Gastonia 8, High Point 3

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Honey Hunters took the first game of a crucial three-game series from High Point, winning 8-3 on Tuesday night at CaroMont Health Park.

High Point and Gastonia entered the contest in a first place tie in the Atlantic League’s South Division with matching 36-16 records and 11 games remaining in the first half of the season. The first half winners of both the North and South Divisions will earn postseason playoff spots. The win puts Gastonia one game ahead at 37-16 while the Rockers are now 36-17.

Zach Godley (W, 4-3), a former Major League pitcher with the Arizona Diamondbacks during a seven-year big league career, held the Rockers to just three hits over six innings while striking out eight. High Point finished the night with just four hits and 13 strikeouts.

High Point took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Ryan Grotjohn doubled off the wall in left and then scored on Ben Aklinski’s single up the middle. Gaston answered with a solo homer by Curtis Terry in the second to tie the game before Steven Sensley doubled off High Point starter Jheyson Manzueta. Cole Freeman followed with an RBI single and Kevin Santa then singled to score Freeman for a 3-1 Honey Hunter lead.

The Rockers knotted the game in the fourth when Beau Taylor drew a walk and Dai-Kang Yang homered to left to forge a 3-3 tie.

But Godley did not allow a hit over his final two innings of work and reliever David Richardson also kept the Rockers hitless through the seventh and eighth innings. Grotjohn singled with one out in the ninth but the Rockers could not score.

Gastonia broke the tie with a pair of runs off Austin Ross (L, 1-1) in the sixth. Sensley reached on a walk and Braxton Davidson homered to put Gastonia up 5-3. In the seventh, High Point’s Jeremy Rhoades walked Carlos Franco, who was replaced at first base by pinch-runner Pedro Gonzalez. Scott Manea’s single moved Gonzalez to third before Terry singled to send Gonzalez home and give the Honey Hunters a 6-3 lead. Sensley then singled to score Manea for a 7-3 advantage. Gastonia added a final run in the eighth on singles by Zach Jarrett and Franco with Jarrett scoring on an infield out by Manea.

Jheyson Manzueta, who signed with the Rockers earlier in the day, allowed three runs and five hits over 4.1 innings but did not figure in the outcome. Grotjohn was the only Rocker with two hits while Yang and Aklinski accounted for the other two runs. Terry and Davidson each had a pair of RBI for the Honey Hunters.

Game two of the series is slated for a 6:35 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday at CaroMont Health Park.

Long Island 8, Southern Maryland 3

Central Islip, N.Y., June 27, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-3 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.

The Ducks opened the scoring in the second inning on Brantley Bell’s two-run double down the left field line off Blue Crabs starter Ian Kahaloa. A three-run fifth inning, highlighted by Alex Dickerson’s two-run single to right and Wilson Ramos’ RBI fielder’s choice, extended the Ducks advantage to 5-0.

Another three-run frame in the sixth make it an eight-run ballgame. Brian Goodwin’s RBI double, a bases loaded walk by Sam Travis and an RBI single by Dickerson did the damage. The Blue Crabs scored three runs of their own in the seventh on an error that plated Khalil Lee and a two-run triple off the bat of Philip Caulfield, but Southern Maryland would get no closer. 

Ducks starter Stephen Tarpley (3-2) earned the win, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and four walks while striking out eight. Kahaloa (4-4) took the loss, giving up five runs on five hits and five walks over five innings with one strikeout. 

Dickerson led the Ducks offensively with two hits and three RBIs. Goodwin added a hit, an RBI, two runs and two walks, while Ruben Tajada chipped in with a hit, two runs and three walks. 

The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. 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). It’s Super Hero Night at the ballpark, featuring appearances by Spider-Man and Iron Man, as well as the Kids Health and Safety Expo, presented by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. It’s also a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark, and fans will be able to enjoy $5 off Ducks Webbed Foot Pillows ($20, normally $25 at the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Right-hander Stephen Woods Jr. (6-2, 4.02) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Jesse Estrada (0-1, 3.66). 

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. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. 

Lexington 5, Lancaster 3

n a clash between two determined teams, the Lexington Counter Clocks emerged victorious, holding off a late surge from the Lancaster Barnstormers to secure a hard-fought 5-3 win. The game was a thrilling display of resilience and tenacity from both sides, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final pitch.

The starting lineups boasted an array of talent, with Melvin Mercedes spearheading the Barnstormers' offensive charge, while Ronnie Dawson led the way for the Counter Clocks. On the mound, Dominic DiSabatino took the ball for Lancaster, facing off against Lexington's Patrick Ledet in what promised to be a compelling pitching duel.

The first few innings showcased the pitchers' prowess, as both DiSabatino and Ledet held the opposing offenses in check. The game remained scoreless until the second inning when the Counter Clocks managed to break the deadlock. Connor Owings kick-started the inning with a well-placed single, and a strikeout-stealing second base by Thomas Dillard set the stage for the Lexington squad. Unfortunately for the Barnstormers, their hopes of escaping unscathed were dashed when JC Encarnacion struck out swinging, allowing the Counter Clocks to take a 2-0 lead.

Lancaster attempted to mount a response in the fifth inning, with Mercedes and Andretty Cordero delivering singles to inject some life into their offense. However, the Counter Clocks' defense stood tall, managing to stifle the Barnstormers' scoring chances. Ariel Sandoval's subsequent force out ultimately put an end to their hopes of getting on the scoreboard.

The tide seemed to turn definitively in favor of the Counter Clocks in the sixth inning. Andrew Moritz showcased his power with a resounding home run to extend the Lexington lead to 5-0. The Barnstormers' defense faltered, committing crucial errors that allowed the Counter Clocks to capitalize on their opportunities and seize control of the game.

Undeterred, the Barnstormers launched a comeback bid in the eighth inning. Cordero's single ignited a spark of hope, setting the stage for Sandoval's heroics. The left fielder delivered a remarkable home run, narrowing the deficit to 5-2 and injecting renewed energy into the Lancaster squad. However, the Counter Clocks' pitching and defense quickly regained their composure, effectively snuffing out any further offensive threats.

As the game entered its final inning, the Barnstormers demonstrated their resilience once again. Trace Loehr stepped up to the plate and launched an impressive home run, cutting the Counter Clocks' lead to 5-3 and injecting a sense of excitement into the atmosphere. However, Garrett Schilling took the mound for Lexington, determined to preserve the win. The reliever showcased his prowess, shutting down the Barnstormers and securing the Counter Clocks' hard-fought victory.

Ledet earned a well-deserved win for his formidable performance on the mound, while DiSabatino shouldered the loss for Lancaster. Schilling showcased his prowess as a closer, notching his 10th save of the season and effectively shutting the door on any hopes of a Barnstormers comeback.

York 11, Staten Island 1
York 7, Staten Island 0

(June 27th, 2023 – York, Pa.):  The York Revolution returned home and enjoyed a one-sided doubleheader sweep, trouncing the Staten Island FerryHawks by final scores of 11-1 and 7-0 on Tuesday evening at WellSpan Park. The Revs have won three straight, increasing their first place lead to 1.5 games over Long Island and 2.5 games over Southern Maryland with 11 to play in the season’s first half.

The offense got started early in the opener, scoring five runs in the first inning off Staten Island starter Jesse Remington (1-2). Trent Giambrone clocked a leadoff homer to left to open the scoring. Drew Mendoza slapped an RBI single to left making it 2-0 Revs. York took advantage of three walks in the inning, and with the bases loaded Richard Urena pegged a gapper to right center for a two-run double. Alejandro Rivero added a sac fly to make it 5-0.

York starter J.T. Hintzen (5-3) was brilliant over five innings, giving up four hits and one run. His only run came on a two-out homer to left center by Drew Jemison in the fifth as the rookie provided the Hawks’ lone run in his pro debut. Hintzen struck out a career-high nine and walked only one in the victory.

He was backed up by strong relief appearances by Andrew Gross who got two outs in the sixth and Tasker Strobel; each surrendered a single but combined to get through the inning.

The Revs scored six more runs in the bottom of the sixth to explode the lead to 11-1. York scored on RBI singles from Tomo Otosaka, Mendoza, and Nellie Rodriguez, while the outburst was capped off by Ryan January’s two-run double to left center as the Revs batted around for the second time in the game.

J.P. Woodward pitched a 1-2-3 seventh to secure the game one victory.

York again grabbed an immediate lead in the nightcap, scoring two off Hawks spot starter Vincenzo Aiello in the bottom of the first. York took advantage of two hits, a walk and a throwing error in the inning. Troy Stokes Jr. opened the scoring as he dribbled one to shortstop for an infield hit. The throw to first from Jemison went wide allowing Giambrone to score. Mendoza followed by grounding into a double play, scoring Otosaka for a 2-0 lead.

York starter Carlos Espinal (4-1) did not allow a hit through three innings before exiting after a 33-minute rain delay in the bottom of the third.

The delay began shortly after Stokes Jr. pelted an opposite field line drive three-run home run to right field through the driving rain, expanding the lead to 5-0.

York scored another run in the bottom of the fifth as Rodriguez walked to lead off the inning. Martin ran for Rodriguez as the designated pinch runner and scored on a ground ball to second when Angel Aguilar gave up on a rundown and threw home errantly allowing Martin to score, extending the lead to 6-0. 

Nelvin Correa and Will Carter pitched hitless innings out of the Revs bullpen in the fourth and fifth.

Brandon Pugh broke up the combined no-hit bit with a soft infield single to the left side with one out in the sixth, but Denson Hull struck out two to end the inning without any damage.

York added on in the bottom of the sixth as Stokes Jr. continued his torrid pace by lacing an RBI single up the middle, elevating the score to 7-0 on his fourth RBI of the night.

Will McAffer made his home debut with a scoreless seventh, ending the game on a soft line drive to Rodriguez at first who made the catch and stepped on first for a game-sealing double play.

Notes: The Revs outscored the FerryHawks 18-1 in the doubleheader and have outscored opponents 34-6 on the three-game winning streak. York outscored Staten Island 7-0 in the first inning in the two games and has now outscored opponents 37-17 in the first inning this season. The five-run first in game one was the Revs’ biggest first inning of the season. Hintzen began the day with four consecutive strikeouts, tying Corey Thurman (2009) and Frank Gailey (2015) for the franchise record to start a game. Hintzen’s nine total strikeouts surpass his previous career high of eight set during his first pro season in 2018 with Class-A Wisconsin while in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system. Woodward worked his eighth straight scoreless outing to close out the game one victory, tying the longest scoreless streak of his pro career. Giambrone’s homer was his team-leading 10th and second in as many at-bats going back to Sunday’s win at Spire City. It was his second game-opening leadoff homer this season. Otosaka pulled into a tie for the league lead in stolen bases with his 23rd in the opener. Stokes Jr. moved past Sean Smith for tenth in Revs history in steals with the 44th of his York career. Mendoza’s two RBI in game one gave him 44 in 43 games to begin the season including 30 in his last 24 games played. York drew nine walks in each game and out-walked Staten Island 18-4 in the doubleheader; the Revs lead the league with 254 walks as a team. Espinal’s three scoreless innings give him a 14-inning scoreless streak spanning the entirety of his last three starts. The shutout in game two was the Revs’ third of the year and their second two-hitter; both hits allowed were infield hits. The doubleheader sweep is the first for the Revs since July 5, 2022 vs. Lancaster. The Revs’ 1.5-game lead for first place matches their largest of the year as they have found themselves in first place at the end of 22 games this season, pursuing the fourth first-half division title in club history and first since 2016. York righty Jorge Martinez (2-2, 7.95) faces Staten Island southpaw Ryan Hartman (0-3, 6.23) on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. It is Motorsports Night presented by BAPS Motor Speedway, Winning Wednesday presented by PA Lottery, Wing Wednesday catered by Jen Heasley from Cooking with the Pros/Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce, and Bark in the Park presented by Cover Six Canines. Tickets are on sale at YorkRevolution.com, (717) 801-HITS, and in-person at the Shipley Energy Ticket Office.

Charleston 8, Spire City 4