PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

New Extra Innings Rule Ignites Wild 6-5 Win

Published on April 7, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Des Moines, Iowa - When Minor League Baseball instituted new pace-of-play rules for the 2018 season, including modifications to extra innings, it was still hard to imagine a scenario playing out like Saturday's game between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and Iowa Cubs at Principal Park. After both teams combined for no runs and just six hits through nine innings, the teams combined for 11 runs and 10 hits between the 10th and 11th innings, as the Dodgers edged the I-Cubs, 6-5.

On a frigid night with temperatures in the mid-30s, neither team collected an extra-base hit through nine innings and combined to put just four total runners in scoring position, with only one reaching third base. Between the seventh and ninth innings, neither team tallied a hit and combined to put one man on base. But with the teams starting each extra inning with a runner at second base, both offenses erupted.

The Dodgers (2-1) wasted no time scoring the first run, as Jake Peter started the inning with a RBI single to score Donovan Solano from second base. Later with two outs, Andrew Toles notched the game's first extra-base hit with a RBI double to left-center field. Toles also scored on the play due to a throwing error by Iowa center fielder Wynton Bernard, giving OKC a 3-0 lead.

Iowa (1-2) responded with its own three-run rally in the bottom of the inning. Taylor Davis knocked a one-out RBI single to get the I-Cubs on the board. With two outs and two strikes, Bernard blooped a single to shallow right field to score Davis and make it a one-run game. Pinch hitter Chris Gimenez came up next and hit a routine fly ball to right field. However, Henry Ramos dropped the ball, allowing Bernard to score the tying run.

The Dodgers bounced back quickly in the 11th inning. Just like the 10th, the first batter delivered a RBI single, with Rob Segedin breaking the tie. After back-to-back walks with two outs loaded the bases later in the inning, Breyvic Valera gave the Dodgers some breathing room with a two-run double.

It turned out the Dodgers needed the insurance. After the first two batters of the bottom of the 11th were retired and unable to advance the runner at second base, Iowa again rallied with two outs. Ryan Court sent a fly ball to center field that was misplayed by Alex Verdugo, turning into a RBI double for Court. Bijan Rademacher followed with a RBI single to pull Iowa within one.

Dodgers reliever Pat Venditte then ended the game by getting Davis to ground to third, resulting in a forceout at second base. Venditte earned his first save of the season while Adam Liberatore (1-0) picked up his first win.

Before both offenses did an about face in extra innings, each team's pitching staff was excellent through the first nine innings, highlighted by strong performances from the starters. OKC's Brock Stewart turned in 5.2 scoreless frames, giving up just a pair of singles. Stewart kept Iowa 0-for-5 with runners on base and did not have a runner reach scoring position. He walked two and struck out six. Stewart finished his outing by retiring nine of his final 10 hitters.

Iowa's Luke Farrell matched Stewart, putting up a nearly identical line. Farrell also threw 5.2 shutout innings. He gave up three singles, with two walks and six strikeouts. Farrell retired the first 10 batters he faced and did not allow a hit until Max Muncy led off the fifth inning with a single.

Alberto Baldonado (1-1) was charged with all three runs in the top of the 11th inning and took the loss for Iowa.

The Dodgers and I-Cubs are not playing Sunday due to expected snow in Des Moines. The teams will finish their series at 12:08 p.m. Monday at Principal Park. Live coverage begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 7, 2018


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