Ron Bush Delivers Game-Winning Hit in Bottom of 9th

Published on July 2, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release


Tuesday, July 2 2002 - Dunn Field, Elmira, NY

Ron Bush came through with a game-winning single to leftfield in the bottom of the 9th driving in Bobby Hill from 2nd base for an exciting walk-off win 5-4 over the New Jersey Jackals. It was Elmira's first walk-off victory of the season and keeps alive the Pioneers chances in the first half pennant race.

The exciting night of baseball was witnessed by the largest crowd of the year as 2,696 were on hand for Toshiba Fireworks Night.

The Pioneers (20-17) now trail the Jackals by 5 games with 8 remaining in the 1st half South Divison race as New Jersey's (25-12) magic record holds steady at 4.

Bobby Hill led off the bottom of the 9th with a single up the middle against former Pioneer hurler A.J. Brack (3-1). Rod Smith bunted Hill to 2nd base setting up the dramatic single looped to left for Ron Bush who went 3-for-4 and has now gone 7-for-8 in his last 2 games.

The victory ends Elmira's 3-game losing streak and represents the 2nd straight loss for New Jersey after they had won a league record 13 straight.

Matt Pike (3-0) picked up the win in relief strandingrunners at 1st and 2nd with back to back strikeouts of the team's 1 and 2 hitters Billy Brown and Craig Conway.

Sean Brummet took a no decision for the Pioneers allowing 4 earned runs in 7 innings.

Elmira trailed 3-1 heading into the 6th but rallied for 2 runs to tie the score. Bush singled and Rafael Alvarez doubled to right-center driving in a run. Following strikeouts of Pedro Quero and Norm Hutchins, Brian Jones was intentionally walked and Osmani Garcia came through with a single to left tying the game at 3.

Bobby Hill had also scored the tying run in the bottom of the 7th when he walked against starter Aaron Myers and stole 2nd. After Rod Smith walked, Bush bunted the runners ahead off reliever Chris George. Following an intentional walk of Rafael Alvarez, Pedro Quero delivered a game-tying Sac-Fly to foul territory in the RF corner.

Shigeki Sano (0-1, 1.35) pitches for Elmira Wednesday night against NJ LH Mike Bertotti (5-1, 4.70).



Canadian American League Stories from July 2, 2002


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.

OurSports Central