Behind Gannon, Renegades Win 6-2
Norwich, CT (8/23/14)-The Hudson Valley Renegades won 6-2 over the Connecticut Tigers on Saturday evening, improving to 44-23 overall. The win keeps them with the best record in the New York-Penn League, and makes them 3-1 on their current road stretch. The Renegades are now just one win away from clinching at least the wildcard spot in the 2014 playoffs, as they look to do that in their final contest at Dodd Stadium. They return home for six straight games following the conclusion of their five-game road trip on Sunday.
Nolan Gannon did not miss a beat in his 10th start of the season, and showed why he was selected as the North Division's starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. The righty went five innings with two runs and three strikeouts on the hill, en route to his sixth win of the campaign. He improves to 6-2 overall, with a 2.77 earned run average.
Edgar Gomez and Kyle McKenzie each went two innings in relief, and neither surrendered a run in the outing. They combined for just one hit and five strikeouts, and kept the Tiger offense quiet the rest of the way.
The Renegades wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first inning, scoring four runs on three hits. Hunter Lockwood knocked in Coty Blanchard with an RBI single to score the game's first run, as Grant Kay followed with a 2-RBI triple to score Lockwood and Casey Gillaspie. The final run of the rally came across on a Jace Conrad groundball to score Kay from third base.
Hudson Valley added another run in the third inning, and one more in the sixth to give them their four run victory.
Offensively, Grant Kay led the way going 2-4 with two runs, a walk, and a triple. Kay now has six hits in his last three games and brings his batting average to .341 on the season. Leopoldo Correa went 2-4 out of the nine spot in the order, and has now hit safely in his last three starts. The Renegades scored their six runs on nine hits, with seven batters in their lineup having at least one base-hit.
Notes: Hudson Valley now has the best overall record in the league, and the most road wins in 2014 (21). Their magic number to clinch the McNamara Division is just two games, as they look to secure a playoff spot with a win on Sunday.
Hudson Valley will take on Connecticut one more time before returning home on Monday, August 25th to host the IronBirds. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. Join us for "Keep Clam and Green On Night" at the ballpark! Year after year this night stands on its own as we take Irish night to the next level. Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy Irish drinks & food specials throughout the evening. Great seats are still available! For tickets and more information call 845-838-0094 or visit HVrenegades.com.
