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ApL Burlington Sock Puppets

Mets Pitching Shuts Down Royals in Series Opener

August 6, 2011 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Burlington Sock Puppets News Release


Burlington, NC- The Kingsport Mets silenced the Burlington bats on Saturday night to take the series opener from the Royals, 5-1. Akeel Morris allowed the only run for Burlington, earning his second win to improve to 2-2. Eric Cantrell, who left the game with an injury in the fourth, takes the loss after surrendering four runs, and falls to 0-5.

Kingsport opened the scoring in their first at bat, using two RBI doubles and a sacrifice fly to set the Royals back 3-0. In the fourth, Jeffery Glenn would be dealt a one out walk, and was moved up to third on a single from Jonathan Clark. The next batter, Juan Gamboa flied out to Jorge Bonifacio in right field, but it was deep enough to score Glenn from third to give the visitors a four run advantage.

The fifth inning saw Burlington break the shutout. With a man on first and no outs, Jose Rodriguez grounded a ball to second. The Mets got the force out at second, but could not turn two. The speedy Rodriguez made it around to third after Morris threw a pickoff attempt away, and scored on a groundout by Lane Adams. The four-run was extended back to five in the seventh when Dustin Lawley scored on a wild pitch from Rudy Brown.

Morris tossed five innings, allowing a run on two hits, despite walking five. After his departure, Darwin Frias tossed two innings allowing two hits. He was followed by Chasen Bradford threw the final two innings, retiring all six batters he faced.

Cantrell left the game, behind in the count 3-0 to Yucary De La Cruz in the fourth inning with an injury. The righty walked four and allowed four runs on five hits in three and two third innings. Corey Hall entered the game in relief, and threw two pitches to De La Cruz, one being ball four. The former Santa Clara Bronco allowed two hits and two walks while striking out three. Left-hander Rudy Brown allowed one run on one hit, and fanned four. Andrea Pizziconi retired all three batters he faced in the ninth.

Julio Concepcion went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Gregory Pron had a 2-for-5 evening. The first three batters in the Mets' lineup each scored a run, while Tant Shepard went hitless in five at bats. Kingsport left 11 men on base, and was 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Jose Rodriguez was the only Royal to record more than one hit, going 2-for-3 and scoring the only Burlington run. One of the second baseman's hits was a bunt single, while the other was a ball in the infield that he legged out for a base hit. His speed was on display as he stole second and third base after reaching in the third. Adams and Michael Antonio were the only other batters for the home team to record a hit, while the Oklahoma native, Adams, knocked in Burlington's only run. Cam Connor struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Slugger Murray Watts went down on strikes twice, as part of an 0-for-3 night.

Saturday's meeting was the first between these two teams, who will take the field on Sunday night at 6:00 for game two of the series. It is Public Safety Night, Kiwanis Kids' Night, and Times News Family Night. Local law enforcement agencies, local fire and rescue squads will be on hand to show off their equipment and vehicles, as well as the Duke Life Flight helicopter. Tickets are available by calling (336) 222-0223.

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