FCBL Worcester Bravehearts

Bravehearts outlast Rox in 17-inning marathon

Published on July 27, 2014 under Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Worcester Bravehearts News Release


WORCESTER, Mass. - It took five hours and 17 innings to determine who would claim the No. 1 spot in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League - at least for a day.

But thanks to a game-winning hit by center fielder Brendan O'Reilly off Rox reliever Zach Perry after midnight, second baseman Dylan Harris trotted home to give the Worcester Bravehearts a 4-3 victory against the Brockton Rox on July 27 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

O'Reilly finished 2-8, as both teams recorded 10 hits in the contest. Perry was charged with the loss, as he could not record an out in the 17th inning.

With runners on first and second base in the top of the 17th inning, Bravehearts reliever Jack Riley forced a double play and stabbed a comebacker to end the threat and keep the game tied at 3-3. Riley took the win to improve to 1-2 this season.

The Rox took a 3-2 lead in 16th inning on a solo home run to left field by first baseman Cale Giddings off Worcester pitcher Sam Ross. The Lindsey Wilson College senior pitched four innings in relief and gave up only one run on three hits.

Despite being down to his last strike in the 16th, pinch hitter Jordan Berry reached on an error by third baseman Christian Campbell to continue the inning. After catcher Thomas Paine was hit by a pitch, shortstop Andy Lack hit a bloop single that hit off the glove of diving right fielder Max Ponzurick and tied the game 3-3.

The Bravehearts held an early 2-0 lead, as their starter Kyle Slinger pitched 6.1 innings with only one walk and six strikeouts. But the Tufts University southpaw did not get a decision, as he was charged with both of Brockton's tying runs.

The Rox almost took the lead in the 9th inning when infielder Zach Littman sprinted toward home on a passed ball by catcher TJ Riccio. However, Brockton outfielder Apolinar de la Cruz stepped in the way of Riccio and was called for batter's interference which retired the side and kept the game tied 2-2.

The 26-18 Bravehearts will return home to face the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs at 2:05 p.m. July 27 at Hanover Insurance Park. The first 1,000 fans will receive free Jake the Lion bobbleheads.

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Futures Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 27, 2014


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