TROY — On Tuesday morning, the Tri-City ValleyCats prepared for their third game in less than 24 hours.
After splitting Monday’s doubleheader, Tri-City had a quick 11 AM turnaround to finish off the series against the Red Sox affiliate, Lowell Spinners.
After a productive 1st inning by the Spinners, highlighted by Tucker Tubbs RBI double, Tri-City looked to pounce on Lowell starter Pat Goetze. Alex DeGoti would score on a Rodrigo Ayarza double play ball in the 3rd. And in the following inning, Ryne Birk would score on a single by Chuckie Robinson. Birk reached base all 4 plate appearances.
After Lowell tied the game at 2 in the 5th, Tri-City was quick to take back the lead in the bottom half of the 6th. Birk showed his aggressiveness on the base paths. He advanced from 1st to 3rd on a throwing error by Lowell pitcher Brad Stone. And would score on a wild pitch by Stone in the same at-bat.
Birk did slide in hard to 3rd base leaving some cause for concern. But he was able to shake it off. “I play hard, that stuff kinda happens.” Said the ‘Cats second baseman.
That was the final run scored in the game on both sides. Relief pitchers Ryan Hartman and Kevin Hill went a combined 6.1 innings giving up only 3 hits and 1 earned run. Their contributions ultimately were the difference maker in the close game.
Hartman improves to 1-0 with the win, while Hill collects his 1st save.
The games don’t slow down for the ‘Cats. They’re back in action tomorrow against Aberdeen.
But all in all, the team is feeling good after taking a series against the division leaders. And Tri-City will look to take their first division lead of the season over the next few games.
