Kevin Martir blasted a home run and knocked in three runs as the Tri-City ValleyCats (7-8) picked up a road win, 5-3, against the Hudson Valley Renegades (5-10).
Sebastian Kessay (1-0) picked up the win, striking out seven batters in 5.1 IP, and the Renegades managed only three hits and a run off of him. Carlos Sierra took over for Kessay in the sixth, but allowed two runs on three hits, and was pulled after one inning.
Chris Cotton, pitching for the second time as part of a rehab stint from Triple-A Fresno, struck out one batter in 1.2 innings of work. Sean Stutzman earned the save, pitching a perfect 9th inning.
Martir, making only his third start this season, smacked a two-run home run in the 7th inning, scoring Brauly Mejia, and added a double, knocking in three runs on the night. Stephen Wrenn and Daz Cameron added multi-hit nights, and Wrenn singled home Cameron in the 8th inning, giving the ‘Cats a 5-3 lead.
Jim Haley, who was 3-4 with a run scored, led the Renegades offensively. Angel Perez added a 2-4 night with a run and an RBI.
The ValleyCats are back in action tomorrow night, July 2, for game two in the three game set against the Renegades. Edgardo Sandoval will take the hill for the ‘Cats, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. ET.
