TCL Brazos Valley Bombers

Bombers Keep Bats Alive in Extra-Innings Matchup

Published on June 23, 2021 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
Brazos Valley Bombers News Release


SAN ANTONIO, Texas - In the navy and gold's first extra-inning affair of the summer, the Brazos Valley Bombers fell 5-6 to the league-leading San Antonio Flying Chanclas after eleven tightly contested frames Wednesday night.

Even in defeat, the Bombers outhit the Flying Chanclas, 12 to eight, to show the team's progress in overcoming the challenge of finally awakening its bats. Third baseman Troy Viola led the charge, maintaining a stellar on-base percentage with three hits, a hit-by-pitch and a run on the night to set up a must-see rematch Thursday.

The Flying Chanclas took the first lead of the evening. An RBI double to right field scored one, but starting pitcher Triston Dixon managed to end the second inning without additional damage.

The Bombers fired back just three batters later. Ryan Snell drove a stand-up double into right field, then designated hitter Casey Sunseri took advantage of a first-pitch fastball to send the catcher home, tying the game.

The matchup progressed scorelessly until the bottom of the sixth when a single to the outfield gave San Antonio another run. In a perfect parallel of the third inning, the Bombers responded with a Snell base hit and eventual RBI single by Sunseri as the duo again combined forces to knot things up.

A fielding error and three hits put San Antonio up 2-4, giving the home team its third one-run margin of the evening in the seventh before tacking on the insurance run in the eighth.

Base hits by Snell and left fielder Chris Shull in the top of the ninth scored Shull and Viola, evening the neon scoreboard lights for the third time in six innings and sending the game into extras.

A sacrifice bunt by first baseman Shelby Becker and single to right field by center fielder Grayson Tatrow scored designated hitter Casey Sunseri, giving the Bombers the 5-4 lead before the Flying Chanclas ultimately tied in the 10th, then won outright, 5-6, in the 11th.

On the rubber, Dixon led the charge in what would eventually become Brazos Valley's longest mound start of the season, at 5.1 innings. The overall pitching rotation had no trouble setting up its teammates to make routine plays and retire the hitters once on the base path.

After game two of the series, Brazos Valley falls to a 9-11 record while San Antonio marches to 13-3 on the season. The Bombers have managed just one victory against the flying Chanclas this season.

The Bombers return to action Thursday, June 24 for the rubber match series finale against the Flying Chanclas. Brazos Valley will then return to Edible Field on Friday, June 25 with a fireworks-themed welcome home celebration marking the end of the long road trip.

For tickets and updates on the Bombers 2021 season, fans are encouraged to call (979) 779-PLAY or visit www.bvbombers.com. To follow all upcoming news and developments for the Brazos Valley Bombers, follow the team on facebook.com/bvbombers, Twitter: @BV_Bombers and Instagram: @bvbombers.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from June 23, 2021


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