Barnstormers Scrape By Long Island
June 24, 2018 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The Lancaster Barnstormers rapped out only three hits on Sunday afternoon and walked the Long Island leadoff batter five times.
Yet, somehow, that turned into a winning formula as the Barnstormers edged the Ducks, 1-0, in the finale of a four-game series.
At the same time, Sugar Land pounded York into submission, setting up the upcoming seven-game series between the Barnstormers and Skeeters with Lancaster leading by 1 1/2 games in the Freedom Division.
On Sunday, the Long Island frustration in producing runs carried over from Saturday evening. Starter Nate Reed threw five shutout innings but was lifted after putting the first two men aboard on walks, his fourth and fifth of the afternoon, in the sixth. Stephen Johnson took over and retired the side in order without a runner moving.
In the following inning, Johnson walked Anthony Vega who moved up on a Dan Lyons bunt. Johnson struck out Jordany Valdespin and, following an intentional walk to Emilio Bonifacio, got Lew Ford to ground into a force out to end the threat.
Matt Marksberry walked David Washington to open the eighth. Lancaster went to right-hander Kevin Munson (3-1) to face Taylor Ard. Ard survived a foul pop up, which was dropped by K.C. Hobson. On the next pitch, Ard grounded into a double play.
The Barnstormers, meanwhile, had been stymied all afternoon by an assortment of Long Island relievers after starter Jair Jurrjens left with an injury in the second inning.
They got the break they needed in the eighth. With one out, Anderson De La Rosa hit what appeared to be a routine grounder to second. Jordany Valdespin muffed the play. De La Rosa, a 33-year old catcher, surprised everyone, especially the Ducks, and took off for second without drawing a throw.
Tyler Bortnick stepped in against Colton Murray (0-1). The two battled for nine pitches, two of which left the ballpark barely foul down the right field line. Bortnick finally won with a ground double inside the bag at third to drive home the game's lone run.
Matt Reynolds retired the side in order in the ninth for his 14th save.
NOTES: Blake Gailen extended his hitting streak to 14 and his on base streak to 22 with two walks and a double...He failed to either score or drive in a run for the first time in 19 games...The three hits was a season low for the Barnstormers...Johnson has allowed only two earned runs in his last 19 1/3 innings...Lancaster stole four bases on the day for a season total of 121...The game was the seventh one-run contest between Lancaster and Long Island this season.
Atlantic League Stories from June 24, 2018
- Bees Complete Three-Game Sweep Of Road Warriors - New Britain Bees
- Revs Claw Back Early But Drop Finale to Skeeters - York Revolution
- Barnstormers Scrape By Long Island - Lancaster Stormers
- Ducks Drop Low-Scoring Finale in Lancaster - Long Island Ducks
- Patriots Power Past Blue Crabs 7-2 - Somerset Patriots
- Somerset Stops Southern Maryland Bid for Sweep - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Lancaster Stormers Stories
- Pen Restructured
- Lebanon Outslugs Staten Island
- Ironmasters Continue Dominance
- Lancaster Enacts Revenge Over Hagerstown
- Ironmasters Return
