Sports stats



NYPL Tri-City ValleyCats

'Cats Fall Short in 5-3 Loss to Vermont

July 26, 2013 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Tri-City ValleyCats News Release


BURLINGTON, VT - After a 4-2 series victory against their rival the Hudson Valley Renegades, the 'Cats were riding high entering Friday night's game versus Stedler Division foe, the Vermont Lake Monsters.

Things didn't start too well for the ValleyCats, as starting pitcher Kevin Comer failed to pitch out of the third- inning, allowing two runs in the first and three in the third before exiting the ballgame. That proved to be all the offense the Lake Monsters would need, as they defeated the 'Cats 5-3 behind a solid outing from starting pitcher Lou Trivino.

Trivino, the Oakland Athletic's 2013 11th round draft, earned the win as he pitched 6 1/3 innings giving up just five hits, one earned run and two walks, while striking out seven 'Cats batters. The only blemish for Trivino (1-2) came in the second inning, on a D'Andre Toney sacrifice fly. Following Trivino's exit from the ballgame, the ValleyCats had plenty of chances at the plate.

In the seventh, newly assigned 'Cats infielder Jack Mayfield struck out with two outs and the bases loaded. In the eighth inning, the 'Cats threatened once again. A walk to James Ramsay followed by a single from Conrad Gregor and a throwing error from Vermont third baseman Michael Soto, loaded the bases for the 'Cats, with one of the 'Cats more clutch performers of the season, Jon Kemmer stepping to the plate with nobody out.

Kemmer singled just past the glove of shortstop Wilfredo Solano, that only was able to score Ramsay. The next batter, Jake Rodriguez struck out swinging, and then came arguably the biggest play of the game for the Lake Monsters. Still with the bases loaded and one out, Vermont closer Sam Bragg induced a 4-6-3 double play from ValleyCats third baseman Ryan Dineen, ending the threat.

The 'Cats were given a chance in the ninth following a dropped fly ball from Vermont left fielder B.J. Boyd that would have ended the ballgame. After D'Andre Toney led off the inning with a double, Chan Moon flew out and Mayfield struck out swinging. James Ramsay then hit a fly ball to Boyd, which he dropped, allowing Toney to score and shrinking the Lake Monsters lead to two runs.

Gregor (3-for-5 on the night) kept the hopes alive for the 'Cats, grounding a single through the hole on the right side of the infield. But with the tying runs on-base, Adam Nelubowich struck out swinging to end the ballgame. On the night, the 'Cats bats left a total of 10 men on base, going 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

'Cats starter Kevin Comer (2-3) was tagged with the loss as the 'Cats fell to 26-13 on the season, still good for the best record in the league. The lone bright spot for the 'Cats was pitcher Evan Grills, who threw four innings of shutout baseball, allowing three hits while striking out six Lake Monster batters.

The 'Cats and Vermont will play their second and final match-up of this short two-game series on Saturday night. RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 2.19) will start for Tri-City and will be opposed by RHP Kyle Finnegan (1-1, 1.59). The ValleyCats then return home to "The Joe" on Sunday at 5pm for another two-game series, this time against the Connecticut Tigers.

Sunday is Breast Cancer Awareness Night, as the 'Cats will wear special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds going towards the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It's also Faith & Family Day, with a public Baseball Chapel taking place at 3pm, followed by live music performed by the Immanuel Church Worship Team. Monday is Texas Night, presented by TD Bank, as the 'Cats pay tribute to the Lone Star State and home of their parent Houston Astros. There will be postgame fireworks presented by Price Chopper. Tickets are available now at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office, by phone at 629-CATS, or online at tcvalleycats.com.

TRANSACTION NOTE: The Houston Astros have assigned INF Jack Mayfield to Tri-City from Greeneville. INF Thomas Lindauer was assigned to Greeneville from Tri-City.

Check out the Tri-City ValleyCats Statistics

• Discuss this story on the New York-Penn League message board...

New York-Penn League Stories from July 26, 2013


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.

Other Recent Tri-City ValleyCats Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central