TROY – A two-run home run from Ronnie Dawson (2) was all the Tri-City ValleyCats (14-13) needed in a 2-0 win over the Connecticut Tigers (17-10) Thursday night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
The Tigers, who entered the game without allowing a run in the previous 22 innings, were shut out for the first time this season. Taylor Hicks (0-1), who surrendered Dawson’s home run, was charged with his first loss of the year.
While Dawson’s shot stole the show, the ‘Cats pitching staff shined in the background. Hector Perez, making his third start of the season, allowed only two hits in 4.1 innings, striking out five. Howie Brey finished off the 5th inning before Enrique Chavez (W, 2-0) came in to close out the game. In four innings of work, Chavez allowed only three baserunners.
Connecticut rode a phenomenal start from Alfred Gutierrez, who struck out four in six scoreless innings, but did not factor in the decision.
Hicks took over for Gutierrez in the 7th, and surrendered a walk to Randy Cesar, before Dawson cranked a 90 mph fastball over the left field wall, 363 feet.
Cesar collected the only multi-hit game for the ‘Cats, who improved to 2-1 in Thursday match-ups. He finished 2-2 with two singles and a walk. Taylor Jones hit his team-leading 10th double of the season in the 3rd inning.
The ‘Cats and Tigers face off again tomorrow night, July 15, at 7 pm. They will wrap up the series on Saturday, before welcoming the Batavia Muckdogs to Troy for a three-game set.
Probable match-ups: (CT vs. TRI)
Friday, July 15: LHP Locke St. John vs. RHP Kevin Hill
Saturday, July 16: LHP Gregory Soto vs. LHP Ryan Hartman
