IL1 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

McRae Brings RailRiders' Streak to a Halt

Published on May 9, 2019 under International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders News Release


MOOSIC, PA - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were held without a hit for the first 6.2 innings by Indianapolis Indians starting pitcher Alex McRae, yet brought the tying run to the plate in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings in an eventual 4-2 loss Thursday morning.

With a 10:35 a.m. first pitch, the Indians looked well-rested as they jumped on RailRiders starting pitcher David Hale the second time through the order. Spanning the 3rd and 4th innings, the Indians had an eight-batter stretch where they recorded six hits- including five doubles- to open up a 3-0 lead. Hale entered the game unblemished with his 3-0 record, but exited in line for the loss after 5.0 innings of having allowed three runs while striking out six batters.

His opposite number, McRae, was dominant. The right-hander retired the first 17 men he faced before surrendering a walk in the 6th inning to Matt Lipka with two outs. An inning later he walked Ryan Lavarnway and had recorded a pair of outs before Mandy Alvarez broke up the no-hit bid with a clean, line drive double into the left field corner. It was the 96th and final pitch of the morning/afternoon for McRae, who exited with a smattering of applause from the fans at PNC Field.

Offensively, the Railriders stranded six men over the final four innings, but could never get the momentum-turning hit despite plating runs in the 8th and 9th innings. In the 8th inning, Cliff Pennington scored on Mike Ford's RBI single to make it a 3-1 game. An inning later, Brad Miller doubled home Mandy Alvarez (2-for-4, 2 2B, R) to again bring the tying run to the plate. Zack Zehner and Pennington were retired to end the game as Geoff Hartlieb picked up the save for Indianapolis.

The loss snaps the RailRiders win streak at seven games, which falls short of their latest win streak of seven-plus games - a nine-game stretch back in 2016.

The RailRiders look to rekindle a win streak beginning Friday night when they welcome the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A, Detroit Tigers) to town for the lone appearance at PNC Field this year. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. when SWB sends RHP Drew Hutchison (2-1, 4.91) to the mound, while LHP Nick Ramirez (0-1, 2.00). For tickets and more information, call (570) 969-BALL or slide to www.swbrailriders.com/tickets.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Record:

17-13

Check out the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Statistics

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International League Stories from May 9, 2019


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