Bullpen shines in 8-3 loss

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY (May 13, 2022) — The Hudson Valley Renegades couldn’t rally back from an early deficit in an 8-3 loss to the Aberdeen IronBirds on Friday night at Dutchess Stadium.

Aberdeen pounced for six runs in the top of the first against Hudson Valley starter Beck Way (1-1). Cesar Prieto lined an RBI single to right, John Rhodes slammed a three-run homer, and TT Bowens launched a towering solo shot.

The IronBirds added two more in the top of the third on Billy Cook’s two-run double to make it 8-0. Way lasted 2.2 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out four.

The Renegades bullpen tandem of Charlie Ruegger, Rodney Hutchison and Nelvin Correa combined for 6.1 no-hit innings in the loss, walking four and striking out seven.

Hudson Valley showed life in the bottom of the third against Aberdeen starter Peter Van Loon. Cooper Bowman blasted a three-run homer to shave the deficit to 8-3. The homer was his third of the season, and first at Dutchess Stadium.

Connor Gillispie (3-1) shined in relief for the IronBirds, firing six one-hit innings on 65 pitches to close it out, striking out eight and walking none.

Hudson Valley continues its six-game series with Aberdeen tomorrow night at Dutchess Stadium. LHP T.J. Sikkema (0-0, 0.00) makes his second start for the Renegades, while the IronBirds counter with RHP Carlos Tavera (1-0, 4.42). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.