Bats Win Shootout With the Pigs 12-8
The IronPigs jumped on the scoreboard early against Bats starter Ben Jukich. Jason Ellison led off with an infield single to the shortstop and with two-outs, stole second base. Andy Tracy stepped to the plate and lined a single to right, scoring Ellison, and making the score 1-0 Pigs.
The game was quiet for the next three innings as both teams put zeros on the scoreboard in the second, third and fourth frames. Then came the fifth, when both offenses exploded for a combined 10 runs. It started with the Bats when Chris Valaika and Corky Miller reached with back-to-back singles to start the inning. After a Jukich strikeout, Drew Stubbs drew a one-out walk to load the bases. Luis Bolivar then grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Valaika, and tying the game at one. Darnell McDonald then laced his 17th double of the season, driving in both Miller and Stubbs, giving the Bats a 3-1 lead. Kevin Barker capped off the scoring with an RBI single, scoring Bolivar, making it a 4-1 game.
Just when it seemed like the Bats were in control, Lehigh Valley stormed back with six runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Back-to-back one-out walks issued by Jukich placed runners on first and second. Pigs second baseman David Newhan then reached on a fielding error by Bats left fielder Chris Heisey, loading the bases. Miguel Cairo drove in pitcher Joe Savery with a single to the shortstop, narrowing the gap to 4-2. Tracy then delivered a big blow as he launched his 19th home run of the season over the right field fence for a grand slam. The score was now 6-4 and the Pigs were not done. Michael Taylor drew a walk and advanced to third on a Terry Tiffe double. John Mayberry drove in the sixth run of the inning on a sacrifice fly, making it a 7-4 game.
The Bats got off the mat in the top of the sixth and came back swinging. With two outs, Miller reached on a fielding error by Tiffe. After a Danny Dorn walk, Drew Stubbs reached on a fielding error by Taylor, scoring Miller, closing the deficit to 6-4. Bolivar put the finishing touches on the inning by driving in both Dorn and Stubbs with a single, tying the game at 7.
After Lehigh Valley regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh at 8-7, the Bats took complete control in the top of the eighth. The Bats opened the inning on five straight singles off the bats of Valaika, Miller, Dorn, Stubbs, and Bolivar. The hits produced two runs and gave the Bats the lead back at 9-8. McDonald and Barker each added sacrifice fly's to make the score 11-8.
In the ninth, the Bats put the finishing touches on a wild game when Corky Miller doubled with two outs. He came around to score on another Danny Dorn RBI single, giving the game its final of 12-4.
Ramon Ramirez (6-7 4.06) earned the win for the Bats. He threw one inning, did not give up a hit, and allowed one unearned run. He also walked two and struck out one. Enerio Del Rosario earned his third save of the year.
Joe Bisenius (0-1 27.00) was hit with the loss for the IronPigs. Bisenius lasted 1.1 innings, giving up six hits, and four earned runs. He also struck out three.
The Bats return home to Louisville Slugger Field Friday night for a crucial three game series against the second place Toledo Mud Hens. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm with RHP Matthew Klinker (0-1 4.00) scheduled to get the start for the Bats. He will be opposed by Toledo starter RHP Eddie Bonine (3-5 4.43). It is a Fireworks Friday so come on down to the ballpark and check out some great baseball action.