Perkins Delivers Walk-Off Win for Spinners in Game One, 1-0
Published on July 29, 2012 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Lowell Spinners News Release
LOWELL, MA - The Lowell Spinners and State College Spikes engaged in a fast-paced pitcher's duel but Kendrick Perkins saved the teams from extra-innings in Game One of Sunday's doubleheader, delivering a one-out RBI double, scoring Mookie Betts in a thrilling walk-off win at LeLacheur Park, 1-0.
The Boston Red Sox second 2012 No. 1 selection, Brian Johnson, made his professional debut for the Spinners. He started his career with a three-pitch strikeout of Tyler Gaffney, before allowing a bloop single to Alex Fuselier. A wild pitch advanced Fuselier to second and he moved to third on an infield single by Barrett Barnes. Oscar Perez picked off Fuselier at third, his fourth pick-off of the season, and Johnson broke DJ Crumlich's bat, inducing a weak grounder to escape the inning.
In his second inning of work, Johnson walked Jacob Stallings on four pitches to lead off the inning. Sam Gonzalez then struck a liner up the middle, just below Johnson's right knee cap. The ball deflected to Spinners first baseman Jake Davies, who forced Stallings at first, but after being evaluated by the team's training and coaching staff, Johnson left the game, limping slightly under his own power.
State College (23-17) had a chance to score in the fourth inning. Fuselier led off the inning with a single to center, but was forced at second on a Barnes groundout. However Mike Miller's throw on the attempted doubleplay sailed wide, advancing Barnes to second. The scoring chance was for not however, as Francisco Taveras induced a popout and fly out to end the inning.
Lowell (14-26) got their first hit in the fifth inning, when Davies delivered a two-out single to deep right-centerfield. Up until then, Spikes' starter Adrian Sampson had allowed just a one-out walk to Deven Marrero in the first inning, keeping the Spinners at bay.
The Spinners ensured there would not be extra innings in the bottom half of the seventh. After a Matt Marquis lined out to short to start the inning, Betts singled sharply through the hole at second base. Perkins followed with a well struck double that left Bruce Crabbe waving Betts home. Gaffney missed his cutoff man and Betts scored standing up to his teammates rushing out of the dugout to greet him at home plate.
The Lowell pitching staff continued their run of dominant pitching, throwing their 16th consecutive scoreless inning and second consecutive shutout. Johnson allowed the two hits and walked one, striking out one in 1.1. Taveras (3-1, 1.83) was spectacular in 5.2 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one walk, striking out three to pick up the win.
Offensively, the Spinners were held at bay, but their timely hitting delivered the win.
Game Two, started by Mike Augliera, is currently underway, set for a second 7-inning affair.
New York-Penn League Stories from July 29, 2012
- Doubledays Beaten by ValleyCats Again, 9-4 - Auburn Doubledays
- Spinners Pitching Staff Keeps Zeroes Coming in Third Straight Shutout, 2-0 - Lowell Spinners
- Renegades Romp 9-2 Over Crosscutters - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Spikes' Bats Stifled in Pair of Shutout Defeats against Spinners - State College Spikes
- Aberdeen Doubles Up Lake Monsters 2-1 In 10 Innings Sunday - Vermont Lake Monsters
- IronBirds Break Tie in Tenth Inning and Grab Win - Aberdeen IronBirds
- More pitching struggles in 9-2 loss - Williamsport Crosscutters
- Perkins Delivers Walk-Off Win for Spinners in Game One, 1-0 - Lowell Spinners
- Walk-Off Double Dooms Spikes in 1-0 Game One Loss to Spinners - State College Spikes
- Tigers and Jammers Suspended Sunday - Norwich Sea Unicorns
- State College Spikes Game Notes - July 29 at Lowell - State College Spikes
- Doubledays Lose Opener to ValleyCats, 5-1 - Auburn Doubledays
- Renegades Rise Above Crosscutters 5-3 - Hudson Valley Renegades
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