Richmond Scores 5 In 9th In 7-5 Comeback Win Over Rock Cats

Published on July 20, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The Rock Cats entered the 9th inning of today's rubber game against Richmond having successfully weathered the hot sun and, it seemed, in control with a comfortable 5-2 lead. However, the visiting Flying Squirrels had been saving their best for last as they erupted for 5 Runs in the 9th and defeated the Rock Cats 7-5 at New Britain Stadium. The stunning turn of baseball events featured Roger Kieschnick's double to the gap in right center that scored Charlie Culberson from 1st base to tie the game - and Chris Dominguez' 2-Run home run that closed the scoring. New Britain's Brett Jacobson came in to pitch the 9th and was the victim of Richmond's outburst; the dramatic turnabout was watched by 6,920 fans, the 16th Sellout gathering of the year in the Hardware City.

Hours earlier, it was the Rock Cats who charged out of the home dugout at High Noon, seemingly unaffected by the mid-day heat as they breezed to 5-2 lead. The early New Britain advantage came primarily from two early-inning home runs - a 2-Run first inning shot by Joe Benson and a lead-off blast in the next frame by Deibinson Romero.

Southpaw Blake Martin was making his thirteenth appearance - but just fourth start - for the Rock Cats today against Richmond, the Eastern League club that up until two years ago called Norwich home. The former LSU star was in his element early as he scattered 4 harmless hits over five full innings of shutout work. His former college teammate in the Bayou State, LHP Ryan Verdugo, was the starter for the Flying Squirrels and struggled early.

Immediately after Romero's long HR off Verdugo in the 2nd inning - his second in two days - Mark Dolenc singled, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sac fly by Yangervis Solarte to give New Britain a 4-0 lead.

With southpaw Andrew Albers on in relief of Martin, Richmond responded with its first Run in the 7th inning when Juan Perez singled in Johnny Monell, who had previously doubled. Deolis Guerra came in to pitch for New Britain in the 8th and surrendered two singles and a sac fly by Sharlon Schoop, to make it 5-2.

Entering today's contest, Richmond had been 0-38 this season when trailing after 8 innings.

Jacobson, who walked 3 in the fateful 9th, took the loss for New Britain and drops his record to 3-5; southpaw David Quinowski got the Win for Richmond and improves his mark to 3-2.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from July 20, 2011


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.

OurSports Central