ValleyCats Take Series Opener Against Ironbirds

Troy, NY — After a six game road trip and the All-Star break, the ValleyCats were back at ‘The Joe’ on Wednesday night to face the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

Aberdeen was quick to attack ValleyCats starter Edgardo Sandoval, scoring 2 runs on 2 hits in the 1st inning.

Things got started on offense for the ‘Cats in the 5th. After a wild pitch by Ironbirds pitcher Travis Seabrooke, Rodrigo Ayarza would make the turn all the way from second to home and score. Ronnie Dawson followed up with a 2-RBI triple to right field. The ‘Cats would score 4 in the 5th, taking a commanding 6-3 lead.

I asked Lamarr Rogers, Manager and 3rd base coach if he was the one to send Ayarza, or if it was his decision. “It was a little bit of both, that’s why I call him ‘Little Rodrigo.'”

Makay Nelson held his ground during his relief outing. He went 4.2 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits, he struck out six.

Angelo Serrano would come in and get his first save of the season, locking up a 6-4 victory for Tri-City. A good way to get back on track after a 2-4 road stand. Now it’s a matter of if they can win the series against a struggling Aberdeen team.