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NYPL Tri-City ValleyCats

Conrad Clutch As 'Cats Walk Off

August 7, 2013 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Tri-City ValleyCats News Release


TROY, NY - As Conrad Gregor stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, the Tri-City ValleyCats were headed toward a disappointing, back-and-forth loss versus the Williamsport Crosscutters. The 'Cats first baseman would have none of that, as he launched a walk-off, two-run home run to right-center field, giving the ValleyCats a most dramatic 8-7 victory in the Wednesday matinee.

With Tyler White aboard and one out, Gregor represented the winning run against Williamsport closer Tyler Buckley (0-1). After fouling off a number of tough, two-strike offerings, Gregor smashed a 3-2 fastball to right-center field, where Crosscutters centerfielder Gustavo Martinez climbed the fence, but couldn't bring back the longball. A celebration ensued on the field, as Gregor's teammates awaited him at home plate.

Afterwards, Gregor, who added an RBI double in the first, was understandably excited about his game-ending blast.

"It feels great, words can't describe how I feel right now," said Gregor. "I just tried to swing as hard as I could, the bat met the ball...thank goodness the wind was blowing out today."

Gregor's walk-off made up the third different deficit the 'Cats had to overcome in their win Wednesday afternoon. In a game that featured seven home runs, Tri-City prevailed on its second walk-off homer of the year. The other came from Ryan Dineen in the 12th inning of a July 8th win against Aberdeen. Gregor's home run was his third of the year and first at home.

An inning before the Vanderbilt product's heroics, the 'Cats had put together a two-run rally that tied the game at six in the eighth. After back-to-back home runs from Andrew Knapp, the second of the two he hit, and Zach Green, the Crosscutters had a 6-4 advantage. In the bottom half of the inning, the 'Cats answered. Jack Mayfield drove home one run with a single, and Jon Kemmer grounded out to second, bringing in the tying run.

Two innings earlier, Michael Martinez had given the 'Cats a 4-3 lead in the sixth on a two-run homer to left-center. It was his team-leading sixth home run and 21st and 22nd RBI's of the year. That blast followed a solo homer from Knapp in the top half of the frame, given up by Tanner Bushue, one of four surrendered by the righty.

J.D. Osborne (1-0) received the win thanks to Gregor's shot, but was in line to take the loss after allowing a go-ahead RBI double to Andrew Pullin in the top of the ninth. The Crosscutters scored six of their seven runs on homers; the five they hit is the most any team has hit in a game this year in the New York-Penn League.

Adrian Houser got the start for the 'Cats, and was impressive for the most part. In 4.2 IP, the Oklahoma righty allowed just two runs while striking out eight hitters, his season-high. He was pulled in favor of Albert Minnis, who retired the only batter he faced to end the fifth.

The 'Cats used four two-run frames to get their third consecutive win. It started in the first, when D'Andre Toney scored on a wild pitch and Gregor brought home White. In the midst of this winning streak, Tri-City has scored 28 runs.

The matinee victory in front of a sellout, "Camp Day" crowd of 4, 991 ensured a series win for the ValleyCats, who will go for the sweep Thursday night at 7 pm. RHP Andrew Thurman (1-2, 4.94) starts for the 'Cats (29-21), and will be opposed by RHP Shane Martin (3-2, 3.38) for Williamsport (24-24). The first 2, 000 fans will receive a special "Blizzard in August" t-shirt to create a whiteout at "The Joe." All fans are encouraged to wear white. Tickets are still available for purchase by calling the stadium box office at 518-629-2297.

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