RockHounds Hold on for 11-10 Win

By Bob Hards

August 18, 2013

Saturday night at Rocky Town, the RockHounds and Springfield Cardinals finished their "business" one minute short of a four-hour game. The numbers tell the story pretty well, as the teams combined for: 21 runs … 31 hits … 5 errors … 27 runners left on base … and 368 pitches.

The game's final "twist and turn" came on a very unusual pitch; one you rarely see.

With the game tied (10-10) in the last of the ninth, and a runner at second with one out, Springfield elected to intentionally walk Tyler Ladendorf. The "by the book" move would have put runners at first and second, perhaps setting up an inning-ending double play. On the first of what was to have been "four wide ones," however, Cardinals reliever Kevin Thomas' pitch sailed to the backstop, moving base runner Josh Whitaker to third with one out. The highly unusual wild pitch forced the Cardinals to pitch to Ladendorf, who delivered a walk-off single and an 11-10 RockHounds win.

It was appropriate that Tyler would drive in the game-winning run, as he has been outstanding over the last three games of the home stand (each a RockHounds win). In those three games, "T-L" is 6-for-11, with two doubles, a triple, four runs and seven RBI. He added a spectacular catch in the eighth on Colin Walsh's foul ball, going down the line in right field and reaching two rows deep into the seats to make the grab.

The 'Hounds busted loose with six runs in the last of the first inning for a 6-1 lead, and again built the lead to five runs (10-5) with a three-run eighth. Springfield - - - involved in a virtual four-way tie for first place in the North Division - - - rallied back with five runs in the top of the ninth, tying the game at 10-10.

The RockHounds won their third straight and their fourth in five games in the current home stand.

Kibbles & Bits

- Conner Crumbliss has now reached base in 34-of-his-last-36 games and in 14-of-his-last-17 trips to the plate. Going back to his last plate appearance Wednesday (against Tulsa), Conner is 6-for-9 plus seven walks and a hit by pitch. After opening the season at Triple-A, and despite playing in only 60-percent of the 'Hounds' 125 games, Crumbliss is fifth in the Texas League with 62 walks and third in on-base percentage (.421).

- Tyler Ladendorf finished Saturday's game 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBI, adding to his major contributions to the 'Hounds three-game win streak (see above). Jefry Marte turned in his second consecutive outstanding performance, going 3-for-4 with a double, scoring two runs and driving in three more. In the last two games, Marte is 5-for-7, with two doubles, two runs and four RBI.

- D'Arby Myers had the night off, and will take his 25-game hit streak into Sunday's series and home stand finale.

Rocky Town

- The RockHounds are home Sunday evening (6:00), hosting the Springfield Cardinals in the final game of the current home stand.

- Monday is the final off day on the Texas League schedule, and will be followed by a seven-game road trip and a season-ending seven-game home stand. The 'Hounds will travel to Corpus Christi and Frisco (August 20-26) before returning home Tuesday, August 27.

WP: Brett Hunter (1-1, 4.50)

LP: Kevin Thomas (7-4, 2.73)

Next Game

vs. Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals' AA Affiliate)

Sunday, August 18 - 6:00 p.m. (Radio at 5:55 p.m.)

Citibank Ballpark

Probable Starters

Springfield: (LH) Jonathan Cornelius - (4-6, 5.37)

RockHounds: (RH) Drew Carpenter - (0-0, 2.25)