Tigers Prevail in 18 Innings
The Tigers have won six of their last eight games. Their last two extra-inning games have been won in walk-off fashion. The Tigers won 5-4 Sunday against Auburn in 10 innings on a walk-off single by C Charlie Neal. The 18 inning game was the longest game the Tigers played this season and the longest game in Connecticut Tigers history.
Vermont struck first in the game, scoring two runs in the second inning. The Lake Monsters led off the inning with back-to-back singles by RF John Wooten (3-7) and C Bruce Maxwell (1-5). Wooten came home on a fielding error and Maxwell scored on an RBI ground out by 3B Chad Lewis (0-7) to give Vermont a 2-0 lead.
The Tigers responded in the fourth inning with a run to narrow Vermont's lead to 2-1. 1B Juaner Aguasvivas (1-7) and Travis (3-7) started the inning off with singles to left field. A sacrifice bunt by RF Patrick Smith (0-7) moved Aguasvivas to third base and 3B Tyler Hanover (2-7) came through with an RBI single.
Connecticut tied the game in the fifth inning. Lead off hitter CF Jake Stewart (1-8) reached base on a throwing error and moved to second base on a balk. A single by SS Jared Reaves (1-7) moved Stewart to third. LF Danry Vasquez (1-8) hit a sacrifice fly to score Stewart from third base, tying the game at 2-2.
The Lake Monsters broke the 13 inning scoreless streak with a run in the 18th inning. DH Austin Booker (0-2) led off the inning with a walk and moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt and fielder's choice. CF Brett Vertigan (2-7) hit an RBI single to score Booker and put Vermont on top 3-2.
Aguasvivas reached base for the Tigers in the bottom of the 18th inning with two outs on a fielding error. The next batter, Travis, then took a 1-1 count over the left field wall to win the game for Connecticut by a score of 4-3.
TIGER TRACKS: The Tigers received C Wes Thigpen back from the Erie Seawolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. In three games for the Seawolves, Thigpen hit .400 with four hits and an RBI. Thigpen began the season with Connecticut and was optioned to Erie on July 5.
The Lake Monsters and Tigers wrap up their two game series Wednesday afternoon at 11:05 a.m. at Dodd Stadium. Every Wednesday, families get the opportunity to purchase a Grand Slam Family Four Pack, which includes four reserved tickets, hot dogs, sodas, and a box of popcorn for $40. If you bring your Price Chopper card to the box office, you can also participate in a buy one get one free ticket offer, sponsored by Price Chopper. In the final game of the home stand, Connecticut RHP Edgar De La Rosa (2-1, 2.88) is slated to face off against Vermont RHP J.C. Menna (0-3, 4.30). Pre-game radio coverage begins at 10:50 a.m. on AM 1310 WICH and online at www.cttigers.com.
The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011, (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and are in their 3rd season at Dodd Stadium. Tickets are now on sale! The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.