Rockers win home opener
Published on June 1, 2021 under Atlantic League (AtL)
High Point Rockers News Release
HIGH POINT, N.C. - The High Point Rockers rallied from behind to defeat the Lancaster Barnstormers in their 2021 home opener, 4-3 on Tuesday night at Truist Point.
Trailing 3-1 late in the game, Logan Morrison cut High Point's deficit to a single run with a solo homer to right center leading off the eighth. Michael Russell drew a walk and stole second. After Jared Mitchell walked, Lancaster pitcher Donald Goodson tried to pick off Mitchell at first and threw the ball away. Russell scored and Mitchell wound up on third. A walk to Stuart Levy put runners on the corners. Alfonzo drove in Mitchell with an infield ground out to give the Rockers a 4-3 advantage heading into the ninth. Brian Clark came in and retired Cleuluis Rondon on a groundout, before walking Blake Allemand. Allemand would be picked off first moments later, when a low pitch was blocked by Stuart Levy. Levy's ensuing throw caught Allemand too far off the bag for the second out. Clark would strike out Caleb Gindl to end the game and send the Rockers faithful home happy.
High Point starting pitcher Mitch Atkins had a strong outing, not allowing a hit until Blake Gailen led off the fourth with a single.
High Point took a 1-0 lead in the fourth when Michael Russell singled, moved to second on a single by Jared Mitchell and scored on a Levy double.
Lancaster tied the game in the sixth. Ryan Chaffee relieved Atkins to start the sixth and walked Caleb Gindl to lead off the frame. Trayvon Robinson grounded to Logan Morrison at first but his throw to second bounced off the glove of shortstop Giovanny Alfonzo and went into left field, putting runners at second and third. First baseman Kelly Dugan then singled to drive in Gindl to knot the game. The eighth hitter, Anthony Peroni drew a walk, which gave the Barnstormers a 2-1 lead.
Chaffee would face eight batters in the frame, allowing two walks and a hit before leaving due to injury. Max Povse came in with the bases loaded and walked Rondon to force in a third run.
Jake Petricka, although not a participant in the game, received the largest ovation of the night, when it was announced that his contract was selected by the Los Angeles Angels. Petricka represents the record-breaking eighth contract selected from the Rockers in 2021.
The Rockers and Barnstormers will play the second game of the series Wednesday night at Truist Point at 7:05. For tickets, visit www.highpointrockers.com.
Atlantic League Stories from June 1, 2021
- Blue Crabs Nail-Biting Loss Gives Legends First Ever ALPB Victory at Home - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Rockers win home opener - High Point Rockers
- Ducks Storm Back in Eighth But Fall in West Virginia - Long Island Ducks
- Barnstormers Sign Right-Hander Taggart - Lancaster Stormers
- July4York Is Back - York Revolution
- Lexington Legends Announce Inaugural Atlantic League Home Opener Roster - Lexington Legends
- Revs Drop Memorial Day Finale to Rockers - York Revolution
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.
