AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Drop Extra Inning Opener

Published on July 3, 2014 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


The Lancaster Barnstormers were pushed to the brink of elimination with a 4-3 loss in eight innings in the first game of a doubleheader Thursday evening at TD Bank Park in Somerset.

A second game was washed out by heavy thunderstorms and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 30.

One more win by York or another Barnstormers loss will take the Barnstormers out of contention for the first half title in the Freedom Division.

Thursday's opener had the makings of an historic game as both starters, Somerset's Matt Zielinski and Lancaster's Mark Rogers carried no-hitters into the sixth inning. Zielinski broke first, yielding a leadoff single to Casey Frawley in the top of the sixth. The Barnstormers only advanced Frawley to second on a bunt.

Somerset did much more after Cory Harrilchak snapped Rogers' no-hit bid with a smash into center to start the bottom of the inning. Harrilchak immediately stole second and went to third on an infield single behind second base by Mike Wilson. Wilson also swiped second. A wild pitch got Harrilchak home with the game's first run, and Rogers departed after walking Corey Smith.

Pete Andrelczyk yielded a sacrifice fly to Luis Montanez as the Patriots went up, 2-0. Singles by Ty Wright and Brian Barden loaded the bases, and a walk to Adam Donachie forced home the third run.

Zielinski was one strike away from a complete game shutout, but was unable to complete the feat. With runners at first (Fred Lewis on a single to left center) and second (Brock Kjeldgaard on an HBP), Zielinski had Lance Zawadzki down, 1-2. The Lancaster shortstop responded with a two-run triple to the alley in right center. Closer Jon Hunton came in to face pinch hitter Andrew Clark and threw a wild pitch, allowing the game to be tied.

However, the Patriots pulled the game out without the benefit of a base hit in the eighth. Pete Parise (2-2, 3-3) walked Wright to start the inning. The lead runner broke for second and arrived safely despite a pitchout. Barden hit a spinning hopper toward first baseman Dayton Buller who fumbled the ball for an error. Barden took off for second for another steal. Donachie, after working the count to 3-0 was intentionally walked. Edwin Maysonet won the game with a fly ball to the right field corner as Wright scampered home with the deciding tally.

The Barnstormers will entertain York at 7:00 on Friday evening. Dan Osterbrock (5-2) will get the start for Lancaster against right-hander Jorge Martinez. Fireworks will follow the game. Fans may tune into 1390-AM, WLAN; 1600-AM, WPDC; 1390wlan.com or the I Heart Radio cell phone app, beginning at 6:45.

NOTES: Cole Garner lost his 14-game hitting streak...Zawadzki has eight RBI in the last four road games...The Barnstormers failed to homer for the first time in 11 games...The Barnstormers lost their fourth extra inning game in 11 days.

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Atlantic League Stories from July 3, 2014


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