ValleyCats Outhit ThunderBolts But Fall in the Middle Game
Published on May 11, 2024 under Frontier League (FL)
Tri-City ValleyCats News Release
CRESTWOOD, Ill. - The Tri-City ValleyCats (1-1) outhit the Windy City ThunderBolts (2-1) 10-7 on Saturday at Ozinga Field. Yet, the ValleyCats made a couple of mistakes on the basepaths, and stranded three crucial runners in scoring position, which ultimately led to their 5-3 loss.
Tri-City showed aggressiveness early in the game. Hallmark began the day with another leadoff knock, this time off Buddie Pindel, and was caught stealing at second base. Alec Olund added a two-out double, but could not be driven in. Kyle Novak tried to stretch a single to a double in the second inning, and was gunned out on an 8-6 putout.
Windy City opened the scoring in the bottom of the second. Wes Albert walked Joe Encarnacion, who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Alejandro Lara singled Encarnacion to third before Alex Lugo drove in a pair with a double. Cam Phelts followed up with a two-bagger to put the ThunderBolts ahead, 3-0.
Elvis Peralta opened the third with an infield single, and swiped second base. Hallmark cashed in on an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-1. On the same play, Hallmark tried to come all the way around to score as the ball got away from Thomas Rodriguez in right field, but was cut down 9-4-2 at the plate. The ValleyCats continued to put pressure on Pindel thanks to a two-out walk from Javeyan Williams, and another double from Olund, but could not capitalize.
Windy City added some insurance in the fifth. Jaylen Hubbard started the frame with a single. Ethan Lopez then moved him to third with a base hit, and went to second on the throw. Christian Kuzemka took advantage with a two-run single to pull the ThunderBolts ahead, 5-1.
Tri-City showed some fight in the sixth. Williams singled before Olund cranked a two-run blast to make it a 5-3 game. Unfortunately, the next nine of 11 batters were retired for the 'Cats. However, the ValleyCats matched the 'Bolts the rest of the way; Albert placed a zero on the board in the sixth, and Arlo Marynczak, the local product from Delmar, fired two scoreless frames in his professional debut.
Pindel (1-0) earned the win. He pitched six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, walking one, and striking out eight.
Albert (0-1) received the loss. He went six frames, yielding five runs on six hits, walking one, and ringing up three batters.
Derrick Edington recorded his first save of the season, retiring the side in order, and striking out two.
Tri-City eyes the rubber game win tomorrow over Windy City. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 EDT.
FINAL | WINDY CITY 5 | TRI-CITY 3
W: Buddie Pindel (1-0)
L: Wes Albert (0-1)
S: Derrick Edington (1)
Attendance: 3,188
Time of Game: 2:13
Season 22 of ValleyCats baseball and entertainment continues as single game tickets, ticket plans and group outings are available to purchase. The 'Cats return to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium for their home opener on Friday, May 17 for a 6:30 PM start against the Washington Wild Things. You can be a part of the excitement by logging on to tcvalleycats.com or by calling 518-629-CATS (2287).
Frontier League Stories from May 11, 2024
- Washington Drops Middle Game After Tough 8th - Washington Wild Things
- Comeback Comes up Just Short as Grizzlies Lose at Lake Erie - Gateway Grizzlies
- Bolts' Fast Start Leads to Win Over Tri-City - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Comeback Comes up Just Short as Grizzlies Lose at Lake Erie - Gateway Grizzlies
- Boomers Stage Another Comeback Win to Move to 2-0 - Schaumburg Boomers
- Offence Explodes Early, Titans Even Series - Ottawa Titans
- Otters Leave 10 Men on in Middle Game of Series - Evansville Otters
- ValleyCats Outhit ThunderBolts But Fall in the Middle Game - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Y'alls Hang on for Series Win - Florence Y'alls
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