Three runs in the first inning and five in the third were all the Tri-City ValleyCats (6-8) needed to take down the Williamsport Crosscutters 8-4 on Thursday night. The ‘Cats amassed 14 hits and six walks at the plate, improving their team average to .276, the best mark in the New York-Penn League.
Stephen Wrenn hit a towering 369 ft home run in the bottom of the first, scoring Ronnie Dawson. Wrenn nearly hit another in the third inning, when his double to deep left field missed going over the wall by three feet. Carmen Benedetti, Randy Cesar and Taylor Jones followed the homer with three straight singles to make the score 3-0.
After Wrenn doubled in the third, the ‘Cats loaded the bases for Ryne Birk, who delivered with a three-run double with an exit velocity of 105 mph. Daz Cameron had a solid evening at the plate, going 3-4 with three singles, two stolen bases and a walk.
Dustin Hunt made his first start this seaosn for Tri-City, allowing a run in 2.2 innings. Erasmo Pinales (1-2) came into relieve Hunt in the third, and earned his first win of the season, allowing two runs (one earned) in four innings, while striking out seven.
Williamsport (7-7) couldn’t escape a rough outing from RHP Felix Paulino, who allowed 10 hits and eight runs in 2.2 innings, striking out and walking one. In relief, Blake Quinn, Kenny Koplove and Gandy Stubblefield combined to shutout the ‘Cats in 5.1 innings, walking five and giving up five hits.
Juan Luis hit a homerun in the 7th inning for Williamsport, finishing 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.
The ValleyCats are back in action against the Hudson Valley Renegades tomorrow night, July 1, for the first of a three game set. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. with lefty Sebastian Kessay (0-0, 4.09) taking the hill for Tri-City.
