Power Wins 2015 Opener in 10
April 9, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release
West Virginia Power Opening Night
(Charleston Dirty Birds)
(Charleston, WV- April 9, 2015)- The West Virginia Power ended their skid of six straight Opening Day losses with a 7-6 victory over the Savannah Sand Gnats in ten innings on Thursday night at Appalachian Power Park. Jeff Roy entered as a pinch runner in the tenth and scored on a walk-off fielder's choice by Jerrick Suiter.
Cole Tucker got the Power offense on the board early in the game. The 18-year-old led off the game with a single, stole second, reached third on a passed ball and scored on a two-out single by Michael Suchy. Suchy scored one batter later when Tito Polo hit a double down the right field line.
Already leading 2-0, the Power added another run in the second. Suiter reached on a one-out single and advanced to second on a throwing error by the Savannah pitcher. With two outs, Tucker came up to the dish again and laced an opposite field single to left that brought home Suiter.
Savannah scored runs in the third and fourth to make it a one-run ballgame but took the lead in the fifth on three runs. In that three-run frame, Wilmer Becerra clocked a three-run home run, which brought home Luis Guillorme and Tomas Nido.
West Virginia began a go-ahead rally in the eighth inning. After Polo drew a leadoff walk, he advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Elvis Escobar. Suiter then drew a two-out walk to put runners on first and second. Tyler Filliben then made it a one-run game with a single to center that brought home Polo and on the throw, Filliben advanced to second. With two runners in scoring position, Tucker delivered the go-ahead two-run single.
In the ninth, Savannah tied the game but West Virginia walked away with the victory in the tenth. Chase Simpson drew a one-out walk and was replaced by Roy. Roy stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Savannah catcher Tomas Nido. With the infield drawn in, Suiter tapped a ball to Savannah shortstop Luis Guillorme but the throw wasn't quick enough to beat Roy.
Power starter Jake Burnette received a no-decision after he allowed one run on three hits over three innings. The righty struck out five while walking two. Righty Eric Dorsch (1-0) earned the victory after working a perfect tenth. Savannah reliever Shane Bay (0-1) suffered the loss.
The Power and Sand Gnats continue their four-game series on Friday night. RHP Alex McRae (no record) takes the mound for West Virginia and he will be opposed by southpaw Brad Wieck (no record). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.
Friday night's game features a postgame fireworks show presented by Suddenlink. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. while pregame on the Power radio network begins at 6:45 p.m.
For tickets and additional information, visit www.wvpower.com, call (304) 344-BATS (2287) or stop by the Power box office at 601 Morris Street.
First Half Record 1-0
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 West Virginia Power Opening Night |
 West Virginia Power Opening Night |
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