ApL Princeton WhistlePigs

Rondon and Rojas Lead Rays Past Pirates, 5-4

July 10, 2016 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Princeton WhistlePigs News Release


Rays outfield Oscar Rojas leads off first base after one of three base hits and before stealing second base on the next pitch in the Rays 5-4 victory over Bristol. Princeton, WV - The Princeton Rays (8-8) took the first game of their series against the Bristol Pirates (8-8) with a 5-4 victory at Hunnicutt Field on Saturday night.

Despite Bristol producing 11 hits to the Rays' nine on the night, Princeton balanced their offense efforts throughout the game. Timely and effective pitching held the Pirates at bay allowing the Princeton bats to take the one-run decision.

Rays right-hander Edrick Agosto recorded his second victory of the young season tossing five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts. Venezulan prospect Hector Lopez posted his first save for the year pitching four innings with one run allowed on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Lopez stranded the would-be tying run for Bristol on third base with a strikeout to conclude the game.

The Princeton bats struck early with a run after back-to-back, hit-by-pitches of leadoff man Trek Stemp then third baseman Blake Butera. Stemp responded by stealing his fourth base of the season then scoring on a throwing error by Bristol catcher Yoel Gonzalez. Butera would swipe his second bag of 2016 before the inning ended with a 1-0 Rays advantage.

The Pirates posted a solo run in the top of the second to even the score at one run apiece. The Rays extended their lead with another run in the home half of the third as Butera flied a two-out double to leftfield then advanced to third on a balk. Dominican centerfielder Emilio Gustave followed by singling Butera home to make the score 2-1.

Bristol jumped ahead with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning setting the score at 3-2. Princeton matched the Pirates with two runs of their own spurred by catcher Rafelin Lorenzo reaching on a fielding error to set the table for Tampa top-15 shortstop prospect Adrian Rondon to blast his fourth home run of the season and put the Rays up 4-3. Recent Rays addition Oscar Rojas doubled and Issac Benard swiped his first base of the season before the inning concluded.

The Rays insurance run projected off the bat of Rondon in the bottom of the sixth when he sent his second homer of the night over the fence in centerfield making the score 5-3, Princeton. Bristol forged a run in the top of the seventh before Lopez closed the book and completed the Princeton victory.

The Rays were led at the plate by Rondon with his 2-for-4 performance featuring a pair of home runs, three RBI and two runs scored. Rojas followed finishing the night 3-for-4 with a double with Gustave close behind also going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Benard recorded a 1-for-3 performance with a walk and stolen base.

Butera completed the night having gone 1-for-3 with a double and run scored. Stemp finished the night 0-for-3 but scored a run and stole a base. Lorenzo echoed Stemp's performance going 0-for-4 with a run scored.

The Rays will matchup with the Bristol Pirates in the second game of the series at 5 PM at H.P. Hunnicutt Field on Sunday.

The Princeton Rays have been the proud affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1997. Please forward any questions to the Rays' front office at princetonrays@frontier.com or 304-487-2000. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Appalachian League Stories from July 10, 2016


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