Cats Cap Comeback and Walk Off to Win
Published on May 31, 2010 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release
Carlos Mendez coaxed a two-out walk with the bases loaded in the tenth to score the game-winning run as the Hillcats win their third straight, 4-3. It was the fifth walk-off win for the Hillcats this season, matching their total from last season. Lynchburg also needed to come back from a 2-run deficit in the seventh.
Salem got on the board first in the second inning. Ryan Lavarnway walked to lead off the inning and advanced to third on Mitch Dening's double. Lavarnway then scored on an Alex Hassan RBI single.
The Red Sox scored again in the fourth. Dening tripled to left-center and scored on a sacrifice fly by Hassan.
The Hillcats cut the lead in half with Neftali Soto's seventh home run of the season. That led off the bottom of the fifth.
But the Sox got that run back in the top of the seventh. Hassan singled to end Serrano's night, and advanced third on Drew Hedman's single. Ryan Dent hit a sac fly to score Hassan to extend the lead back to two.
In the seventh, the Hillcats offense woke up. Kevin Coddington hit an infield single down the third base line. Soto singled to right. With Kyle Day up, both runners advanced on a passed ball, then scored on a single off the glove of Jon Hee at first base. That tied the game.
Both offenses went silent until the bottom of the 10th. Efrain Contreras reached with one out on an infield single. Reliever Will Latimer then walked the bases loaded before being removed for Kyle Fernandes. With the bases loaded and two out, Carlos Mendez walked on a full count pitch to win the game.
With the exception of the second inning, Mark Serrano had another good start. He faced six batters in the second, and never faced more than four in any other inning. In six and one-third innings, he struck out eight, walked one and gave up three earned runs. That's good for a quality start, his fifth in nine total starts this season. Sean Watson threw two scoreless innings in relief. He gets the win to move to 1-1 on the season.
Lynchburg and Salem continue their three game series tomorrow night at 7:05. The Hillcats throw out James Avery (0-1, 5.63) against Stolmy Pimentel (4-2, 3.72). City Stadium features ABC 13 Dollar Menu Tuesday at the ballpark. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Carolina League Stories from May 31, 2010
- McFarland Masters Blue Rocks - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Lynchburg Walks Off with 4-3 Comeback Victory - Salem Red Sox
- T.J. McFarland Pitches a Gem, Kinston Wins 4-1 - Kinston Indians
- Teheran Makes History in Pelicans Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Cats Cap Comeback and Walk Off to Win - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Nery's Solid Start Not Enough - Frederick Keys
- Potomac Extinguishes Dash Rally - Winston-Salem Dash
- P-Nats Stop Dash 4-3 On Play At The Plate - Potomac Nationals
- Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Potomac Makes Roster Moves - Potomac Nationals
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.
