Gastonia Tops Rockers With 4-2 Victory
June 5, 2021 - Atlantic League (AtL)
High Point Rockers News Release
High Point, N.C. - The High Point Rockers loaded the bases in the ninth inning but the rally fell short as the Rockers fell to the Gastonia Honey Hunters 4-2 on Saturday night at Truist Point.
For the first five innings, fans were treated to a pitching duel between Rockers' starter Ricky Knapp (1-1) and Gastonia's Reilly Hovis (1-0). Knapp allowed a lone run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly off the bat of William Salas. The sacrifice fly scored Ermindo Escobar from third base when Adam Taylor's throw hit first base umpire Matthew Ceramele. Knapp would walk five batters on the day but was able to get out of trouble every time, ultimately surrendering the lone run on four hits in five innings.
Hovis continually stymied Rockers' batters, scattering just two hits in five innings of work, before giving way to the bullpen.
In the sixth, Max Povse entered the game to relieve Knapp, and, after walking Emmanuel Tapia, was rocked by a two-run home run off the bat of Josh Sale. Miles Williams stepped to the plate and immediately deposited Povse's next pitch over the left field wall to make the score 4-0.
In the seventh inning, pinch hitter J.R. DiSarcina put the Rockers on the board. Facing reliever Karl Brice, DiSarcina launched a home run over the left-center field wall to cut the Rockers' deficit to 4-1. For DiSarcina, it marked his first professional home run. One inning later, catcher Stuart Levy homered off reliever Donnie Hart, making the score 4-2.
In the bottom of the 9th, the Rockers (6-3) loaded the bases off Honey Hunters' closer Robby Scott, courtesy of three consecutive walks. Jared Mitchell stepped up to the plate to try to continue the inning, but on a 3-2 pitch, Scott got Mitchell to swing at strike three, ending the threat and preserving the win for Gastonia (4-5).
The Rockers and Honey Hunters conclude their series tomorrow with a 5:05 start time in the series finale. Bryce Hensley (1-0) makes the start for High Point and Gastonia counters with Alexis Candelario. For tickets, visit www.highpointrockers.com.
Atlantic League Stories from June 5, 2021
- Peroni Pinch Single Decides Game in 10th - Lancaster Stormers
- Gastonia Tops Rockers With 4-2 Victory - High Point Rockers
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- Barnstormers Sign Big League Veteran - Lancaster Stormers
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