Ruiz Ruins Barnstormers Night
Published on June 30, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The Lancaster Barnstormers were faced with an unenviable decision.
With the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom of the ninth, the Barnstormers either had to face reigning Player of the Year and current RBI leader Lew Ford or go up against veteran Randy Ruiz, who was hitting .323 at game time.
They did the sensible thing and faced Ruiz. However, the Long Island designated hitter singled into center field, driving home two as the Ducks defeated Lancaster for their 15th consecutive home victory. The Barnstormers dropped to 9-25 on the road for the year.
Reegie Corona opened the bottom of the ninth with a single to center on a 1-2 pitch from Zach Jackson (2-5). Dan Lyons advanced the runner with a bunt. Jackson walked Bryan Sabatella before Delta Cleary, Jr. rolled out slowly to third baseman Luke Hughes.
Marcus Walden came in, and the Barnstormers pointed Ford to first base. Ruiz then lined the 1-1 pitch into center with Sabatella beating the strong throw from Jerry Owens home.
Lancaster had just assumed the lead in the top of the inning off Ryan Kussmaul (3-0). Owens beat out a drag bunt and moved ahead on Bryant Nelson's bunt. Mike McDade lined a single to center with Owens stopping at third. Brian Cavazos-Galvez was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Brandon Jones forced home the go-ahead run with a walk. Kussmaul then struck out Luke Hughes and got Jake Luce to sky to left to end the inning with the slim one-run lead.
John Brownell carried a three-hit shutout into the seventh, but McDade opened the inning with a double sliced into the left field corner and scored when Cavazos-Galvez singled down the right field line.
Bryan Woodall went six innings as the Lancaster starter, yielding eight hits and one run. He walked one and struck out five.
The series continues Wednesday evening with Nate Reed (1-4) taking the hill against right-hander Billy Buckner (4-1). Fans may tune into 1390-AM, WLAN; rumba1390.com or the I Heart Radio cell phone app, beginning at 6:15.
NOTES: The Barnstormers have scored only 54 runs in their last 26 road games...Long Island had to bat in the bottom of the ninth for the first time at home since June 7...Lancaster has now lost three games in six days when the club was leading into the opponent's final at bat...Pete Andrelczyk struck out at least one batter for the 14th straight appearance...He has allowed only one earned run in his last 22 innings...Woodall threw his seventh quality start in 10 openings.
Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2015
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- Patriots Pound Riversharks 8-1 - Somerset Patriots
- Southern Maryland Edges Bridgeport To Even Series - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Ducks Waddle off Victorious on Record Setting Night - Long Island Ducks
- Blue Crabs Score Four Early Runs and Never Look Back - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Ruiz Ruins Barnstormers Night - Lancaster Stormers
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