBirds were able to go 5-3 on the eight game home stand. The IronBirds will look to continue their momentum as they head to State College to open up a three game set with the Spikes.

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