Pitching duel ends in walk-off grand slam for 'Cats

TROY - The Tri-City ValleyCats picked up a series opening win over the Staten Island Yankees on a walk-off grand slam by Colton Shaver, by a final score of 5-2. Reggie Johnson (3-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Matt Ruppenthal, while Greg Weissart (1-2) suffered the loss.

Scoring was at a premium for this pitcher's duel for most of the game. The 'Cats got on the board first with an RBI sac fly by J.J. Matijevic to take an early 1-0 lead in the third inning. The Yankees responded with an RBI sac fly by Wilkerman Garcia in the fifth inning to tie it up.
The game went back and forth until the Yankees finally got to 'Cats pitching, with an RBI single by Dalton Blaser in the ninth inning to take a 2-1 lead. However, a Michael Papierski double in the bottom of the ninth started turning the momentum and when the bases were ultimately loaded, Colton Shaver picked up a walk-off grand slam in his 'Cats debut to win the game 5-2.

The 'Cats received excellent pitching from their starter Ruppenthal, who went four and two third innings, for his longest career start. Ruppenthal struck out six batters while allowing just one earned run. His bullpen was excellent as well, despite the late loss, with Thompson going four and a third innings of relief, allowing just one run while striking out six.
Despite the loss, the Yankees received strong pitching from Drew Finley, who went five and two third innings, allowing just one run and striking out six batters. Palladino was able to strike out four more batters over two and a third hitless innings, and the Yankees finished with ten strikeouts as a staff.
The 'Cats will host the Yankees for game two on Friday night at 7:00 pm. It's Boots, BBQ and Baseball Night at the Joe, presented by Beef Jerkey Outlet! You can purchase your tickets at tcvalleycats.com/tickets.