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ApL Princeton WhistlePigs

Rondon Rains on Burlington in 16-2 Victory

June 25, 2016 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Princeton WhistlePigs News Release


Led by three home runs off the bat of 17-year-old shortstop Adrian Rondon, the Princeton Rays (2-0) topped the Burlington Royals (0-2) 16-2 on a rainy Friday night in Burlington, NC.

Rondon finished with nine RBI on the night after launching a two-run home run in the first, a three-run home run in the sixth, and a grand slam in the eighth for the Rays.

"I felt really good because I was looking for a pitch down in the zone [in the eighth] to take advantage of," Rondon said. "I felt great that I could help my team out with another home run."

Dominican-born Rondon, listed at No. 19 on MLB.com's top Rays prospect list, added that playing in the Appalachian League at such a young age doesn't intimidate him.

"It's easier, more comfortable than the Gulf Coast League [where I played last season]," Rondon said. "I just had to adjust. ... Here, everyone is equal [regardless of age]."

The Rays lineup recorded a total of twelve hits in the game. Catcher Rafelin Lorenzo added a home run of his own, and finished with three hits and three RBI while Rays returning second baseman Blake Butera and Venezuelan right fielder Eleardo Cabrera tacked on two hits each.

First baseman and recent draft pick Bobby Melley and third baseman Juan Rodriguez rounded out the hits column for the Rays with a base hit each.

Rays starter, Dominican left-handed Resly Linares pitched four innings, giving up just one run on three hits while striking out two. Linares was relieved by fellow Dominican Sandy Brito, who gave up one run in two innings and was credited with the win.

Rays returner Ethan Clark finished out the game with three scoreless innings for his first save of 2016, clinching the Rays second victory of the season in as many games.

The Rays will look to sweep the series against the Royals in the rubber match on Sat., June 25 at 7 p.m. at Burlington Athletic Stadium in North Carolina.

The Princeton Rays have been the proud Appalachian League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1997. All questions may be forwarded to the Rays' front office at 304-487-2000 or princetonrays@frontier.com.

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Appalachian League Stories from June 25, 2016


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