Simpson Grand Slam Carries Cleburne
Published on July 24, 2019 under American Association (AA)
Cleburne Railroaders News Release
St. Paul, MIN. - A grand slam from Chase Simpson in the top of the eighth broke a 1-1 tie and lifted the Cleburne Railroaders to a 5-1 win over the St. Paul Saints on Wednesday night at CHS Field.
It was the second grand slam of the season for Simpson, capping off a remarkable at-bat against St. Paul reliever Ryan Smith. After falling behind in the count 0-2, Simpson worked it full before fouling off three two-strike pitches. On the ninth pitch of the battle, Simpson cranked a blast to deep right field over the Home Run Porch to give Cleburne the lead.
The Railroaders (36-25) grabbed the lead just two hitters into the game when Daniel Robertson smacked a leadoff triple and came in to score on an RBI grounder from Angel Reyes. That would prove to be all the offense that Cleburne could muster against St. Paul starter Ryan Zimmerman, who did not allow a hit for the final six innings of his outing. The Saints righty struck out nine, while walking two.
Zimmerman was matched pitch-for-pitch by Eudis Idrogo (6-3), who did not allow a hit for the first five innings and ultimately worked seven frames with five strikeouts and no walks. Chesny Young's solo home run leading off the sixth tied the game 1-1, but Idrogo recovered to strand two Saints in that inning and then tossed a quick 1-2-3 seventh.
Grant Buck started the eighth getting hit by a pitch from St. Paul reliever Ken Frosch (2-2). Ryan Smith was brought out to face K.C. Huth, and got him to bunt into a fielder's choice out at second. After Robertson slapped a single to put runners at first and second, Reyes hit a hard ground ball that St. Paul shortstop Chris Baker bobbled to load the bases, setting the stage for Simpson's heroics. The grand slam was the 16th home run of the season for Simpson, and extended his league-leading RBI total to 67.
D.J. Sharabi was magnificent out of the Cleburne bullpen to close out the win, firing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. The Railroaders held St. Paul (40-22) to just four hits on the evening.
The Railroaders and Saints continue their series on Thursday night. Right-hander Charlie Gillies (3-5, 4.08) starts for Cleburne, while St. Paul will counter with fellow righty Benji Waite (0-0, 4.90). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.
American Association Stories from July 24, 2019
- King 'K': McGovern Sets Franchise Strikeout Record in Win over AirHogs - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Low Homers in Birds Victory over T-Bones - Sioux Falls Canaries
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Simpson Grand Slam Carries Cleburne - Cleburne Railroaders
- RailCats Fall to X's, 3-2, in First Game Following All-Star Break - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Milwaukee Rallies Late to Stun Dogs on Wiener Wednesday - Chicago Dogs
- Zimmerman Dazzles Again, But Grand Slam the Difference in 5-1 Loss to Railroaders - St. Paul Saints
- Railroaders Sign Impact Bat Reyes - Cleburne Railroaders
- Goldeyes Add Veteran Garcia, Darvill Headed to Pan-Am Games - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Sign RHP Darnell, Activate RHP DeLeon from Inactive List - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Lee Heading South to AAA Mexico - Kansas City Monarchs
- Canaries Back Home this Weekend, Including Dollar Beer Night Monday - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Top O' the Mornin' to Ya, Saints Bring the Irish Flavor to July 24-29 Homestand - St. Paul Saints
- North Bests South 7-3, RailCats Willis Named MVP - St. Paul Saints
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
