Furious Rawhide Rally Falls Short

VISALIA--The High Desert Mavericks rapped out 19 hits Wednesday Evening, then hung on to edge the slumping Visalia Rawhide, 13-12. Visalia lost for the 12th consecutive contest.

The Rawhide trailed 13-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth before striking for 6 runs. The key hit in the inning--Brandon Drury's pinch-hit, bases clearing double. Drury represented the tying run, and made it to third base with just one out. However, the comeback stalled there as Mavericks' reliever Will Mathis struck out Socrates Brito and Alex Glenn to preserve the victory.

High Desert starter David Holman (2-1) earned the victory, while Eric Brooks (0-1) took the loss. Mathis notched his seventh save.

Travis Weatherspoon (10), Tyler Smith (6) and Jabari Henry (17) all homered for High Desert.

For the Rawhide, Fidel Pena blasted his 7th long ball of the season, while Raul Navarro rapped out 3 hits, and collected a pair of RBI's. Drury's RBI total improved to a team high 58 with his late-inning double.

The Rawhide look to get back to their winning ways on Thursday Night at Rawhide Ballpark. Along with Thirsty-Thursday $1.00 beers and sodas, fans will be treated to a 90's theme night, featuring many of the classic music hits from the decade. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.