‘Cats Fall in Series Opener Against Boulders

POMONA, NY - The Tri-City ValleyCats returned to the United States of America on Friday following 7 games in Canada against Trois-Rivieres and Ottawa, going 4-3 in the first 7 games of the 10-game road trip, their longest of the season. The ‘Cats arrived in Pomona, NY for a weekend visit with the New York Boulders. The opening game of the 3 game set started at 7:05 PM EST on Friday with RHP Alex Mack on the mound for the Boulders, and southpaw Ryan Hartman starting for the ‘Cats.

Tri-City scored three in the first inning. The birthday boy, Cito Culver started the game off with a double. Brantley Bell would single from the number two spot in the lineup, scoring Culver from second. Bell would be brought home on a titanic home run by Tri-City first baseman Brad Zunica that would not only leave the field, but Clover Stadium as well, landing in the parking lot beyond the stadium’s right field concourse.

The Boulders got one back in the bottom of the first, as Ryan Hartman fell victim to Clover Stadium’s short porch down the right field line on a solo shot by New York left fielder David Vinsky.

The ‘Cats would respond with one more run in the 2nd on an RBI double by Brantley Bell, scoring Cito Culver.

The Boulders would then put up 5 unanswered in the second and third innings combined. The 6 runs would all be charged to Hartman. 5 of the 6 runs were earned. The 3rd Boulders run of the game would score on a throwing error charged to ValleyCats third baseman Pavin Parks. Hartman struck out 5 over 3 innings of work in his 2nd start since returning to Tri-City.

The Tri-City bullpen would dazzle in relief of Hartman. Olbis Parra would allow just one hit in 3 innings of work without a walk. He would be relieved by Adam Hofacket, who would strike out the side in the seventh. Brac Warren would enter in the 8th, working in and out of a bases loaded jam to hold the Boulders scoreless. A single by Tucker Nathans in the sixth, surrendered by Olbis Parra, would be the only hit Tri-City relievers allowed in the series opener in five scoreless innings.

The ‘Cats would threaten the Boulders’ two-run lead in the ninth by putting two runners on, but would not be able to score the runners as New York left-hander Danny Wirchansky earned his 3rd save of the season in a 3-inning, 1-hit outing.

FINAL | NEW YORK (48-38) 6 TRI-CITY (49-38) 4

W: Alex Mack (8-4)

L: Ryan Hartman (0-1)

S: Danny Wirchansky (3)

The ‘Cats cap off their longest road trip of the season with this weekend’s visit to the Boulders. The two teams will dance again tomorrow night in game 2 of the 3 game set. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM EST. The ‘Cats return home on Tuesday for Bark in the Park and the start of their final homestand of the 2022 regular season. Get your tickets today at tcvalleycats.com, or by calling 518-629-CATS.