Rays score early in 11-6 victory

PRINCETON, WV- The Princeton Rays (28-24) scored 11 runs in the first four innings on Friday, then held on for an eventual 11-6 victory over the Kingsport Mets (19-36) at H.P. Hunnicutt Field.

Both offenses got off to quick starts with Kingsport notching four runs in the top of the first inning. The Rays then began their scoring with one run in the bottom of the frame on a RBI-single by catcher Rafelin Lorenzo.

Princeton tied the game 4-4 in the second, scoring three runs in the inning on a RBI-single by designated hitter Blake Grant-Parks, a fielder's choice, and a RBI-groundout by first baseman Bobby Melley.

The Rays then took a 6-4 lead in the third on a two-run home run by center fielder Emilio Gustave, his fourth of the season, but the Mets quickly tied the game 6-6 with two runs of their own in the top of the fourth.

Princeton answered with five runs in the bottom of the fourth to break the game open and take an 11-6 lead. The scoring began with a two-RBI single by second baseman Robbie Tenerowicz, then continued with a RBI-double by Grant-Parks, a Mets wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by right fielder Eleardo Cabrera.

Grant-Parks finished with a team-high three hits in the game while Tenerowicz, Gustave, and Lorenzo all finished with two.

After the four-inning offensive outbursts, neither team scored in the final five innings. Rays relievers Orlando Romero and Reign Letkeman pitched a combined five and two-thirds scoreless innings to close out the victory. Romero was credited with his third victory of the season for his efforts while Letkeman earned his third save.

The shutout performance by the bullpen followed a three and one-third inning performance by Rays starter Edrick Agosto, who gave up six runs on seven hits and struck out two.

Princeton will try to complete the series sweep of the Mets in the rubber match set for Sat., Aug. 20 beginning at 7 p.m. at H.P. Hunnicutt Field.

The Princeton Rays have been the proud Appalachian League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1997. Any questions may be forwarded to the Rays' front office at 304-487-2000 or [email protected].