Jaylin Davis Drives Walk-Off Winner For 4-3 Win Over Mobile

The crowd was in a hopeful lull and the Blue Wahoos dugout understood a need for something to go right this weekend.
Jaylin Davis made sure it did.
His one-out, first-pitch single between third and shortstop produced a 10th-inning, walkoff, 4-3 victory Sunday against the Mobile BayBears, ending a three-game losing streak at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Those circumstances made the win seem even more important.
"As soon as I saw the ball go through, it was like I could take a deep breath," Davis said. "It was a big relief. It took a lot of pressure off. It was good for the team and hopefully we can take it into tomorrow."
The win followed two days of hitting struggles, which led to the Blue Wahoos (27-17) losing three consecutive home games for the first time this season along with their first series loss. 
In effort to change the trend, the Blue Wahoos switched up their batting order and had infielder Jordan Gore carry out the lineup card to the umpires.
Ironically, Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego was later tossed out by home plate umpire Robert Nunez when the two exchanged words on a late-inning mound visit.
"It's always a good thing not to lose in four in a row in a series," said reliever Ryan Mason, who picked up the win with three innings of work. "If we can walk out of here with two wins, it will feel like we stole some. I think it will get us on the right track."
The Blue Wahoos start the game on the right track, getting an early lead in the second inning when Alex Kirilloff led off with a double, then scored on a throwing error after stealing third. For the game, Kirilloff went 2-for-3 and reached base three times.
The BayBears (18-25) scored a pair of runs in the third inning off Blue Wahoos starter Brusdar Graterol, who worked five innings, giving up six hits and two runs while striking out seven.
In the bottom of the third, however, the Blue Wahoos regained the lead on Travis Blakenhorn's two-run homer, his sixth homer this season. Blankenhorn finished his big day by going 3-for-4 at the plate and raising his average to .315.
The score remained that way until Mobile tied the game with a two out double in the eighth inning against Mason, saddling Mason with his first blown save this season. But he redeemed by retiring Mobile in order in the ninth, then getting out of a bases-loaded situation in the 10th.
"It feels good to just win the game," Mason said. "We needed it."
In the bottom of the 10th, Joe Cronin started on second as the extra innings pace-of-play runner. He went to third on Mark Contreras' perfect bunt.
Blakenhorn followed with an at-bat that was pivotal in setting the stage for Davis. Blankenhorn chased two breaking pitches and was behind 0-2 when working into a full count against Mobile's Adam Hofacket with patience and several foul balls. He then walked.
"I think first two pitches, I swung at balls in the dirt, bad pitches," he said. "He had a good splitter and it was working pretty good. Once I got 0-2, I try to lay off when they were down and I just worked a couple foul balls.
"They are playing some good baseball and we are struggling a little bit with the bat as a team, so it was a good win."
Davis then jumped on the first pitch he saw.
"I'm trying to stay out of the double play if I hit the ball the play," he said. "I'm thinking if I don't hit into a double play, we win. I got a slider up and I was out front a little bit, but I still was able to hit it hard enough that it went through."
The ensuing celebration carried into a happier post-game dinner prepared by the Blue Wahoos booster club.
And there was also another benefit.
"We have tonight to relax," said Blankenhorn. "Now, we can watch Game of Thones, relax and be happy."
 
BALLPARK MEMORIES

• The Blue Wahoos booster club prepared a buffet-style, barbecue dinner for the players, coaches, wives and girlfriends following the game. It was served in the Better Homes & Garden Lounge at the stadium.
• Also following the game, kids ran the bases and played catch in the outfield as part of WKRG-News Channel 5 and McDonald's partnership.
• During the game, the Fur Circus characters from the Atlanta-based group, along with Blue Wahoos mascot Kazoo, toted water guns of various sizes and engaged in soaking fans. It was all part of Splash Sunday at the ballpark.