Raptors Clinch Second-Half with Record Tying Win
The Raptors used some late-inning magic to earn the win. In the top of the eighth, trailing 4-3 the Raptors took the lead. Jeremy Rathjen and Jesus Valdez hit consecutive doubles to start the inning, putting runners at second and third. After Corey Seager walked to load the bases, Noel Cuevas hit into a fielder's choice with Seager out at second and Rathjen scoring to tie the game. Devin Shines then hit his league-leading sixth sacrifice fly to left, scoring Valdez from third to give the Raptors the lead.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Owlz put together a threat to take the lead back. Michael Snyder walked to start the inning and was lifted for Joel Capote as a pinch runner. After Caleb Bushyhead sacrificed Capote to second, Chevy Clarke singled to center, Capote stopped at third and Clarke moved to second on a throw to the plate. Owen Jones then came into the game for a five-out save. With the infield in, Jones struck out Jose Rondon for two outs. Pinch hitter Anthony Bemboom was then walked intentionally to load the bases. Sherman Johnson then flied out to the warning track to end the inning.
Jones retired the Owlz in the ninth to earn his seventh save of the season.
The Raptors will travel to Grand Junction to end the regular season with a two-game series starting Wednesday. Miguel Sulbaran will make his Raptors debut against the Rockies' Jorge De La Rosa, who is rehabbing from Colorado. Game starts at 7:05 and can be heard on 97.5 Fox Sports Radio.