Rock Cats Rally in 9th to Beat Trenton

Published on August 13, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


Mike Tauchman's two-out single off Manchester, CT native Alex Smith scored Jan Vazquez from second base in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Rock Cats a 6-5 win over Trenton, before 5,693 fans at New Britain Stadium Thursday night. The Rock Cats took two of three from the Yankees affiliate.

"I was just trying to extend the at bat," said Tauchman, who fouled off several pitches before delivering his walk-off blow.

The Rock Cats actually jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the sixth inning, only to have the Thunder rally for four runs in the seventh to tie the game and set up the ninth inning heroics.

Highly-touted Rockies prospect Jeff Hoffman was in line to win his first game for New Britain, pitching five innings and allowing just one run on three hits. "He wanted to go out and pitch the sixth inning, but we're watching his arm," said Rock Cats manager Darin Everson. Hoffman is recovering from Tommy John surgery 15 months ago.

Tauchman ended up with two hits, including his game winner, to pace New Britain's 12-hit attack. Vazquez added three hits. Noel Cuevas had two hits and two RBI, while Will Swanner added a two-run single and David Dahl collected two hits, including a home run.

The Rock Cats open a three-game weekend series against the Binghamton Mets, Friday night at 7:05 at New Britain Stadium. Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis will pitch for the Rock Cats on Saturday night against the New York Mets Double-A affiliate. Bettis is on a rehabilitation assignment.

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Eastern League Stories from August 13, 2015


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