Spinners Mauled by Black Bears, 12-3
July 9, 2015 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Lowell Spinners News Release
LOWELL, MASS. - The West Virginia Black Bears scored seven in the second inning and the Spinners couldn't climb back, falling to the Black Bears, 12-3, Thursday night at LeLacheur Park.
Lowell (13-7) scored in the first without the benefit of a base hit. After Luis Alexander Basabe walked to lead off the inning, he took second on an errant pick-off throw. Basabe then stole third and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Benintendi to give the Spinners a 1-0 lead.
West Virginia (8-11) blew the game open in the top half of the second, the second straight Thursday night the second inning doomed the Spinners. After a Victor Acosta error allowed the leadoff runner to reach base, Jose Almonte struck out the next batter. From there the strike zone was an issue, as Almonte walked the next four batters to give the Black Bears a 2-1 lead. Enfember Martinez did not fair much better, allowing a run to score on a passed ball, re-walking the bases loaded and then allowing a grand slam to Logan Hill to put West Virginia ahead, 7-1.
The Black Bears would add single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to extend the lead to 10-1.
The Spinners would answer with a pair of runs in the seventh inning. Josh Ockimey led off the inning with a single and Tucker Tubbs followed with a double before Mitch Gunsolus singled them both home to cut the deficit to seven.
The rally was not to be however as the Black Bears tacked on a pair in the ninth for what was a 12-3 final.
The offensive funk for the Spinners continued, as Lowell managed just five hits and are now batting .187 over their last 10 games. No Lowell player had more than one hit, with Gunsolus (2) and Benintendi picking up the RBI.
Almonte (2-1, 3.32) struggled for the first time in 2015, allowing five runs (four earned) on no hits and five walks. He struck out one in his 1.1 innings. Martinez could not stop the bleeding, allowing four runs on eight hits over 2.2 innings, walking one and striking out two. Matt Kent was charged with three runs, two earned, on six hits with four strikeouts. Danny Zandona closed out the game, allowing a hit over two-thirds scoreless.
The two teams meet again Friday night for the series finale when Dioscar Romero (1-1, 5.59) gets the ball for the 7:05 first pitch on "#LikeAGirl Night" with Post-Game Fireworks. Team USA silver medalist Brianna Decker will be on hand for a ceremonial first pitch and sign autographs. Gates open at 6pm.
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