ValleyCats defeat Tigers 4-3 in 10 innings

NORWICH, CT - The Connecticut Tigers (40-35) overcame a 2-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the ballgame, but the ValleyCats (38-37) took the lead right back in the 10th to secure a 4-3 victory on Sunday evening at Dodd Stadium.

With the ValleyCats holding on to a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, and runners on first and second with two outs, Connecticut right fielder Cole Bauml hit a double to the right field corner, clearing the bases and knotting the game at three apiece.

However, the ValleyCats rallied in the 10th. With one out, Tyler Wolfe doubled to right and Carmen Benedetti was intentionally walked to put runners on first and second. Chuckie Robinson followed up with a single to load the bases, and a wild pitch allowed the eventual game winning run to score.

Tri-City opened the scoring in the third inning. Kevin Martir began the inning with a single, and was followed by Alex DeGoti, who laced a triple to left center to give the 'Cats a 1-0 lead. Rodrigo Ayarza then hit a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 advantage.

The ValleyCats added another run in the fifth on an RBI triple by Marcos Almonte, and the Tigers scored one in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 3-1.

Almonte went 2-for-4 on the evening with the triple and a double. DeGoti was also 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

Angelo Serrano (2-2) picked up the win for the 'Cats after tossing one and a third innings of hitless relief. Ryan Hartman, who started the game for Tri-City, received a no-decision after pitching four scoreless innings, allowing four hits, striking out three and walking none.

The final game of the 2016 season will take place on Monday, Labor Day at Dodd Stadium in Connecticut, with a special 1:05 p.m. start time. Jorge Alcala (0-0, 6.00 ERA) will make his third start for the 'Cats, opposite Locke St. John (5-7, 2.27 ERA) for the Tigers.