Royals fall to Mariners thanks to big third
A three-run third inning for the Pulaski Mariners was enough to push the visiting club past the Burlington Royals on Tuesday evening by a score of 3-1. Only one of the three runs was earned thanks to two errors. The frame spoiled a seven-inning start from Burlington RHP Nik Stephenson, who struck out two batters and allowed three hits. LHP Antonio Cruz followed Stephenson by retiring six in a row to end the game in the eighth and ninth innings.
"The big inning with the walk and the two errors, we couldn't get out of that inning," Burlington manager Tommy Shields said after the game. "(Stephenson and Cruz) pitched outstanding."
With the game scoreless in the top of the third inning, DH Taylor Zeutenhorst drew a leadoff walk for the Mariners. Back-to-back errors on sacrifice bunt attempts loaded the bases with none out. 3B Jay Baum hit an RBI single to score Zeutenhorst and get the Mariners on the board. After an out, RF Wayne Taylor drew a bases-loaded walk. An RBI fielder's choice by C Daniel Torres plated the Mariners' third run.
The Royals got one run in the eighth inning on a solo home run from LF Riley King. CF Amalani Fukofuka drew a walk immediately after, but C Chase Vallot struck out to end the inning.
Burlington had only five hits, with 3B Angelo Castellano checking in with a double and Vallot, RF Logan Moon and 1B Josh Banuelos hitting singles. Pulaski ended the night with three hits, two of them coming from Taylor.
RHP Ricardo Pereira threw six and 2/3 shutout innings for the win. RHP Peter Miller saved the game, his third of the season.
The Royals and Mariners will conclude their series on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. for the annual Day Game at Burlington Athletic Stadium. RHP Yunior Marte (1-2, 4.26) gets the start for the Royals.
Pulaski 3, Burlington 1
WP: Pereira (2-2)
LP: Stephenson (1-3)
SV: Miller (3)
HR: King (1)