'Cats fall 6-4 in final game of trip

BATAVIA, NY - Bryan Muniz went 2-for-5 with two doubles and three runs batted in, while Ralph Garza struck out seven batters in four innings, but the Tri-City ValleyCats fell 6-4 to the Batavia Muckdogs on Sunday afternoon, in Batavia, N.Y.

Despite the defeat, the 'Cats concluded their six-game road trip with a 3-3 record, taking two of three in Massachusetts against the Lowell Spinners, and one of three in Batavia against the Muckdogs.

Tri-City got off to a good start in Sunday's road trip finale, taking an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run double down the left field line by Muniz. Then, after Batavia scored twice to tie the game in the bottom of the first, Muniz gave the 'Cats the lead once more, driving home Aaron Mizell with a double to center field in the top of the third frame, making the score 3-2.

Unfortunately, the Muckdogs scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning, first on an error, then on a double by Batavia center fielder Stone Garrett, to jump ahead 4-3.

Batavia then scored once in the seventh, and once in the eighth. to stretch their lead to 6-3,

Brooks Marlow led off the top of the ninth inning with a single to center field, before advancing to second base on a wild pitch, and coming home to score on a Batavia throwing error. However, that was the only run Tri-City could push across in the final frame.

Other than the two-hit, three-RBI game by Muniz, Mizell (2-for-5, two runs) and Marlow (2-for-4, one run) also registered multi-hit games for the 'Cats, while Garza who was making his second start in seven appearences, set career-highs with his seven strikeouts and four innings pitched.

After concluding their six-game road trip, the ValleyCats will have a day off on Monday, before beginning a six-game homestand at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, starting with a 7:00 p.m., matchup against the West Virginia Black Bears on Tuesday.

On the mound for Tri- City in the series opener will be RHP Rogelio Armenteros (0-1, 5.19), with RHP Dario Agrazal (4-1, 2.43) getting the start for West Virginia.

Tuesday at "The Joe" will also be Mardi Gras Night, as well as Grandparents and Me Night, presented by MVP Health Care. For ticket information, visit www.tcvalleycats.com, or call the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office, at (518) 629-2287.