Seawolves Down Cats 5-2

Published on June 15, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


NEW BRITAIN, CT - Erie's Kelvin De La Cruz went the distance to lead the Seawolves to a 5-2 victory over New Britain in the series opener before 6,149 fans at New Britain Stadium on Friday night.

De La Cruz (4-6) turned in a brilliant nine inning performance as he limited the Rock Cats to two runs on six hits. He struck out four.

The Seawolves struck first with a run in the first inning. Jamie Johnson greeted Rock Cats starter Aaron Thompson with a double to center and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Niuman Romero.

The Rock Cats retaliated in the bottom of the second. Matt Rizzotti drew a two-out walk and Mark Dolenc followed with a double to put runners on the corners. Estarlin De Los Santos then dropped a double into center to knock in two runs and put the Rock Cats on top, 2-1.

New Britain held the lead until the seventh inning when Brandon Douglas delivered an RBI single off reliever Blake Martin to tie the game, 2-2. The Seawolves then took the lead in the eighth. Martin allowed a leadoff double to Jordan Lennerton and Rawley Bishop followed with a single to put runners on the corners with no outs. Second baseman Shawn Roof then misplayed a ball off the bat of James McCann, allowing Lennerton to cross the plate for the go-ahead run. The Seawolves went onto score two more runs in the inning, including an RBI single by Michael Rockett.

"Offensively, it's not going to hold up once you score two runs and shut down like that," said Rock Cats manager Jeff Smith. "We have to start playing a little bit better baseball."

Thompson turned in his best start of the season since joining the `Cats, limiting the Seawolves to one run on five hits in six innings. He struck out three but came away with the no-decision.

"(Thompson) deserved better than that. He pitched well enough to get a victory," said Smith, "but, unfortunately, we weren't able to come through for him in the late innings for him."

Martin (2-3) suffered the loss for the `Cats after allowing four runs on four hits in one inning. Caleb Thielbar hurled two shutout innings in relief, striking out four and allowing one hit while throwing 18 of 22 pitches for strikes.

ALLSTATE PLAYER OF THE GAME : LHP Aaron Thompson limited the Seawolves to one run and five hits in six innings. He struck out three.

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Eastern League Stories from June 15, 2012


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