Navs Outfielder Caps Dramatic Comeback with Walkoff Two-Run Triple in 10th
July 28, 2005 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
(Norwich, Conn.) -- Randy Walter laced a two-run triple to right-center in the bottom of the 10th, as the Norwich Navigators overcame deficits in the final two innings of the game to come from behind in dramatic fashion and sweep the New Hampshire Fisher Cats with a 5-4 victory at Dodd Stadium this afternoon.
Norwich trailed 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, with the only run scoring on a mammoth solo homer off the scoreboard in right-center by Dan Ortmeier (his 18th). But Justin Knoedler, making his '05 Navigators debut, walked and stole 2nd and scored one out later on an RBI single by Brad Vericker. The Fisher Cats came right back in the top of the 10th, however, as Raul Tablado lined a single to center with two outs and the bases loaded, scoring two and putting the Fisher Cats up 4-2. But Norwich stormed back in the bottom of the 10th. Three straight one-out singles by Carlos Valderrama, Knoedler and A.J. LaBarbera plated one run and left men at 1st and 2nd. Jordan DeJong (1-4) was pulled in favor of Bubbie Buzachero who was brought in to face Walter (who had pinch-run for Vericker in the previous inning). Buzachero threw exactly one pitch, a fastball, and Walter ripped it to right-center, just out of the reach of centerfielder Miguel Negron for a two-run triple and a walkoff 5-4 win for Norwich. It was the second walkoff hit of the season for Walter. Sadler (4-4) was credited with the win and DeJong (1-4) took the loss.
The Navigators' three-game sweep of the Fisher Cats was Norwich's second series sweep of the season. Justin Knoedler went 2-for-3 with two singles, two walks, two stolen bases, and two runs scored in his 2005 Navigators debut. The Gators finished up the home stand at 3-3. The Navs now hit the road for a three-game series in New Britain starting tomorrow night. Righty Merlin Valdez (5-5) will take the ball for Norwich and he will be opposed by New Britain righty Levale Speigner (3-7). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.
Eastern League Stories from July 28, 2005
- S. Duncan collects 26th homer in defeat - Trenton Thunder
- McGowan to start for Toronto - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Thunder keep rolling all weekend - Trenton Thunder
- B-Mets Rally, But Still Fall To Altoona - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Navs Outfielder Caps Dramatic Comeback with Walkoff Two-Run Triple in 10th - Connecticut Defenders
- Fisher Cats fall in 10, 5-4, at Norwich Thursday - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- B-Mets Game Notes - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
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