The New Britain Rock Cats had a chance to send a great pitchers’ duel to extra innings, but the Wolcott-Terryville Scrappers – specifically the defense – turned them away one final time.
Left fielder Zack Rinkavage fielded Chris Aleman’s single and fired a one-hop strike to Wolcott-Terryville catcher Cris Ruiz, who tagged out New Britain baserunner Matt Martinez to end a 1-0 victory in the Connecticut Twilight League winner’s bracket final on Wednesday evening at Muzzy Field in Bristol. Kody Kerski admitted that he didn’t have his best stuff, but he still pitched a complete game.
The Scrappers clinched a berth in the championship, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at Legends Field in Newington. The Rock Cats have to win an elimination game against the Bristol Shock (more on them later in this story) this evening at six o’clock at Legends Field.
Wolcott-Terryville scored the game’s only run when Jack Drewry singled home Connor Goggin in the top of the first inning. Goggin walked to lead off the game, then stole second base.
In addition to the play at the plate, the Scrapper defense cut down a runner going to third base. New Britain’s Jarai Bolden led off with a double to the right field wall, but tried to stretch it into a triple. That led to a 9-6-3 out at third from the Wolcott-Terryville defense – Jake Rinkavage to Alex Rauso to Eric Schlitter. Schlitter made a diving stop to his left to rob a New Britain batter of a single, and Alex Rauso was part of a 4-6-3 double play with younger brother Anthony Rauso, the second baseman, and the first baseman Drewry.
GALLERY: Here are my photos from the Wolcott-Terryville game.
BRISTOL SHOCK 8, CONNECTICUT ORIOLES 2
Nate Pirog pitched six innings of two-run ball (10 strikeouts), and the offense erupted as the home team stayed alive in the playoffs.
Bristol scored five runs in the top of the second inning. Tommy Stagis and Earl Oakes had the big hits during that outburst. Kyle Pileski had a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, and Oakes later added a two-run single. The Shock have won two straight elimination games since falling to the Scrappers, 2-0. Bristol faces New Britain in another elimination game this evening.
GALLERY: Here are my photos from the Bristol game.
