Rocks Allow Three Ninth-Inning Runs, Fall to Salem
Published on May 8, 2003 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
WILMINGTON, DE â The Wilmington Blue Rocks allowed three ninth-inning runs and blew a two-run lead, falling to the Salem Avalanche, 5-4, Wednesday night at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. It was the first time Wilmington has lost when leading after eight innings this season.
The Salem Avalanche (14-16) opened the ninth inning trailing the Blue Rocks, 4-2. Trevor Mote led off with a double off Blue Rocks reliever Mike Natale (1-1). After T.J. Soto reached on a Darren Fenster error, Hector Gimenez smacked a run-scoring double to narrow the score to 4-3. Blue Rocks manager Billy Gardner, Jr. brought in Jorge Vasquez with runners at second and third. Vasquez allowed a Reinaldo Ruiz RBI single and then allowed a walk to Steve Checksfield before throwing a wild pitch, which allowed Gimenez to score the go-ahead run. Brad Stiles retired the final batter of the inning.
The Avalanche scored in the first on an RBI single from Soto. Salem made the score 2-0 in the third on a Brandon Caraway RBI. Blue Rocks starter Brian Bass allowed the two runs on five hits with one walk and three streikouts in the no-decision.
The Blue Rocks (19-12) tied the score at 2-2 in the third when Justin Cowan led off with a single. Tony Arnerich faced his former Texas Tech University battery mate, Brandon Roberson, and smacked an RBI triple to right-center field. Arnerich then scored on an Andres Blanco RBI groundout. Roberson pitched six innings for Salem, allowing the two runs on three hits, walking one and fanning three. Wilmington went ahead, 4-2, in the seventh when Fenster hit a two-run single to right field, scoring John Draper, who doubled, and Blanco, who reached on a walk.
BLUE ROCKS NOTES: The Blue Rocks have an off day on Thursday. On Friday, the Rocks open a four-game weekend series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans with a doubleheader, beginning at 6:05 p.m. The Blue Rocks are now 14-1 when leading after eight innings and 17-1 when leading after seven. The Rocks are now 9-1 when the starter goes at least six innings. Wilmington has allowed seven come-from-behind victories this season. The Rocks are 4-4 in one-run games. Salem is 4-1 against Wilmington in 2003. Natale allowed one hit and struck out four batters in the two innings of relief prior to the ninth on Wednesday night.
Carolina League Stories from May 8, 2003
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- Rocks Allow Three Ninth-Inning Runs, Fall to Salem - Wilmington Blue Rocks
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