Ustariz Provides The Spark
Burlington, VT - The Connecticut Tigers (32-39) defeated the Vermont Lake Monsters (32-40) by a score of 6-1 Saturday night at Centennial Field. 1B Jesus Ustariz (2-4) was had two hits in twenty two at bats with the Tigers this season entering tonight's game against the Lake Monsters. Ustariz matched his season total in one game with a pair of hits including a two run home run in the sixth inning that gave the Tigers a commanding 4-0 lead.
Pitching made all the difference in the world for the Tigers in their victory over Vermont as they used four pitchers that held the Lake Monsters to one run on seven hits. LHP Ryan Beck (4-1) picked up his fourth win of the season in a stellar performance. Beck pitched four shutout innings in relief of starter LHP Joe Mantiply who pitched three shutout innings and gave up one hit. RHP Zac Reininger (10) tied the league lead in saves with Jamestown Jammers RHP Brett McKinney. Reininger pitched 1.2 scoreless innings while striking out three batters. RHP Will LaMarche gave up one run in 0.2 innings. LaMarche left with the bases loaded and the go ahead run at the plate. When Reininger came in he faced 3B Ryon Healy (0-4) with two outs and Healy took a called third strike to end the rally.
2B Steven Negron (1-3) contributed with an RBI single in the ninth inning that gave the Tigers a 5-1 lead. RF Ben Verlander (0-5) had an RBI ground out. It was Verlander's 28th RBI of the season. SS Curt Powell (2-5) chipped in with a pair of hits. Despite the win the Tigers defense continued to struggle as they committed two errors to give them 17 over the last five games.
Not much on the night from the Lake Monsters offense. 2013 first round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics CF Billy McKinney (1-4) had an RBI double in the eighth inning off of LaMarche that put Lake Monsters on the scoreboard at 4-1. 2B Melvin Mercedes (2-4) and 1B Ryan Huck (2-4) each chipped in with a pair of hits.
The Tigers and the Vermont Lake Monsters wrap up their two-game series starting tomorrow night at 5:05 p.m. RHP Chase Edwards (0-0, 2.34) takes the mound for the Tigers. The Lake Monsters send out RHP Lee Sosa (1-4, 4.05). Pregame radio coverage begins at 4:50 p.m. on AM 1310 WICH. You can also stream the game at cttigers.com
The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers are in their 4th season at Dodd Stadium. Tickets are now on sale! The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.