Blasters Walk Off in Ninth to Win Series
August 27, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Joplin, MO-The Blasters let a two-run lead slip away in the ninth before a walk-off base hit by rookie Aaron Brill gave them a 4-3 series-clinching victory over Lincoln Wednesday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
Joplin (47-42) took two of three in the series, and remained two games back of Laredo in the wild-card standings. The Blasters now lead the season series with the Saltdogs (31-58) 7-to-2. The two face each other again in a four-game series at Lincoln next week.
The Blasters opened the scoring with a two-out rally in the first. Jairo Perez singled in the hole to left. Matt Padgett then brought Perez in with a two-run home run deep to the bleachers in left-center. It was Padgett's first homer since joining Joplin last week, and his sixth of the season.
Lincoln rallied in the top of the ninth to take the lead. With one out, Aaron Payne reached base on a hit-by-pitch. Curt Smith followed with a single to the gap in right-center. With runners at first and third, C.J. Ziegler was put on base with a ground ball error at short. Payne scored the Saltdogs first run on the play. Mitch Canham loaded the bases with another hit-by-pitch. The tying run scored when Brian Joynt hit a ground ball to first that resulted in an error as the throw came home. Lincoln then took a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly to left from Mike Gilmartin that scored Ziegler.
In the bottom of the ninth, Joplin started its comeback with a lead-off infield single in the hole at short from Omar Luna. Carlos Ramirez spanked a line-drive single into center. Steven Tinoco moved both runners up to second and third with a sacrifice bunt. Aaron Brill ended the night as he drove in Luna and Ramirez on a bloop single lifted to shallow right. It was Joplin's sixth walk-off win of the season but its first since June 15th.
Both closers blew save opportunities in the game. Winston Abreu ended up with the victory for Joplin. Abreu (4-1) pitched the ninth and gave up three runs (two earned) on two hits with one walk and two hit batters. Marshall Schuler took the loss for Lincoln. Schuler (2-3) worked one-third of an inning and allowed two earned runs on three hits. Joplin starter Nestor Molina was solid in his first start since August 6th. Molina came off the disabled list and worked six innings with four hits, six strikeouts, and just one walk.
Each side managed only six hits in the contest. For the Blasters, Aaron Brill went 2-for-4 with the two RBIs in the ninth. Matt Padgett had the homer with two RBIs and a run scored. Juan Medina collected two hits in defeat for Lincoln.
Joplin welcomes Grand Prairie to town for the final home series of the season that runs through Sunday. First pitch is set for 7:05 Thursday night. For 2015 ticket information and promotion specials at Joe Becker Stadium, call 417-622-4838 or visit the Blasters website at www.joplinblasters.com.
American Association Stories from August 27, 2015
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Repko Homers, Extends Hitting Streak in Canaries 6-5 Win - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Solis Has Dandy Game to Lead 'Cats over Jackals - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Loss by Committee as Saints Drop One Run Game to T-Bones 5-4 - St. Paul Saints
- Game One with Explorers Rained Out - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Game Postponed - Sioux City Explorers
- T-Bones Promotions: August 27-September 3 - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Fight to the End in 2-1 Loss - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Goldeyes Split Doubleheader with Quebec - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Blasters Walk Off in Ninth to Win Series - Joplin Blasters
- Blasters Get Last Laugh in Walk-Off Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
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.
