ApL Princeton WhistlePigs

Rays Bounce Back to Split Doubleheader

Published on July 7, 2016 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Princeton WhistlePigs News Release


PRINCETON, WV- The Princeton Rays (7-8) split a doubleheader on Thursday against the Pulaski Yankees (9-6) with Princeton dropping the first game 3-2, then beating the Yankees 2-0 in the latter contest at H.P. Hunnicutt Field.

The Rays recorded five hits in the early loss, including a home run off of the bat of designated hitter Isaac Benard, his first of the season. Benard also doubled in the contest and drove in both Rays runs, while center fielder Emilio Gustave added two hits and a walk to Princeton's tally.

Rays game-one starter Peter Bayer struck out eight Yankees batters in four scoreless innings of work, but Pulaski notched one run in the fifth, sixth, and seventh frames to come back and take game one.

Princeton bounced back to take the second game of the night, scoring two runs on four hits while the Rays pitching staff held Pulaski scoreless through the seven-inning affair.

The Rays took an early lead in the second inning on a RBI-groundout by designated hitter Blake Grant-Parks. Princeton later added to its lead in the fifth when third baseman Juan Rodriguez hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot to put the Rays ahead 2-0.

Princeton starter Ethan Clark picked up his second victory of the season in game two, pitching five scoreless innings and allowing two hits while striking out six. Reliever Brian McAfee was credited with the save after working two scoreless innings to close out the game.

The Rays will face Pulaski again on Fri., July 8 for the series rubber match beginning at 7 p.m. at H.P. Hunnicutt Field.

The Princeton Rays have been the proud Appalachian League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1997. All questions may be forwarded to the Rays' front office at 304-487-2000. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Appalachian League Stories from July 7, 2016


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