WhiteWings Rally for Naught: Thunder Win in 10

Published on July 17, 2011 under North American League (NAmL)
Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings News Release


HARLINGEN - The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but the McAllen Thunder scored four runs in the top of the tenth to win 11-7 on Sunday at Harlingen Field.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Francisco Santana reached on an infield-single against Luis Matamoros. Antonio DeJesus followed with a single and Jonathan Fernandez hit an RBI-single. Leivi Ventura walked and the Thunder brought in Adrian Garza (1-2) who have up a two-run single to Gerardo Avila and threw a wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score.

In the top of the tenth, the Thunder (18-31) loaded the bases with one out against Wanel Mesa (0-1). Andrew Kuhn hit a sacrifice-fly, and after a walk, Antoin Gray hit a three-run double to make it 11-7.

The Thunder jumped on spot-starter Mickey Cassidy right away. Eiland led off with a single, and one out later, moved to second on a groundout. Wilson Batista hit an RBI-single, and after Mike Goss singled, Luke Hetherington hit his first home run to make it 4-0.

That was it against Cassidy, who struck out four in a career-high five innings.

Maximino de la Cruz held the WhiteWings (28-22) to one hit through the first three innings. DeJesus led off the fourth with a single, moved to third on a groundout, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Avila to make it 4-1.

Quinn Bright took over for the Thunder in the fifth. With one out, Brandon Decker singled and stole second before scoring on a two-out single by DeJesus to make it 4-2.

Juan Cedeno took over for the WhiteWings in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with nobody out. After a strikeout, Cedeno walked Kuhn to force-in a run. One out later, Gray hit a two-run single to make it 7-2.

Avila hit his eighth home run of the season in the sixth, bringing the WhiteWings within 7-3.

The WhiteWings and Thunder play a double-header of seven-inning games on Twofer Tuesday, presented by RC Cola, at 6:05 p.m. Fans can purchase two-for-one tickets, hot dogs and soda as well as half-price beer. Left-hander Chase Davenport (4-3, 4.97) and right-hander Eddie Dennis Jr. (1-0, 5.22) are expected to face right-hander J.T. Zink (1-0, 7.88) and left-hander Frank James Jr. (2-1, 6.43). Gates open at 5:05.

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North American League Stories from July 17, 2011


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