Ponies' Bats Explode Behind Santos' Dominant Outing to Claim Series Opener in Altoona

May 30, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies News Release

ALTOONA, Pa. - Junior Santos tossed a career-high eight innings and the bats exploded for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (23-22) on Tuesday night in the series opener against the Altoona Curve, as the Ponies won 10-3 at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The Ponies have won a season-high five-straight games.

Santos went eight innings and struck out five batters, allowing just two runs without issuing a walk. The 21-year-old right-hander had gone seven innings four different times in his career prior to this season, but dominated and set a new career high in innings pitched on Tuesday.

Binghamton's offense exploded, highlighted by Agustin Ruiz's grand slam and Luke Ritter's two homers.

Binghamton was ahead on Altoona (22-22) 2-1 heading into the fifth, before putting up a five-spot in the frame. The first six batters in the inning reached base, with Ruiz ripping a grand slam to right field to extend the Ponies' lead to 7-1.

With the Ponies up 7-2 in the seventh inning, Ritter hit his first home run of the night to give Binghamton a 9-2 lead. Ritter homered again to lead off the ninth inning to put Binghamton up 10-2.

Quinn Brodey made his Double-A pitching debut for the Ponies in the ninth inning and struck out two batters, while allowing a solo homer.

The Rumble Ponies will continue their series with the Curve (Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 6:00 PM and pregame coverage gets underway at 5:45 PM on the WNBF Rumble Ponies Radio Network.

Postgame Notes: Santos' eight-inning outing is tied with Mike Vasil for the longest of the season for Binghamton...Ruiz's grand slam was Binghamton's second of the season and first since Matt Rudick's on April 6th...Brandon McIlwain extended his hitting streak to 13 games...Rudick reached base three times.

Eastern League Stories from May 30, 2023

• Yard Goats Shepherd Past Late Ducks' Rally to Win 7-5 - Akron RubberDucks
• Cats Claw Back for Series Opening Victory - Reading Fightin Phils
• Hunter Goodman Hits EL Leading 16th Homer and 50th RBI in Yard Goats' Win - Hartford Yard Goats
• Flores Spins Gem as Erie Thumps Richmond - Erie SeaWolves
• SeaWolves' Big Innings Smother Squirrels in 11-1 Loss - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Portland Holds on to Take First Game of the Series 3-1 Over Somerset - Portland Sea Dogs
• Stallings Slams The Door In Baysox Win Over Senators - Chesapeake Baysox
• Stars Out, But Somerset Falls To Portland - Somerset Patriots
• Long Balls Sink Curve in Series Opener - Altoona Curve
• Baysox Edge Senators 3-2 - Harrisburg Senators
• Ponies' Bats Explode Behind Santos' Dominant Outing to Claim Series Opener in Altoona - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Hagen Danner Promoted to Triple-A Buffalo - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• May 30, 2023 Sea Dogs Game Notes - Portland Sea Dogs
• Delta Dental Stadium Voted Best Double-A Ballpark in America - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Red Sox No. 1 Prospect Marcelo Mayer Promoted to Portland - Portland Sea Dogs

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Binghamton Rumble Ponies Stories

• Rumble Ponies Fall to Fightins in Tuesday Matinee in Baseballtown
• Binghamton Regains Lead in Ninth, Defeats New Hampshire for Series Win
• Binghamton Falls in New Hampshire to Force Rubber Game
• Lorusso off Bench Leads Binghamton to Series-Opening Win in New Hampshire
• Binghamton Drops Series Finale to Altoona