Early Lead Not Enough as Rock Cats Fall, 15-7

Published on May 13, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The daytime environment could not have been more pleasant as the Rock Cats scored 5 1st inning runs, dispatching Connecticut starter Brooks McNiven before some in the sellout crowd of 6,295 settled into their seats at New Britain Stadium. But what began as a highly satisfying outing for Rock Cats fans soon turned dark as the visiting Defenders eventually banged out 17 hits to obliterate their early deficit en route to a 15-7 victory.

The home team's promising start was highlighted by 3B Danny Valencia's 2-run double in the 1st and DH Erik Lis' long solo HR in the 2nd. The Defenders scratched back and scored once in the 3rd before plating 5 runs on 5 hits off Rock Cats' starter Jeff Manship to tie things in the 4th.

The visitors from Norwich took the lead for good in the 5th when they tallied 4 more times, with the big blow being 1B Brett Pill's 2-run homer to left off New Britain reliever, Yohan Pino. Pill finished the day with 4 hits and 5 RBI; his teammate, 2B Brock Bond, collected 4 hits and 3 RBI on the day.

The Connecticut bullpen was outstanding, as a collection of four relievers submitted 7 1/3 innings of 1-hit shutout ball. Southpaw Jesse English was the winner (2-2), surrendering 1 hit and striking out five in 4-full innings of work. New Britain's Yohan Pino (0-1) took the loss.

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Eastern League Stories from May 13, 2009


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