Santana's Walk-Off Homer in 13th Punctuates 'Dads Eighth Straight Win
Published on May 4, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
HICKORY, NC - After twice tying the game in the ninth and the 12th innings, the Hickory Crawdads extended their eight-game winning streak with a DH Cristian Santana walk-off home run in the 13th inning for a 5-4 victory over the Asheville Tourists before 832 fans at L.P. Frans Stadium on Tuesday night. With the win, the Crawdads remain in first place in the Northern Division.
With two outs in the bottom of the 13th, Santana stepped in to face Asheville's third reliever of the night, RHP Leuris Gomez (0-1, 5.29 ERA). Santana launched a majestic shot deep to left field for the walk-off win to send everyone home with a 5-4 Crawdads victory.
With the Tourists (9-16) leading 3-2, going into the bottom of the ninth, C Vinny DiFazio led off with his third home run of the season to tie things up at three and keep the ballgame going.
Asheville reclaimed the lead in the top of the 12th when CF Eliezer Mesa scored on single to left by 2B Avery Barnes and a throwing error on a play at the plate by LF Ed Koncel. Hickory (16-10) answered back with an RBI double by Koncel in the bottom of the 12th, plating 1B Mike Ortiz to knot it back up at 3-3 and again extend the contest for the eventual walk-off in the 13th.
The 'Dads pitching tandem of starter RHP Joe Wieland, RHP Hector Nelo, RHP Braden Tullis, and RHP Josh Lueke combined to record a Hickory record for combined strikeouts in a game with 20.
Lueke (1-1, 0.00 ERA) pitched the final 2.2 innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits, while fanning five to pick up his first win of the season. Nelo and Tullis combined for 4.1 innings of scoreless relief. Wieland lasted six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out eight.
Gomez (0-1, 5.29 ERA) was tagged with the loss for Asheville, giving up the winning run on the Santana homer, the only hit he allowed in his one inning of work.
Crawdads Clippings: The Crawdads go for their ninth straight win on Wednesday against the Asheville Tourists at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.). Its Unemployment Night -- fans with a valid NCESC-issued debit card or printed online statement can receive up to four complimentary tickets. It's also the official kick-off of Wii Wednesday with a season-long home run derby to determine the winner of a Nintendo Wii! The Crawdads will also be celebrating Cinco De Mayo with a Mexican-themed fiesta. Gates open at 6 p.m., first pitch is at 7 p.m.
The series against Asheville wraps up with Thirsty Thursday featuring $1 beers and Pepsis, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. It's also Date an Intern Night presented by K & J Charters, Whitfield's Florist, and KICKS 103.3 FM. A select number of women will compete in on-field and trivia games for a date with Group Sales Assistant Gregor Walz. There will also be a live performance by Norva Jean Dreams after the game! Gates open at 6 p.m., first pitch is at 7 p.m.
Get Tickets: Single game tickets for all Crawdads games are on sale now at the Crawdads Ticket Office and online at www.hickorycrawdads.com and start at just $6! Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available at the Crawdads office, located at 2500 Clement Blvd. NW or by calling (828) 322-3000.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 4, 2010
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