Cronenworth Walkoff Homer Lifts Hot Rods to Win
July 13, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release
Bowling Green, KY - In the opener of a three-game series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and a seven-game homestand overall, Hot Rods shortstop Jake Cronenworth with a three-run walkoff homer to give Bowling Green a 3-2 win on Wednesday night at Bowling Green Ballpark.
To start off the low-scoring affair, both Hot Rods starter Mike Velasquez and Timber Rattlers starter Drake Owenby each tossed five scoreless innings apiece.
For Velasquez, who struck out six batters while giving up just four hits, it was his fourth time in five starts throwing five or more innings while giving up two or fewer runs.
With the game still scoreless in the sixth inning, the Timber Rattlers got the scoring started against Hot Rods reliever Bryan Bonnell. After outfielder Sthervin Matos started off the frame with a solo homer, outfielder Troy Stokes walked and advanced to third on a double by first basemen Mitch Ghelfi with nobody out. Later in the inning, a sacrifice fly by third basemen Jake Gatewood put Wisconsin on top 2-0.
Following two more scoreless frames from Bonnell and a scoreless inning from righty Antonio Bastardo (W, 1-2), the score stayed 2-0 going into the bottom of the ninth.
Held scoreless the first eight frames while stranding eight runners on base, Bowling Green started things off in the ninth with a pair of one-out singles by outfielder Manny Sanchez and second basemen Brandon Lowe that chased Timber Rattlers righty Thomas Jankins out of the game.
With reliever Scott Grist entering the game (L, 5-3), Cronenworth sent the first pitch he threw over the wall and into the bullpen in right field to end the game.
The homer for Cronenworth was his second of the season and first since May 8 against Burlington. Cronenworth now has three career homers as a pro, with the only roundtripper he hit with the Hudson Valley Renegades last year being a walkoff as well.
For the Hot Rods, the win was their second in walkoff fashion this year, with Zacrey Law hitting a game-ending single on May 10 against Lansing. It is the Hot Rods first walkoff homer since Alec Sole hit one on July 27 last year in a 3-2 victory over the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Offensively, Bowling Green got a pair of hits from Cronenworth, Sanchez, designated hitter David Rodriguez and first basemen Michael Russell. The single by Lowe in the ninth increased his hit streak to 14 games, the longest active hit streak in the Midwest League.
Bowling Green will continue with a seven-game homestand at Bowling Green Ballpark with the second game of a three-game series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday. The Hot Rods will sent Blake Bivens to the bump while the Timber Rattlers will counter with Jordan Yamamoto.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:35.
Midwest League Stories from July 13, 2016
- Brantley Slams Two Hits, Captains Fall to Kernels - Lake County Captains
- Cronenworth Walkoff Homer Lifts Hot Rods to Win - Bowling Green Hot Rods
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