Tornadoes walk-off with win over Sussex
July 21, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
WORCESTER - Jeff LaHair's pinch-hit RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning scored Chuck Jeroloman to give Worcester its second walk-off win of the season (and second at the hands of the Sussex Skyhawks) by the final of 5-4 on Monday night at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.
Ironically, the winning run was scored by Jeroloman who drove in the winning tally in the 6-5 walk-off victory over Sussex in the home-opener on May 29. Matt Weagle was strong for the Tornadoes, pitching eight innings while giving up four runs (all earned) on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Scott Grimes was once again impressive in his second-consecutive start leading off. He crushed a home run in the first inning and reached base twice more to spark the offensive effort. Chris Colabello hit a third inning home run for his fourth long ball in his last five home games. Jeroloman finished 1-for-3 with a double, two walks, and the game-winning run.
It only took Sussex four batters to open up a 2-0 lead as Jorge Moreno crushed a home run to left-centerfield, scoring Ron Perodin who led off the game with a single.
Grimes answered with a vengeance by cranking a long ball to almost the identical spot as Moreno's, but this time it went further and hit the onramp of Route 290 to cut the deficit in half. Worcester then made it 2-2 on a strange play which included two-consecutive Sussex errors. B.J. Weed was running from first base when Colabello struck out. After swiping second, Weed advanced to third on catcher Yohanny Valera's throwing error and scored when Perodin couldn't pick up the ball cleanly in center.
In the third, Colabello made it 3-2 Worcester with a line-drive home run over the wall in left field, good for his 10th home run of the season and league-leading 50th RBI.
The home run barrage continued in the fifth when the Skyhawks' Jay Yaconetti scorched the team's second homer of the contest with a man aboard, turning a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 Sussex advantage.
The Tornadoes struck back in the eighth against Sussex closer Matthew Petrusek, who came in with two men on and one out, looking for the five-out save. Josh Farkes came through with a bloop that found its way into right field, scoring Omar Pena for the 4-4 tie.
Worcester put together a two-out rally in the ninth capped off by LaHair's sharp single up the middle, scoring Jeroloman from second for the 5-4 win.
The Tornadoes continue the series on Tuesday, which is New England Sports Night! Shaun McNamara takes the hill for Worcester; he will be opposed by Justin Knoff. The series concludes on Wednesday on Park & Rec Day! After a day off, Worcester remains home for a pair vs. Nashua. There will be a spectacular fireworks show on Friday night and Saturday is Irish Night! For more information on upcoming promotions or for tickets to these or any games, call the Tornadoes' office at 508-792-2288 or crash the web at worcestertornadoes.com. All games can be heard live on NewsTalk 580 AM and 94.9 FM WTAG and online at www.wtag.com.
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Canadian American League Stories from July 21, 2008
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