Raptors Top Voyagers In Rollercoaster Finish
Entering the ninth, the Voyagers trailed 7-2. But a team, defined this season by its resiliency, battled back into the game. With already with one run home in the inning, Kennyn Walker's fielder's choice ground out brought the Voyagers to within a 7-4 score. Kyle Eveland drawed a walk, loading the bases, and ending the short-lived outing for Michael Drowne.
In came Yimy Rodriguez, a righty, to face De Pinto. The second baseman, who has tortured the Raptors all season long, drew a hard-fought walk on eight pitches, scoring Keenyn Walker and bringing the Voyagers to within two runs.
The next batter was Leighton Pangilinan, the first baseman who was hitless on the day. Down to their final strike for the second straight batter, the Voyagers resiliency was put on display again. Working the count full, "Panda" got a belt-high fastball and deposited it beyond the right-center fielder fence for a go-ahead grand slam.
But a come-from-behind victory was just not in the cards for the Voyagers. Jon Gulbransen started the inning on the mound and did not record in an out against any of the four batters he faced. After walking the leadoff batter, Gulbransen gave up a single to Scott Schebler and then walked Andrew Edge on four pitches to load the bases. The next batter, Matt Kirkland, who was hitless on the day, flared a double down the right field line to tie the game, 9-9.
Kevin Vance came on and the first pitch he threw was sliced off the wall in right center field by pinch-hitter, Aguilar, completing the wild win for the Raptors.
With the loss, the Voyagers fail to win three games in a row yet again, as they are 0-4 when playing after winning back-to-back games.
The loss spoils a strong performance from Peter Gehle, who went five innings, giving up just one run, striking out six, which matches a season high.
Joe De Pinto collected three hits and a drew a big bases loaded walk in the ninth, as he finishes the series with eight base knocks, extended his on-base streak to 17 straight games.
Stew Brase, who gave up three runs in 1.1 innings, although just two of the runs were earned, had a 10.1 consecutive scoreless innings streak snapped.
The road trip continues tomorrow as the Voyagers begin a three-game series with the Orem Owlz. First pitch at 1:05 p.m. with the pregame at 12:40 p.m. on 560 KMON.