CarL1 Down East Wood Ducks

Huff Walk-Off Fielder's Choice Lifts Woodies In Extras

Published on June 6, 2019 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Down East Wood Ducks News Release


Kinston, N.C. - With two in scoring position, and one out in the tenth, Sam Huff bounced a ball sharply to shortstop, and Sean Miller's throw was unable to be handled at the plate, as Leody Taveras scored and the Wood Ducks topped the Keys, 2-1, Thursday.

Down East (42-18) is now 5-1 in extra-inning games this season, and with the win over the Keys (28-30), their magic number sits at just three to clinch the Southern Division first half title.

After stranding the bases loaded in the second inning, the Woodies loaded the bases again in the fourth, on singles from Yohel Pozo and Julio Pablo Martinez, followed by a walk to Hasuan Viera. With one out, Yonny Hernandez ripped a single into right field to score Pozo and put the Woodies ahead 1-0. However that was all the Woodies would get in the inning as DL Hall was able to limit the damage. He stranded eight runners on the night and the Woodies left 12 on base overall.

Hall was not sharp, but he was able to work his way around trouble. He walked six and gave up four hits over four innings, striking out four, and giving up just one run.

The Wood Ducks got another great start from John King, who went five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk, and struck out eight. He did not factor in the decision.

Fredrick would draw even in the seventh against Josh Advocate. Ryan Ripken led off the inning with a solo home run to right, his third of the year, to tie the score 1-1.

Advocate worked three innings in relief, giving up just that one run, and struck out three.

Joe Kuzia (win, 2-0) then worked a scoreless ninth inning, and retired the Keys in order in the tenth, stranding the inherited runner on base.

In the bottom of the tenth. Taveras started the inning at second base and Ryan Dorow was walked intentionally to set up a double play. Disobel Arias then lifted a deep fly ball to center field to push both runners into scoring position and set up Huff for the walk-off winner against Diogenes Almengo (loss, 2-2). The Keys reliever gave up one unearned run in 2.1 innings in relief. Taveras has now reached base in 18 consecutive games.

The series continues Friday when the Wood Ducks send lefty Sal Mendez (2-0, 2.66) to the mound to face off with Frederick right-hander David Lebron (2-0, 2.87). Farm Appreciation Weekend continues as the Woodies will again play as the Kinston Collard Greens. It's Mother Earth Friday, and postgame fireworks will follow the action presented by WNCT. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. and the broadcast will begin at 6:50 p.m. on 960AM The Bull, and online on 960thebull.com as well as on the MiLB First Pitch and TuneIn Radio Apps. For tickets and more information visit woodducksbaseball.com or call (252) 686-5172.

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Carolina League Stories from June 6, 2019


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