Pat Valaika Homers But Rock Cats Fall

New Britain, CT - The New Britain Rock Cats were defeated by the Binghamton Mets 3-2 on Monday night at New Britain Stadium. The Rockies' affiliate took a 1-0 lead on SS Pat Valaika's solo home run off B-Mets starter Seth Lugo in the first inning. New Britain starter Shane Carle did not allow a hit over the first three innings before getting reached for three runs in the 4th inning. He then went on to retire 14 in a row from the 4th through the 8th innings. The Rock Cats made it a 3-2 game with a run in the 8th inning but went down in order in the 9th.    

L.J. Mizzilli led off the 4th inning with a single and Michael Conforto, Brock Peterson and Brandon Nimmo each followed with RBI doubles to make it a 3-1 game.

Carl (9-6) was denied his 10th win and the tough luck loser, going 8 innings and allowing three runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Seth Lugo earned the win in seven innings of work and allowed just one run over 7 innings.  

The Rock Cats continue the homestand tomorrow night and play the second of a 3-game set with the B-Mets (7:05 PM). RHP Matt Flemer will pitch for the Rock Cats while RHP Gabriel Ynoa counters for Binghamton.