Rock Cats Walk-Off on Murphy's Two-Run Single; Down Senators 5-4

Published on June 9, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The New Britain Rock Cats defeated the Harrisburg Senators in dramatic fashion on Tuesday evening - a 5-4 walk-off victory at New Britain Stadium.

C Tom Murphy delivered a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth off Harrisburg reliever RHP Hector Ambriz. The Cats' RBI leader sent a 2-2 fastball over the head of 2B Tony Renda - scoring both CF Mike Tauchman and SS Trevor Story to send the fans home happy. Story scored his third run of the game on the play, capping off a rally started by Tauchman's two-out double.

Harrisburg put up a run in the opening frame against Rock Cats starter RHP Brett Marshall. The former New York Yankee allowed two first inning hits, with the run coming on a sacrifice fly to right field off the bat of LF Kevin Keyes.

The visiting Senators increased their lead to 4-0 with three runs in the top of the fourth. CF Derrick Robinson singled home 1B Shawn Pleffner, who led off with a base hit to center. The speedy Robinson stole second to put himself into scoring position and was ultimately brought around on a double courtesy of RHP Dakota Bacus, his first hit of the season. The pitcher later scored on a fly ball single from Renda.

New Britain responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the Nationals affiliate lead in half. Story, Murphy and 2B Pat Valaika reeled off three straight extra base hits - two triples and a double - the first three hits of the game for the Rock Cats.

LF Tyler Massey put the Rock Cats within one on a two-out RBI double in the bottom of the eighth, scoring Story for his second run of the night. The outfielder sent reliever RHP Paul Demny's offering down the right field line, plating the infielder and advancing Valaika, who walked in the previous at-bat, to third.

After a visit to the mound, 1B Will Swanner drew a walk to load the bases and that was reason for manager Brian Daubach to call RHP Hector Ambriz out of the bullpen to record the final out. With one pitch, the right hander induced a pop-up from RF Dean Espy to Pleffner, squashing the rally.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Tauchman had fans cheering as a he cracked a double into the alley in right-center, sparking a late rally. Story drew the free pass to put runners on first and second, giving way to Murphy.

With the backstop at the plate and runners on second and third after a successful double-steal, he eventually worked his way to a 2-2 count before sending a fastball out to shallow right field to score two, clinching the 5-4 victory.

Marshall went the first five innings for the home club before giving way to the bullpen. The right hander allowed four runs, all earned, on seven hits while walking five and striking out three. New Britain relievers RHP Shane Broyles and LHP Kraig Sitton worked a combined four scoreless innings to preserve the team's chance at a win. Sitton improves to 2-1 for his two innings of work.

Bacus threw six strong innings for Harrisburg, allowing two runs on five hits while walking one and striking out three. Ambriz is the tough luck loser, recording his third blown save and falling to 1-3.

Wednesday evening's contest will see Rock Cats RHP Matt Flemer squaring off against Harrisburg starter RHP Austin Voth for a 6:35 p.m. start.

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Eastern League Stories from June 9, 2015


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