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ApL Princeton WhistlePigs

Rays Comeback in 9th to Win Series

July 15, 2016 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Princeton WhistlePigs News Release


A ninth-inning, five-run comeback pushed the Princeton Rays (12-8) past the Bluefield Blue Jays (10-10) by a score of 10-6 on Thursday at Bowen Field.

The comeback victory not only helped the Rays secure a series win against the Blue Jays, it also pushed Princeton to a 2-1 lead in the overall Mercer Cup series against Bluefield.

Down 4-0 early, the Rays began their comeback with two runs in the sixth inning. First baseman Bobby Melley singled and center fielder Oscar Rojas walked to begin the rally. Both runners then scored on a double by shortstop Adrian Rondon to cut the Rays deficit in half.

Bluefield notched two runs in the seventh to push the score to 6-2, but the Princeton bats continued to fight back with three runs in the eighth.

Designated hitter Emilio Gustave drew a walk to begin the frame, then advanced to third on a single by Melley and a Blue Jays error. Both Gustave and Melley later scored on back-to-back RBI-singles by Rondon and catcher Rafelin Lorenzo. The final run of the frame scored on a RBI-single by third baseman Robbie Tenerowicz to push the Rays within one run of Bluefield, 6-5.

The Rays offense wasn't finished. In the top of the ninth and with the bases loaded, Rojas launched a bases-clearing triple to center field to help Princeton take a 9-6 lead. The Rays continued their barrage, scoring twice more before the inning ended, to complete the five-run rally.

Princeton reliever Dalton Moats held the Blue Jays scoreless in the ninth to cap off a shutout two and one-third innings performance that earned him his first win of the season.

Rays starter Ethan Clark, who was named the Appalachian League pitcher of the week for July 4-10 on Monday, pitched five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and striking out five.

Reliever Sandy Brito also saw action on the mound for Princeton, pitching one and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs on two hits while striking out four.

Rojas finished the game with a team-high three RBI, while Melley collected four hits on the night to lead the offense.

The Rays will look to sweep the Blue Jays on Fri., July 15 in the series rubber match beginning at 7:05 p.m. at Bowen Field.

The Princeton Rays have been the proud Appalachian League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1997. Any questions may be forwarded to the Rays' front office at 304-487-2000 orprincetonrays@frontier.com .

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