Long Ball Lifts Royals Past Blue Jays
July 19, 2011 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Burlington Sock Puppets News Release
Bluefield, WV- The Royals needed 11 innings to get past the Bluefield Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Solo home runs from Adrian Bringas and Jin-Ho Shin helped propel Burlington to the 2-1 victory. Nick Graffeo earned the win, while Andrew Sikula is dealt with the loss.
Burlington struck first in the top of the second inning when Bringas homered to left. It's the fourth of the year for the former Cal State Chico Wildcat. In the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Graham came in for starter Matt Ridings, and gave up a single and two walks to load the bases, before walking Cody Bartlett to bring in Andy Fermin. In the bottom of the ninth with the game still tied at 1-1, Gustavo Pierre walked. He tried to steal second on a pitch that struck out Fermin, and was caught by Kenny Swab. The two outs retired the side with the game still tied.
In the top of the 10th inning, the Royals had runners on first and second with one out, but could not capitalize. Then to lead off the 11th, Shin homered to left field for his first of the year. It gave Burlington a one-run lead, heading into the bottom of the inning. Nick Graffeo, who entered the game in the eighth, struck out two of the three batters he faced to retire the side in order.
Burlington starter Matt Ridings went five innings, giving up three hits and striking out four. He left the game with the lead, would receive a no decision. Tyler Graham gave up a run in two innings, while surrendering two hits and walking four. Graffeo, the winning pitcher, tossed four innings, giving up one hit and one walk, while striking out five.
Tyler Ybarra pitched three innings in his second start of the year. He gave up a run on two hits, while striking out four. Les Williams, Milciades Santana, and Thomas Berryhill combined to pitch seven shutout innings, though giving up seven hits. Sikula gave up two hits, including the home run to Shin in the 11th, his only inning pitched, taking the loss.
Shin went 2-for-5 including a double in addition to his long ball. Justin Trapp and Jorge Bonifacio also went 2-for-5, all singles. Bringas' home run was his only his in four at bats. Kenny Swab was the only Royal to not record a hit in the 11-inning game.
For Bluefield, Fermin scored the only run on a walk with the bases loaded, as part of a 1-for-4 night. He was one of six Blue Jay batters to record a hit, while no batter for the home team had a multi-hit game.
Wednesday will decide the series. The Royals are a game behind Pulaski for the fourth spot in the division, and five games back of Bluefield. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00.
• Discuss this story on the Appalachian League message board...
Appalachian League Stories from July 19, 2011
- D-Braves Roll Past Mariners 10-2 - Danville Otterbots
- Mariners Get Routed by Braves - Pulaski Mariners
- Long Ball Lifts Royals Past Blue Jays - Burlington Sock Puppets
- Danville Puts Together Late Inning Comeback Win - Danville Otterbots
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Burlington Sock Puppets Stories
- Burlington Sock Puppets Set 2025 Promotional Schedule
- Former Sock Puppets in the Minors: Where Are They Starting 2025?
- Burlington Announces Anthony Essien Back as Manager
- Host Your Next Event at the Ville
- Burlington Staff Grows Heading into 5th Season as Sock Puppets
