Cronenworth's 12th Inning Blast Gives Hudson Valley a Walk Off Victory
Wappingers Falls, NY (7/21/15)- On the strength of a walk-off home run from second baseman Jake Cronenworth, The Hudson Valley Renegades defeated the Williamsport Crosscutters by a score of 7-6 in 12 innings on Tuesday evening at Dutchess Stadium. With the result, Hudson Valley sees their overall record improve to 17-13 and Williamsport falls to 21-10.
Williamsport scored their first run of the night in the top of the second inning on a RBI single from third baseman Jan Hernandez. Hudson Valley responded by scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning courtesy of a RBI double from Cronenworth and a two-run single by shortstop Michael Russell, giving the Renegades a 3-1 lead. The 'Gades added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning on a RBI ground out by left fielder Joe McCarthy.
The Crosscutters scored four runs in the top of the sixth to take a 5-4 lead, highlighted by a two-run home run by Hernandez. Williamsport extended their lead to 6-4 in the top of the seventh inning when shortstop Grenny Cumana reached on an error and came around to score on a passed ball later in the inning. But Hudson Valley tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on a two-run single by McCarthy, who finished the day with three RBI.
Neither team scored a run in the eighth or the ninth inning and extra innings would determine a winner. After a scoreless 10th and 11th inning, Cronenworth took the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the 12th from Williamsport reliever Feliberto Sanchez (1-1) and drive it over the right field wall to give the Renegades their fourth extra inning win of the season.
Diego Castillo (1-1) picked up the win in relief as he tossed three shutout innings and struck out two batters. Sanchez took the loss in relief for Williamsport, giving up a run in two-plus innings of work. Michael Velasquez started for Hudson Valley and gave up a run off three hits in four innings pitched.
Notes: The home run in the bottom of the 12th inning was the first of Jake Cronenworth's his professional career. He finished the night going four-for-four at the plate, giving him his eighth multi-hit game of the season and sees his batting average raise to .296.
The Renegades continued their three-game series against Williamsport on Wednesday, July 22nd with first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm. Wednesday night is "Organically Green Irish Night" at Dutchess Stadium. Call 845-838-0094, or visit www.hvrenegades.com to purchase your tickets now.