T.J. Baxter Scores Tying Run in Bottom of the Ninth
Salisbury, Md. – The Hagerstown Suns plated three runs in the top of the twelfth inning to top the Shorebirds, 9-7 in the first extra innings game of the season. Tyler Kolodny belted two home runs to propel his South Atlantic League leading total to six.
The Suns jumped on Shorebirds starter Ryan Berry in the top of the first inning. After a Sean Nicol walk, Steven Souza ripped a double to put Hagerstown on the board. Justin Bloxom then doubled home Souza to push the Suns ahead 2-0. Then, Destin Hood singled to plate Bloxom to put the Suns in front 3-0. Two batters later, Marcus Jones connected on a single to score Hood.
The Shorebirds responded in the second inning. Tyler Kolodny led off with a home run over the left field wall to cut the deficit to 4-1.
In the seventh, the Shorebirds chipped away at the lead. Levi Carolus and Brian Conley hit back-to-back singles and a wild pitch advanced them to second and third. Then, Tyler Stampone hit an RBI single to plate Carolus. With Conley at third and nobody out, Justin Dalles bounced into a double play that scored Conley to cut the lead to 4-3.
The Suns built up their lead again in the eighth inning. Destin Hood hit a one out single. Then, J.P. Ramirez blasted his second homer of the series to give the Suns a 6-3 edge.
The Shorebirds again fought back. Ty Kelly hit a one out double to left field in the eighth inning. Two batters later, Tyler Kolodny hit his second homer of the game to pull the Shorebirds within one.
In the ninth, Stampone set the table with a single into right center and was pinch run for by T.J. Baxter. Baxter got to second on a walk and third on a sacrifice bunt. Then, Garabez Rosa grounded back to relief pitcher Dean Weaver, who looked back at Baxter and threw to first to retire Rosa. As Weaver threw to first, Baxter broke to the plate and beat the throw from Justin Bloxom to tie the game at 6-6.
After scoreless tenth and eleventh innings, the Suns plated three runs in the 12th inning. J.P. Ramirez singled home Steven Souza for the first run of the frame. Sandy Leon had the other two RBIs.
The Birds mounted a rally in the home half but fell short. Kolodny hit an RBI double to left field that scored Bumbry to cut the deficit to 9-7.
Shane Erb earned the win for Hagerstown, while James Brandhorst was pinned with the loss.
The Shorebirds play the series finale against the Suns on Monday, April 19th at Perdue Stadium.
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Justin Dalles took a big hit at home plate. Anyone know his condition yet?
ReplyDeleteNot heard a recent update but he did have a concussion! Shame to see that there is nothing about that in the details of the game.
ReplyDeleteI have never actually seen an ambulance come onto a baseball field until today. It was a clean hit on the catcher with the runner trying to score, but Justin did not move for a long time. He seemed to be moving when they put him on the backboard then into the ambulance. It was very tense in the stadium before the ambulance arrived. We all pray for his quick recovery.
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