Emiliani's Three Hits Power Blue Rocks Past IronBirds
Published on June 24, 2023 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
On Saturday, the Blue Rocks looked to get revenge on the IronBirds in game two of their doubleheader.
Like game one, the IronBirds struck in the first inning on a triple from Jackson Holliday, leading to a double by Frederick Bensome and a controversial double by Jacob Teter down the third base line. What was called a fair ball could have easily been called foul, and Blue Rocks manager Mario Lisson made sure the umpires knew he disagreed before getting ejected before the first frame even completed.
The IronBirds would tally one more in the first on an error by Nick Shumpert. They would carry the 4-0 lead into the bottom of the second, where Wilmington got on the board.
With two outs, Leandro Emiliani lifted a moon shot to right field for his third home run of the season.
The Blue Rocks hoped to do more damage in the bottom of the third after getting three of the first four batters on base but were only able to scratch one run off the board on a line drive to right field by Jared McKenzie. 4-2 IronBirds lead after three.
Despite the rocky first inning, Blue Rocks starter Kyle Luckham bounced back well, holding Aberdeen at four runs and giving the offense a chance to even things up.
In the bottom of the fourth, back-to-back walks gave way to an Emiliani double which plated Will Frizzell from second. Later in the inning, Aberdeen pitcher Graham Firoved balked with the tying run on third, evening up the game at four.
The score would remain deadlocked at four through regulation, and Tyler Schoff came in relief for the Blue Rocks in the top of the eighth - an extra inning due to both games of the doubleheader being shortened to seven innings in regulation.
With the extra runner on second to start the inning, Schoff blew past the first two batters, striking them out to force Aberdeen to record a hit if they were to take the lead. Instead, Schoff got Luis Valdez to pop out in fault territory near third base.
In the bottom half, Leandro Emiliani capped off his three-hit game with a deep drive to right field that found some warning track in between the outfielders, scoring the extra runner from second, and walking off the IronBirds 5-4.
Emiliani recorded his second walk-off hit this season, following his walk-off home run last Friday, June 16th
The Blue Rocks will conclude their homestand on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Frawley Stadium.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 24, 2023
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- Baker Legs Out Inside-The-Park Homer, Hot Rods Pound Drive 11-3 - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Emiliani's Three Hits Power Blue Rocks Past IronBirds - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- IronBirds Take Game One of Saturday Doubleheader - Wilmington Blue Rocks
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- Bats Quiet in Loss to Brooklyn - Hudson Valley Renegades
- HVR Game Notes - June 24, 2023 - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Drive Win First Game of Second Half, 10-7 Over Hot Rods - Greenville Drive
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