Mussels Walk off with Opening Night Win in 10 Innings
Published on April 12, 2022 under Florida State League (FSL)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Kala'i Rosario delivered a walk-off base hit in the tenth inning Tuesday, giving the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels a 6-5 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads in 10 innings.
The Mussels' 4-0 start is the best in franchise history since 2013, when Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario led the Miracle to a 12-0 record.
Tuesday's Hammond Stadium opener featured three ties and two lead changes, with teams trading runs throughout the contest.
After Jupiter (2-2) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, Fort Myers center fielder Emmanuel Rodriguez cranked an inside-the-park home run to the wall in center, tying the game 1-1.
Later in the inning, Rosario and Kyler Fedko both singled to put two runners on. After Noah Cardenas reached on an infield single to load the bases, catcher Kyle Schmidt popped a ball up in front of home plate. The Hammerheads' infielders misplayed the ball, allowing it to drop in for a two-run single.
With Fort Myers still leading 3-1 in the top of the fifth, Zach Zubia cranked a solo home run to left to make it 3-2. After a pair of singles, Cameron Barstad ripped an RBI double to the gap to tie the game at 3-3.
Mussels starter Marco Raya went 4.1 innings in his pro debut, allowing three runs (two earned) while striking out four.
In the bottom of the sixth, Fedko led off with a single before advancing to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball. With two outs, Ernie Yake ripped a single into right field to give the Mussels a 4-3 lead.
Jupiter quickly re-tied the game in the seventh on a solo home run from Jose Salas.
The bullpens traded zeroes in the eighth and ninth before the Hammerheads plated a run in the top of the tenth to go up 5-4. In the bottom of the tenth, Rodriguez started as the ghost runner at second. Daniel Ozoria led off the inning and laid down a bunt to third base. Jupiter third baseman Cristhian Rodriguez fired the throw past a vacated first base, allowing Rodriguez to score and Ozoria to advance all the way to third base. The next batter was Rosario, who laced a base hit to right field to win the game.
The Mussels will look to stay undefeated on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Left-hander Steve Hajjar is set to make his professional debut, opposed by Justin Fall. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network.
Florida State League Stories from April 12, 2022
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