Rock Cats Edged 5-4 in Tenth

Published on June 3, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


NEW BRITAIN, CT - Rock Cats starter Michael McCardell hurled eight strong innings but his search for a win continued as Altoona's Alex Presley homered to leadoff the tenth inning and the Curve went on to a 5-4 win on Thursday night. The Rock Cats rallied in the bottom of the tenth, but left the tying run in scoring position as Altoona completed a three-game sweep with the victory.

Altoona jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Chase d'Arnaud opened the game with a double off McCardell. A throwing error by McCardell on a pickoff attempt allowed d'Arnaud to move to third. Josh Harrison eventually knocked him in with a groundout to third.

The Rock Cats tied the game when Erik Lis blasted a solo shot over the right field wall to lead off the bottom of the second. Altoona regained the lead in the fourth on an RBI single by Presley.

Altoona's Tim Alderson limited the Rock Cats to one run on five hits before he gave way to Jimmy Barthmaier to open the seventh. Barthmaier walked the first batter he faced, Steve Singleton, before allowing a single to Danny Lehman. Both runners moved into scoring position on Juan Portes' sacrifice bunt before pinch hitter Brandon Roberts - who took Chris Cates' spot in the lineup - lined a single into left field to knock in Singleton and tie the game, 2-2.

McCardell finished with eight strong innings, scattering six hits while striking out three and walking just one. He allowed two runs - one earned - but came away with the no-decision and remains at 0-5 on the season.

McCardell handed the ball over to Matthew Williams, who fired a perfect ninth to keep the Rock Cats' shot at a win in the bottom of the inning alive. The Rock Cats were retired quickly in the ninth, though, and Williams returned to the mound in the tenth. Presley led off with a homer over the right field wall to give the Curve the 3-2 lead. d'Arnaud and Gorkys Hernandez followed with consecutive singles before both runners moved into scoring position courtesy of a wild pitch by Williams (1-2). Harrison the lined a base hit into left field to plate both runners.

The Rock Cats rallied in the bottom of the tenth, scoring two runs with two outs, including RBI singles by Rene Tosoni and Lis.

Rock Cats' center fielder Ben Revere stole his team-best 20th base in the fifth inning to tie for the Eastern League lead.

Tony Watson (2-0) picked up the win for the Curve with 2 2/3 shutout innings in relief. Danny Moskos notched his 13th save.

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Eastern League Stories from June 3, 2010


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