Blue Rocks Score Three in Ninth to Score Walk-Off Win
May 18, 2016 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release
FREDERICK, Md. - An Alfredo Escalera RBI single capped off a three-run Wilmington bottom of the ninth as the Blue Rocks defeated the Frederick Keys 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon at Frawley Stadium. The setback snaps the Keys seven-game winning streak against the Blue Crew and forces a rubber game on Thursday.
Trailing 2-0, the Blue Rocks recorded three consecutive one-out hits to tie the game in their last at-bats. Mike Zouzalik allowed a single to Elier Hernandez, while the later scored one batter later on an RBI double by Robert Pehl. That sent up Luis Villegas who worked a full count before tripling to left to even the game. It was the first three-bagger of the year for Villegas.
Jimmy Yacabonis was summoned from the bullpen and struck out Josh Banuelos, but Escalera singled through the right side to bring in the winning run. It was Wilmington's second straight home win via walk-off. Zouzalik took the loss despite pitching a scoreless seventh and eighth. In 2.1 innings, the righty surrendered three runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out one.
The blown ninth inning lead meant no win for Mitch Horacek, who pitched into the seventh and allowed just three hits. His longest outing of the year, the Colorado native struck out seven and walked a pair in a no-decision. It was also Horacek's first quality start of 2016.
Kyle Lovvorn also worked six innings for the Blue Rocks, giving up one unearned run in the third. Erick Salcedo recorded an infield single with one out moved up 90 feet on a base hit by Jay Gonzalez, while an error by Corey Toups on a groundball loaded the bases. From there, Steve Wilkerson brought in Salcedo, but the Keys mustered just the one run. For the game, the orange and black went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight aboard.
Frederick also added a ninth inning run on a sac-fly by Salcedo which scored Jimmy Bosco from third. Matt Alvarez picked up the win despite allowing a run in the ninth. He gave up two hits, walked one and struck out one.
The Keys and Blue Rocks play a rubber game on Thursday night from Frawley Stadium. Right-hander David Richardson (1-1, 4.91) makes the start for the Keys while the Blue Rocks counter with lefty Matt Tenuta (2-1, 5.66). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. Frederick returns home on Friday night when the Potomac Nationals come to town. For tickets fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.
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