ApL Bristol State Liners

Pirates Rally past Princeton

Published on July 1, 2019 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Bristol State Liners News Release


The Bristol Pirates pulled off a come-from-behind victory on Sunday night, as they defeated the Princeton Rays 8-5 in the series finale to earn back-to-back series wins.

The Pirates started off the scoring in the first inning, when right fielder Brendt Citta and first baseman Ernny Ordonez hit back-to-back RBI doubles to give Bristol a 2-0 lead. The lead was shortlived however, as the Rays struck for three runs in the second inning to jump out in front. Princeton and Bristol traded runs in the fourth and sixth innings, before Citta drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning to tie the game at 5-5. Third baseman Aaron Shackelford then scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by Rays pitcher Ryan Allain. The Pirates added another in the eighth inning on an RBI single from left fielder Jean Eusebio, and two batters later center fielder Daniel Rivero scored the final on a wild pitch. Making his professional debut, Alex Roth entered the game in the ninth inning to close out the game for his first career save.

Starter Santiago Florez allowed three runs on three hits and two walks with one strikeout over two innings of work against Princeton. C.J. Dandeneau -- making his first appearance with Bristol -- came on in relief of Florez and allowed one run on three hits over three innings while striking out a career-high five batters. Enrique Santana earned his first win of the year after throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out two. Roth allowed one hit while striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief to earn the save.

Citta led the Pirates at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, two RBI and a run scored. Citta has now reached base safely in nine straight games, and has reached base in 11 of his 12 games this season. He is also now tied for third in the Appalachian League with 13 hits through the end of June.

Ordonez and second baseman Francisco Acuna each finished with two hits, a double, one RBI and one run scored. Rivero also had two hits in the win, while shortstop Jesus Valdez went 1-for-3 with a double, two runs and two walks. Valdez is now 7-for-15 over the last four games with two doubles, four walks and five runs scored.

The Pirates (5-7) now head on the road for a six-game road trip, beginning on Monday night when they take on the Kingsport Mets. Tahnaj Thomas will start for Bristol, as he tries to bounce back from early struggles that have seen him start the year 0-2 with a 27.00 ERA.

Keep up with the Bristol Pirates online at www.bristolpiratesbaseball.com You can also follow the Pirates on Twitter @BriBucs and on their Facebook page.

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Appalachian League Stories from July 1, 2019


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