York 5, Lancaster 3

(June 15th, 2023 – York, Pa.):  Carlos Espinal spun five scoreless frames and Jhon Nunez went 4-for-4 with three doubles and three RBI as the York Revolution won their fourth straight, completing a sweep of the Lancaster Barnstormers with a 5-3 win on Thursday evening at WellSpan Park. The Revs (26-16) increase their first place lead in the North Division to a season-high 1.5 games with the win and will welcome the division rival Long Island Ducks for a weekend series beginning Friday night.

The Revs took an early lead in the bottom of the second off of Lancaster reliever Brian Marconi who was forced to enter due to an injury to starter Jared Lakind after just 1.1 innings and four batters faced.

Nellie Rodriguez set things up by cracking his second triple of the season on a drive to deep right center. Jacob Rhinesmith was hit by a pitch, and both scored on a right-center field gapper by Nunez whose first double of the night gave the Revs a 2-0 lead.

York added on, scoring three runs in the fourth. Richard Urena led off with a homer to right center, his second in as many nights. Troy Stokes Jr. walked and Rhinesmith was hit by another pitch to set up first and second for Nunez who pounded a grounder down the left field line for another double, plating Stokes Jr. to make it 4-0 Revs. With runners at second and third and the infield in, Alexis Pantoja served a single into right field scoring Rhinesmith, increasing the lead to 5-0.

Espinal (3-1) pitched five scoreless innings, scattering five hits with just one walk and five strikeouts to earn the win.

York’s bullpen had logged 8.1 shutout frames over the previous three games and things got off to a good start as Denson Hull handled a scoreless sixth.

Lancaster managed a run in the seventh as Andretty Cordero popped a shallow sac fly to right off Will Carter with an inherited run scoring that was charged to Hull as the Revs had a misplay in the infield that resulted in a hit for Jack Conley who came around to score.

Andrew Gross had his streak of 10 consecutive scoreless outings come to an end as Lancaster plated two runs in the eighth, the first allowed by Gross since May 13. Singles from Trayvon Robinson and Marshall Rich got things started before both moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. A soft ground ball to third by Joseph Carpenter brought home Robinson. Another wild pitch put runners at second and third, and an RBI infield hit by Jake Hoover plated Rich to cut the Revs’ lead to 5-3.

With the tying runners on base, lefty Tasker Strobel came into the game and got Yeison Coca to fly out to right field for the second out. Strobel won a full count battle against leadoff man Melvin Mercedes who flied out weakly to right as Strobel put out the fire and kept the lead intact.

Closer Victor Capellan was reached for two singles in the ninth, but got Carpenter looking to end the game, securing his eighth save of the year.

Lancaster stranded a pair of runners in each of the final three innings and 12 total runners for the game, going 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Notes: The sweep is the fourth of the year for the Revs and third at home. York is now 14-3 in games decided by two runs or fewer. The Revs improve to 14-6 at home, having won nine of their last 10 at WellSpan Park. York’s 26-16 record is tied with the 2016 squad for the best mark in franchise history through 42 games. The Revs are 16-4 in their last 20 games. The four-game winning streak is the Revs’ third streak of at least four consecutive wins this season. York posted double digit hits for the 13th time in the last 15 games. York has won four straight games vs. Lancaster, improving to 6-3 in this year’s War of the Roses series. Starting for the first time since 2017, Espinal has gone at least five innings in all four starts and has held the opposition scoreless in two of those four. Capellan has gone six straight scoreless outings with four saves during that span since moving back into the closer’s role; the save is the 120th of his career, 30th in the Atlantic League, and 10th of his Revs career. Nunez tied a career-high with four hits, notching the Revs’ seventh four-hit game by a batter this season and third in the last five games. Nunez’ three doubles tie a Revs single-game record for the 12th time and first time since Stokes Jr. did it in a game last August. Nunez’ three RBI tied his season-best. He is now 14-for-32 (.438) over his last nine. York played errorless ball for a season-high fourth consecutive game. Revs righty Jorge Martinez (2-2, 7.75) faces Long Island lefty Ian Clarkin (2-1, 4.54) on Friday at 6:30 p.m. It is Girl Scout Sleepover Night and Engineering Night. Tickets are on sale at YorkRevolution.com, (717) 801-HITS, and in-person at the Shipley Energy Ticket Office.

Lexington 12, Staten Island 3

In the final clash of the series, the Lexington Counter Clocks showcased their dominance with a resounding 12-3 triumph over the Staten Island Ferry Hawks on a pleasant evening at the ballpark. The Counter Clocks' explosive offense, led by a grand slam from Thomas Dillard, proved too much for the Ferry Hawks to handle.

From the first pitch delivered by Patrick Ledet, it was evident that both teams were prepared for a battle. The Ferry Hawks kicked off the scoring action in the top of the first inning when Brandon Pugh executed a bunt single and subsequently stole second base. However, Ledet and the Counter Clocks' defense quickly shut down any further scoring opportunities, leaving the Ferry Hawks empty-handed.

Responding swiftly, the Counter Clocks wasted no time establishing their presence. Ronnie Dawson initiated the fireworks with a flyout, but Manuel Geraldo electrified the crowd with a powerful blast, sending the ball sailing over the right-field fence for a solo home run. JC Encarnacion followed suit with a well-placed single to right field. Although a double play ended the inning, the Counter Clocks had already secured a 1-0 advantage.

Undeterred by their early deficit, the Ferry Hawks fought back in the third inning. Mikey Edelman kick-started the rally with a mighty swing, launching a home run to left-center field. Brandon Pugh's single and stolen base put him in scoring position, and Jack Elliott's walk loaded the bases. Angel Aguilar capitalized on the opportunity, delivering an RBI single to left field. Yet, the Counter Clocks managed to escape the inning with minimal damage, limiting the Ferry Hawks to just one run.

As the game progressed, the Counter Clocks launched an offensive onslaught that would leave the Ferry Hawks reeling. The fifth inning proved to be a pivotal turning point, as the Counter Clocks capitalized on every opportunity presented to them. Ronnie Dawson's ground-rule double and Manuel Geraldo's single set the stage for JC Encarnacion's walk. Then, Dillard stepped up to the plate and unleashed a grand slam to right-center field, sending the fans into a frenzy. Not to be outdone, Connor Owings followed suit with a solo home run to right field, further extending the Counter Clocks' lead.

Despite their best efforts, the Ferry Hawks couldn't muster a significant response. The Counter Clocks' pitching, led by Ledet, stifled their opponents, shutting them down in key moments and denying them any chance of a comeback.

With the game well in hand, the Counter Clocks continued to pile on the runs, showcasing a relentless offense. A flurry of hits, including doubles from Thomas Dillard and Connor Owings, propelled them to a commanding 12-3 lead, leaving the Ferry Hawks in a state of desperation.

In the end, the Counter Clocks' dominant performance proved insurmountable for the Ferry Hawks. Ledet's strong outing on the mound, combined with an explosive offensive display, propelled the Counter Clocks to an impressive victory. The Counter Clocks now look ahead to their next matchup with Frederick, riding the wave of confidence generated by this commanding win.

Charleston 6, Long Island 1

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 15, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Charleston Dirty Birds 6-1 on Thursday night in the final game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. 

Charleston opened the scoring in the first inning on Bobby Bradley’s RBI single to center field off Ducks starter Stephen Woods Jr. An RBI single to right by Dwight Smith Jr. in the second made it a 2-0 game. 

Three more runs in the fifth on Luis Roman’s RBI single and Diego Goris’ two-run double make it a five-run margin. Long Island cracked the scoreboard in the ninth on an RBI single to center by Alex Dickerson, which plated Brian Goodwin. 

Scheetz (3-5) earned the win, tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing a hit and two walks while striking out seven. Woods Jr. (5-2) took the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits and seven walks over four and one-third innings with six strikeouts.

Ruben Tejada led the Flock offensively with a pair of hits.

The Ducks hit the road on Friday night to open a three-game series against the York Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at WellSpan Park. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Ian Clarkin (2-1, 4.54) gets the start for the Ducks against Revolution righty Jorge Martinez (2-2, 7.75).

Long Island returns home on Tuesday, June 27, to begin a three-game set against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Foam Fingers, courtesy of Drake’s Cakes. It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.

Frederick 5, High Point 4
 

HIGH POINT, N.C. – If baseball games were decided by the number of hits each team had, then the High Point Rockers would have scored a 9-4 victory over Frederick on Thursday night. Unfortunately, High Point came out one run short, the only category that does count, falling 5-4 to the Question Marks despite holding a better than 2:1 advantage in base hits.

“We had nine hits, we had plenty of baserunners, we just didn’t get it done when we needed to,” said Rockers manager Jamie Keefe. “That’s going to happen. But we won the series (2-1) so we will turn the page and get back after it tomorrow against Southern Maryland.”

High Point starting pitcher Mickey Jannis (L, 6-1) was bidding to become the first seven-game winner in the Atlantic League. And while he allowed just four hits through seven innings, he walked four and struck out one. Frederick starter Max Povse (W, 1-2) went six innings, yielded seven hits and four runs and struck out two while not issuing a walk.

The loss dropped the Rockers to 29-14 on the season and a half-game behind Gastonia (29-13) in the race for the South Division title in the Atlantic League.

The Rockers got to Povse right from the start. Lead-off hitter Shed Long, Jr. singled up the middle and moved to second when Povse hit Michael Russell with a pitch. Zander Wiel moved both runners up a base with a swinging bunt that was fielded by Frederick catcher Kole Cottam. Ben Aklinski then flew out to center for a sac fly that brought Long, Jr. home with High Point’s first run.

High Point made it 2-0 in the second when Michael Martinez singled through the right side, stole second, moved to third on an infield groundout by Montrell Marshall then scored on a passed ball by Cottam.

Frederick tied the game with a pair of runs in the third. Moises Sierra walked and was advanced to third on a single by Steven Brault. Osvaldo Abreu brought in Sierra on a grounder to second and Brault scored on an RBI single by Starlin Castro.

With three runs in the fourth, Frederick took a 5-2 lead. Jannis walked Jimmy Paredes and allowed a double to Cottam. Leobaldo Cabrera brought home one run with a sac fly before Brault hit a two-run homer that also scored Cottam.

The Rockers made it a 5-3 game when Ryan Grotjohn blasted his sixth homer of the year off the videoboard in right-center leading off the fourth inning. High Point narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the sixth when Grotjohn singled and stole second before taking third on a single to right by Martinez. But rightfielder Sierra launched his throw back into the infield all the way into the Frederick dugout allowing Grotjohn to score on the error.

Long, Jr. finished with three hits including a double while Grotjohn and Martinez each had a pair of hits. Brault was the only Frederick player with two hits as the Rockers did not allow a hit after the fourth inning.

The Rockers will start a three-game series against Southern Maryland on Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Truist Point. The game will be available on FloBaseball and on the Mixlr app. There will be postgame fireworks which fans can watch from the field and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free mini bat courtesy of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Gastonia 11, So. Maryland 6

The Gastonia Honey Hunters scored 11 straight runs from innings five to seven, as they beat Southern Maryland 11-6 in the rubber match of the series on Thursday night.

Southern Maryland had a 3-0 lead after four innings of play.

Blue Crabs starter Sandro Cabrera had thrown four scoreless frames, allowing only two hits.

But the Gastonia bats woke up in the fifth, and the Honey Hunters exploded for two, five and four runs over the next three innings, respectively.

Luis Curbelo was a catalyst of the comeback, as he hit a double in the fifth to set his team up with second and third with nobody out.

Steven Sensley then hit a sacrifice fly to right, and Cole Freeman followed up with a run-scoring single to make it a 3-2 game.

Curbelo then had the biggest hit of the evening in his next at-bat.

He hit a one-out, bases-clearing double down the left-field line to give the Honey Hunters a 5-3 lead.

Curbelo, who came into the game 5-for-8 in the series with two home runs, had a couple two-baggers and four RBIs on Thursday.

He continued his hot hitting at home.

Sensley followed up Curbelo’s double with a two-run homer, which capped off a five-run sixth inning and gave Gastonia a 7-3 advantage.

J.C. Escarra led off the seventh by crushing a ball 419 feet to dead center to make it 8-3.

That gave Escarra his league-leading 15th long ball of the season, and his 41st RBI.

Escarra hit two homers on Wednesday, and followed up with his third of the series Thursday. Both bombs he hit in the second game of the series were to the opposite field, over the short wall in left. He’s hit balls all over the outfield this season, and makes sure to utilize the 304-foot sign in left when he can.

“As a left-handed hitter, my real power is center and right,” Escarra said. “But it’s nice having the short wall when you put a good swing on it. And in a big game, wind kind of blowing out, it works out.”

Gastonia’s left fielder didn’t need the short wall on Thursday, blasting the ball to center over the head of outfielder Jack Sundberg.

Scott Manea joined the hit party with an RBI single later in the seventh, once again cashing in with runners in scoring position. He came into the game hitting .333 with a .916 OPS in that scenario, and continued his clutch hitting.

Manea credited his teammates for making him feel more comfortable at the plate in clutch situations.

“We have a ton of amazing hitters in this lineup, so it really takes the pressure off of each and every one of us every night,” Manea said. “So runners on base, do what you can to find a good pitch to put a good swing on and know that the pressure’s off because the guy behind you can get the job done also.”

All 10 hitters who ended up coming to the plate for Gastonia reached base at least once, and the team totaled 10 hits in the win.

The Honey Hunters got a very solid outing from starter Zack Godley.

Although he struggled with the strike zone early on and gave up three early runs, Godley went six innings and faced the minimum in his final two frames.

He allowed two earned runs, as one was unearned, and struck out five batters in six innings of work.

Godley now leads the Atlantic League with 56 strikeouts recorded.

After taking two out of three from Southern Maryland, Gastonia will now host the Staten Island FerryHawks for the first time this year.

The weekend series begins on Friday at 6:35 p.m.