Wickens' Three-Run Double in the Eighth Gives Rock Cats Victory

Published on August 2, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The Rock Cats came back to defeat the Erie SeaWolves by the score of 5-3 on Saturday evening at New Britain Stadium. After being handcuffed for the better part of the first six innings, New Britain fought back with two runs in the seventh and then snuck by the visitors on a three-run double courtesy of 3B Stephen Wickens to secure the win.

Erie drew first blood in the top of the third on a solo home run from 2B Devon Travis. Rock Cats starter LHP Pat Dean worked Travis to a 1-2 count before the second baseman sent the next offering high over the wall in left-center, his second blast in as many nights.

The visitors went up 3-0 after five innings of play, picking up two more runs in the frame on the back of two hits and a throwing error from 2B Jorge Polanco. Travis doubled to lead off the inning and was brought home the following at-bat, a bouncing ball single from LF Corey Jones. Jones moved to second on a groundout and then came all the way around when Polanco attempted to turn two, throwing wide of 1B Mike Gonzales.

SeaWolves starter RHP Wilsen Palacios proved to be very tough on New Britain batters throughout the night - allowing just two hits through six innings. He registered one out in the seventh before giving way to the bullpen. The righthander allowed no runs while walking three and striking out four.

As it would turn out, a new pitcher was exactly what the Rock Cats were looking for, as they rallied for two runs on three hits against LHP Will Startup. SS Brad Boyer cracked an RBI double that scored 3B Stephen Wickens and then Boyer himself scored on a base hit from C Kyle Knudson, making it a 3-2 ballgame.

New Britain continued to claw their way back in the bottom of the eighth, this time against SeaWolves reliever RHP Guido Knudson, cousin of the Rock Cats catcher. Singles from DH Aaron Hicks and LF Tony Thomas gave the home club runners on first and second with just one out. Erie skipper Lance Parrish then called upon RHP Angel Nesbitt, who walked 1B Mike Gonzales to load the bases and set the stage for Wickens to put the Rock Cats ahead. The Whitby, Ontario, Canada native sent a shot past a diving 3B Francisco Martinez that pinballed around the visiting bullpen, allowing all three runners to score, given New Britain a 5-3 lead.

Dean worked into the seventh inning on a 112 pitch effort, allowing three runs, two earned, on seven hits while walking two and striking out six. Three relievers combined on two scoreless innings, seeing RHP Alex Wimmers earn his first Double-A victory (1-0), LHP Mason Melotakis provide the hold (first) before trainers pulled him in the ninth after a lengthy mound visit. LHP Ryan O'Rourke came on for the final two batters to earn his fourth save of the season.

New Britain looks to win their only home series against the Tigers Eastern League partner on Sunday afternoon - a 1:35 p.m. scheduled first pitch. RHP Dan Turpen gets the call for the Cats' and will be matched up with LHP Josh Turley.

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Eastern League Stories from August 2, 2014


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