Rock Cats Fall 4-3 to Defenders

Published on June 28, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The Defenders scored on a suicide squeeze in the eighth inning to erase a Rock Cats' comeback and escape with a 4-3 win on Sunday afternoon.

The Defenders broke through first with a run in the fifth when Brandon Crawford doubled and scored on an infield single by Sharlon Scoop. In the sixth, the Defenders tacked on two more runs, including a solo shot to left field by Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Tyler LaTorre added an RBI single to score Adam Witter, who doubled, for a 3-0 lead.

The lead didn't last long, though, as the Rock Cats clawed back in the bottom of the sixth. Rene Tosoni started the innings off with a double to left field and moved to third on a flyout by Whit Robbins. Erik Lis drew a walk to put runners on the corners before Juan Portes delivered a single to center to plate Tosoni and put the ‘Cats on the board, 3-1. An error by Scoop at second base allowed Brian Dinkelman to reach first safely and load the bases. The Defenders opted to send in relief man Matt Yourkin and the ‘Cats countered with pinch hitter Danny Berg, who drew a walk and forced a run in from third. Danny Lehmann then singled to left to score Portes to tie the game. Dinkelman attempted to give the ‘Cats the lead, but was tagged out at home by LaTorre, who fired down to second to catch Berg as he tried to advance to cap off the inning-ending doubleplay.

In the eighth, the Rock Cats sent closer Anthony Slama to the mound and he immediately allowed a leadoff double to Martinez-Esteve. Witter grounded out to first base but Eddy-Martinez advanced to third. Slama then intentionally walked LaTorre before Mike Mooney pulled off a suicide squeeze that scored Martinez-Esteve for the lead.

Fox allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks but came away with the no-decision. Slama (4-2) suffered the loss after allowing the game-winning run despite limiting the Defenders to just one hit in 2 innings of relief.

Matt Yourkin (4-1) picked up the win with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Joe Paterson notched his eighth save.

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Eastern League Stories from June 28, 2009


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