Rays narrowly escape with win

The Greeneville Astros once again jumped to an early lead on the Princeton Rays that vanished during one inning before making a final push only to fall just short of a victory.

In the first inning, Frank Almonte hit a line drive to center field to bring Ebert Rosario around for the score from second base. Then, Ricardo Bonfante hit a line drive single to left field to score Almonte in the bottom of the fourth inning to put the Astros on top 2-0.

The score remained at 2-0 until the Rays got their big inning in the top of the eighth when they scored all three of their runs. Three straight base hits loaded the bases for Princeton before Ramon Novas was walked to score the first run. A single by D.J. Jones scored the next run. Then the Rays grounded into a double play at third base, but Greeneville could not get the runner going home.

With Princeton leading 3-2, the Astros had an opportunity for a comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Kody Hinze hit a deep fly ball that hit off the left field wall for a double to lead off the inning. He was then replaced by Wilton Infante on the bases and the Astros had the tying run in scoring position at second. Ricardo Bonfante then grounded out but advanced the runner to third. However, the next two batters were unable to get a hit and the game ended with Princeton taking a win by one run for a second straight night.