Volcanoes Walk Off In 10th Against Hillsboro
August 18, 2016 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
KEIZER, Oregon -The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes had late-game heroics as designated hitter Leo Rojas hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the Hillsboro Hops, 8-4.
The walk-off homer for Rojas was his only hit of the night as he went 1-for-5 with four RBIs. Right fielder Heath Quinn had a big game as well for the Volcanoes as he went 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBIs.
Volcanoes starting pitcher Garrett Williams pitched three and a third innings, allowing three runs off four hits along with no strikeouts and three walks.
Rayan Herandez, Jeff Burke and Patrick Ruotolo pitched in relief for the Volcanoes. Ruotolo picked up the win as he pitched one inning, allowed no runs off two hits, along with recording two strikeouts.
Matt Pobereyko took the loss on the night for the Hops as he pitched a third of an inning, giving up the grand slam in the 10th inning.
The Volcanoes started the game with two runs in the first inning. Quinn doubled to center field to bring in shortstop Manuel Geraldo. Quinn later scored on a fielding error by Hops second baseman Adam Walton.
Hillsboro countered as left fielder Jason Morozowski hit his fifth home run of the season in the top of the third.
In the bottom of the third, however, Quinn hit his sixth home run of the season on a shot to right field, bringing in Reynolds on the dinger and putting the Volcanoes' lead at 4-1 after three innings.
The Hops put up two more runs in the fourth inning when first baseman Justin Chigbogu hit a single to right field to score catcher Alexis Olmeda and designated hitter Luke Lowery.
Hillsboro tied the game in the sixth inning when Adam Walton doubled to right field, knocking in center fielder Ben Deluzio.
Neither team managed to score in regulation, so fans got some free baseball tonight as the Volcanoes and the Hops went to extras.
In the bottom of the 10th inning with the game tied at four runs apiece, Reynolds hit a single to right field. Quinn then hit a single to center to move Reynolds over to third. The Hops proceeded to intentionally walk first baseman Ryan Kirby to load the bases. With one out, Rojas did what every kid who ever picked up a baseball bat dreams of doing -- hitting a walk-off grand slam.
Game two of this three game series will take place tomorrow, Thursday, August 18, at 6:35 p.m. at Volcanoes Stadium. Melvin Adon will take the mound for the Volcanoes, going up against Hops righty Tyler Mark.
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Northwest League Stories from August 18, 2016
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- Volcanoes Walk Off In 10th Against Hillsboro - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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