Renegades Reclaim Top Overall Record
Aberdeen, Maryland (8/21/14)-The Hudson Valley Renegades capped off their second game in Aberdeen with a 7-3 victory over the IronBirds on Thursday night, improving to 43-22 this season. The win puts them in sole possession of best overall record in the New York-Penn League, and keeps them perfect against Aberdeen in 2014. The Renegades now travel to Connecticut for three games against the Tigers, before returning home for another series with the IronBirds.
After Chris Pike posted his best start of the season just one night prior, Jose Alonzo emulated that excellence with a quality start of his own. The righty has put together four very solid starts since making his debut in late July, and tonight was no different. Alonzo surrendered just one earned run in five innings with four strikeouts on Thursday, garnering his first win. He hasn't given up more than two runs in his last four appearances, and has gone at least five innings in each outing.
Alonzo's bullpen helped secure him the victory at Cal Ripken Stadium, as a trio of relief pitchers would hold down the fort. Darren Fischer, Gerardo Reyes and Justin McCalvin combined for the next four innings on the hill. Reyes did the heavy-lifting with 2.2 scoreless innings of work, striking out two batters and walking none. Justin McCalvin sealed the deal with a perfect bottom of the ninth in a non-save situation.
The Hudson Valley bats forced Aberdeen to use five different pitchers on the night, scoring seven runs on eleven hits. Grant Kay was the catalyst going 3-5 with a double and an RBI out of the cleanup spot, as Coty Blanchard and Hunter Lockwood each chipped in with two hits of their own. Lockwood tripled twice in the game, becoming the only player on the team to do that this year. As a whole, the Renegades had seven players record at least one hit and three with multiple base-knocks.
Notes: The Renegades are the only team in the McNamara Division to win their first two games following the All-Star Break. They hold a seven game advantage over Brooklyn in first place, and now have the most road wins in the New York-Penn League with 20. With their win tonight, Hudson Valley is the first team in the league to reach 43 overall wins.
Hudson Valley will take on Connecticut for three games on the road before they return 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.