NYPL Hudson Valley Renegades

Renegades Blow Five-Run Lead, in 12-7 Loss

Published on July 16, 2008 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Hudson Valley Renegades News Release


The Renegades lost the final two games against Mahoning Valley this past weekend and it looked as if the team would get back into the win column on Wednesday night at Dutchess Stadium. The Renegades got off to a great start offensively behind a big blast by Kyeong Kang, but sloppy defense and poor pitching cost the Renegades against the pesky Doubledays. The Renegades would blow a five run lead, and Auburn rallied to score 10 unanswered runs putting the Renegades away by a score of 12-7

The ‘Gades got on the board in a big way in the home half of the first and it seemed they would cruise from there. Robi Estrada led off the game with a walk and was able to score on a throwing error by Doubleday third baseman Mark Sobolewski. The error would prove costly for Auburn as Kang would step to the plate and crush his third homer of the season. The shot was of the three-run variety and it sailed clearly over the centerfield fence.

The homerun gave Renegades' starter Chris Andujar an early four run cushion, but the Doubledays were able to strike back in the following inning and cut the lead in half after back-to-back booming doubles. Andujar was able to escape the jam by striking out the side, keeping the score at 4-2.

The ‘Gades would take back those runs in the bottom of the second inning and blow the game open. Mark Thomas started it off by reaching base on an error by Auburn shortstop Bryan Kervin. Mike Ross would then walk and set the table for the top of the order. Estrada stepped up and bounced a single to center that would score Thomas. Jason Tweedy would then bring home Ross on a sacrifice fly to deep right field. John Mollicone capped off the scoring by bouncing a ball to third, scoring Estrada, making the score 7-2.

Once again it looked as if the Renegades had taken control of the game, but Andujar was not able to get comfortable. He loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the fourth and his defense was not able to bail him out. Estrada made the key error by booting a double-play ball at short, allowing two runs to score. Looking to stop any further damage, Andujar was pulled in favor of Travis Risser. He did a decent job by keeping the lead intact, but Auburn crept to within one, 7-6.

The wheels fell off in the seventh and Auburn would finally come all the way back and overcome the five run deficit. After loading the bases against Risser, Brian Van Kirk lined a double down the right field line. The shot plated two and the Doubledays took the lead 8-7. Southpaw Neil Schenk replaced Risser and finally ended the inning.

The Renegades had a chance to take back the lead in the bottom of the eighth after loading the bases against Auburn left-hander Matthew Daly. Tweedy and John Mollicone, the Renegades' two hottest hitters, stepped to the plate but were unable to drive in a run. The Renegades still trailed 8-7 going into the ninth.

Auburn tacked on four more in the ninth and put the Renegades away for good. The ‘Gades would go quietly in the home half, putting an end to a long, sloppy game.

On a positive note, Tweedy extended his on-base streak to 24 games by reaching on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the sixth. He also stole his 10th base of the season.

The ‘Gades will play the second of three-games against the Doubledays at home on Thursday. The team will send right-hander Nick Barnese to the hill hoping that he can end the current three-game losing streak. Barnese is 1-0 on the season with a miniscule 1.25 ERA. Barnese will be matched up against Doubleday right-hander Joel Carreno (3-1, 1.50). Game time is scheduled for 7:05.

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New York-Penn League Stories from July 16, 2008


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