AtL Sugar Land Space Cowboys

Skeeters Walk-Off for Second-Straight Night, 7-6

June 26, 2015 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Sugar Land Space Cowboys News Release


SUGAR LAND, Texas - The Sugar Land Skeeters posted their second-straight walk-off win over Long Island, winning 7-6 following an Amadeo Zazueta single down the rightfield line in the bottom of the ninth. The win bolsters the Skeeters' record to 31-31 on the year. With the one-run victory, Sugar Land has now played in five consecutive one-run games.

The Skeeters continued to swing the bat well following last night's come-from-behind win. Denny Almonte singled through the right-side of the infield and stole second with no outs to move into scoring position. The speedster's 13th-steal of the season moved Almonte into a tie for fifth in the single-season stolen base record with Steve Moss. Travis Scott singled into right to bring Almonte in and break the scoring seal. Kevin Russo hooked a double down the third-base line and into the left field corner, allowing Scott to come around from first. Johan Limonta followed with a line-drive single into center, allowing Russo to trot home and stake the Skeeters a 3-0 lead on Long Island starter, Billy Buckner.

Long Island rallied for three runs in the third off Shane Loux to tie the game. Bryan Sabatella doubled to left field with one out. After a flyout, Lew Ford doubled off the wall in left to score Sabatella. Randy Ruiz hit a two-run home run to left to tie the game at three.

In his first start with Sugar Land, Kelly Cross launched a no-doubt solo home run to right that hooked the foul pole to stake the Skeeters a 4-3 lead. The home run was the backstop's second-career blast and second hit with the Skeeters. Taveras reached on a one-out single into center and promptly stole second and third before coming in to score after Scott banged a double high off the wall in right-center to increase the Skeeters lead, 5-3.

Long Island put up its second-three spot in the game in the top of the seventh to claim a 6-5 lead. Dan Lyons hit a slow roller to the left of the mound and beat the throw to first for a one-out single. Sabatella hit a high chopper over the head of Patrick Palmeiro at third to put the tying run on base. Delta Cleary, Jr. doubled into the right-center alley to tie the game before Ruiz picked up his fourth RBI of the evening with a single into center, giving the Ducks their first lead of the night, 6-5.

Loux surrendered a season-high 11 hits and six runs in seven innings of work. He snapped a string of four-straight quality starts in his no-decision.

The Skeeters continued to come up with timely at-bats in the bottom of the seventh. Russo singled deep in the hole to short to start the inning. Palmeiro singled into left, moving Russo to scoring position. Zazueta followed with a slow-roller to short. After Palmeiro was forced out at second, Blake Davis made an errant throw to first, allowing Russo to come in and tie the game at six.

Sugar Land provided more fireworks in the bottom of the ninth to claim its second-straight walk-off win. Scott singled into left to open the frame and Russo sacrificed him over to second. Following an intentional walk to Limonta, Palmeiro went down swinging, chasing a high fastball from Nick Struck for the second out. After falling behind 0-2, Amadeo Zazueta fouled off a pair of tough pitches before lacing a single down the right-field line, scoring Scott easily from second and sending the Skeeters home as winners for the second-straight evening.

Derrick Loop picked up his second win of the season to improve to 3-0 and with Zazueta's single in the ninth, every starting player for Sugar Land picked up a hit in the contest.

The Skeeters continue the six game homestand at the friendly confines of Constellation Field tomorrow against Long Island for Bark in the Park sponsored by Texas Direct Auto. First pitch with the Ducks is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. (CT). Fans are encouraged to bring man's best friend to the game. Season tickets and special game plans are still available for the 2015 campaign. Sign up today by calling the box office at 281-240-4487 to join the swarm.

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