Rocks Lose Late Lead in Extra Innings Setback
Published on May 29, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Blue Rocks did not trail on Friday night from the bottom of the first inning up until the top of the 13th. Unfortunately for the Rocks, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were ahead in the end, and they won 4-3 in 13 frames.
The Pelicans got the winning run thanks to three plays in the final inning. Freddie Freeman notched the first when he roped a liner down the first base line. Wilmington first baseman Clint Robinson reached to glove it, but whiffed, and Freeman had himself a lead-off double. Donnell Linares then tried to sacrifice Freeman to third. He laid a solid bunt up near the mound that reliever Kelvin Villa came over to field. But as Villa went to grab the ball he slipped and
everyone was safe.
Villa bounced back though, and struck out the Carolina League's leading home run hitter, Cody Johnson. Needing a double play ball to escape the inning, Villa appeared to induce one. Jon Mark Owings hit a sharp grounder right to shortstop Jeff Bianchi. Bianchi fielded the ball and flipped it to second to start the twin-killing. But Johnny Giavotella, who was covering the bag, could not handle the throw, and Freeman scored the eventual winning run.
Defense was an issue all night for Wilmington. The Rocks committed three errors, including two by third baseman Mike Moustakas. And it was Moustakas' second miscue which sent the game to extra innings.
Up 3-2 entering the top of the eighth, Wilmington seemed in control. But Linares' ground ball to third, was bobbled by Moustakas, allowing the Myrtle Beach batter to reach first safely. A ground out by Johnson moved Linares into scoring position. He then tied the game on an Owings single to left center.
Wilmington had an opportunity to win the contest in the ninth, when Paulo Orlando doubled to start the inning. But Orlando was still stationed at second when Derrick Robinson grounded out to end the frame.
To find the Blue Rocks' offense you have to go way back to the first three innings.
Wilmington scored two runs in the first frame. Derrick Robinson singled and Giavotella doubled to open the game. Two outs later David Lough scored both on an RBI single to right. In the third inning Giavotella singled with one out and scored two batters later. Jeff Bianchi roped a single to left that was misplayed by Johnson. The error allowed Giavotella to circle all the way home.
From that point on though the Blue Crew would manage just three more hits. Moustakas's struggles were equally as severe at the plate, where he took an 0-for-6 collar.
The late comeback by Myrtle Beach wasted a good start by the reigning Carolina League Pitcher of the Week, Everett Teaford. The left-hander tossed six innings of two-run ball, allowing only five hits, and striking out four.
Myrtle Beach starter Edgar Osuna was also solid. He lasted seven frames, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, punching out three and walking only one.
This game was decided by the bullpens though. Both were good, but Myrtle Beach's was near perfect.
Five Pelican relievers combined to not allow a run, and surrendered only three hits in six innings pitched. Lee Hyde (1-0) struck out a pair in two frames to earn the win. Thomas Palica worked a perfect 13th to pick up his third save.
Villa (1-4) took the loss for Wilmington.
The Rocks and Pelicans meet again on Saturday at Frawley Stadium. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. Alex Caldera (0-2, 5.44) takes the hill for Wilmington. He will be opposed by Jeff Locke (1-4, 4.20.) There will be a post-game fireworks show courtesy of Wilmington Trust. Prior to the contest there will be a fly-over by three Black Hawk helicopters, as the Rocks celebrate Military Appreciation Night. For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE.
PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE
The 13 inning contest was Wilmington's longest game of the year, both in length of innings, and in time. The affair lasted exactly four hours.
The Blue Rocks dropped to 1-4 in extra-inning games with the loss.
Everett Teaford recorded his fifth consecutive quality start.
Reliever Jason Godin appeared in a game for the first time since April 30 for the Blue Crew. Godin allowed three hits, but no runs in the seventh inning.
Godin's bullpen mate Brandon Sisk pitched a pair of perfect frames in the10th and 11th. The southpaw struck out the final five batters he faced.
Wilmington pitchers recorded a season-high 17 strikeouts on Friday night.
Johnny Giavotella extended his hitting streak to eight games with a first inning double.
The teams combined to leave 19 runners on base and went just 5-for-23 with runners in scoring position.
Carolina League Stories from May 29, 2009
- Rocks Lose Late Lead in Extra Innings Setback - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Pelicans Take Rocks in 13 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Cats Blank P-Nats - Hill City Howlers
- Offensive Funk Continues as Cats Top Nats - Potomac Nationals
- The Kinston Indians Win Their Third Straight Game - Kinston Indians
- Dash Drop Out of First - Winston-Salem Dash
- Keys Lose Late - Frederick Keys
- Four-Run Seventh Propels Salem Past Frederick in Series Opener - Salem RidgeYaks
- Pelicans Unable to Complete Sweep - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- The Kinston Indians Return Home Monday for a Short Three Game Series - Kinston Indians
- Salem Sox Offer Special Father's Day Package - Salem RidgeYaks
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