(Pomona, NY) – Rockland’s offense and defense came to life Wednesday night, resulting in a 4-2 victory over Trois-Rivieres. David Fischer got the win, Porfirio Lopez got the loss and Hector Nelo picked up his eleventh save.
The top of the second saw a couple of noteworthy defensive plays from the Boulders. Pat McKenna took four steps to his right to make a backhanded play that put away Daniel Mateo for out number one. Connor Crane came to the plate next, and got on base for Les Aigles’ first hit of the game. The catcher, Elvin Soto, caught him stealing moments later.
In the bottom of the inning, Jared Schlehuber hit a rocket deep to right-center field to make it 2-0 Rockland. The DH, Marcus Nidiffer, also came in to score on the at-bat after drawing a walk.
Trois-Rivieres put up a run in the top of the third. Mike Schwartz hit a single into right field to bring in the shortstop, Delvis Morales. Les Aigles still trailed 2-1.
Soto continued to showcase his arm throughout the night. In the fourth and fifth innings, he threw out Yeixon Ruiz and Morales on failed attempts at stealing second base.
Newcomer, Leandro Castro, picked up his first hit in the bottom of the sixth. The ball went back up the middle, driving in Junior Arrojo. Rockland extended their lead to 3-1.
Fischer’s heroic night on the mound came to an end after six innings of work. He faced 24 batters, struck out five, and allowed just one run on three hits. Daniel Carela took over the seventh. Three pitches in, it began to rain. No sooner was the tarp rolled out, the rain let up and it was removed. The forecast called for more baseball.
Ruiz came in to score on an error by the catcher. The score was cut to 3-2, but that was all Carela and the Boulders would allow.
Lopez was done after 6.0IP as well. He allowed three runs on six hits, striking out one and walking two. Dario Santangelo came in for relief.
Arrojo layed down a sacrifice bunt, but made it safely to first on a fielder’s choice. By the time the ball got back to the catcher, Soto had already come across home plate. The score was 4-2 after seven innings of play.
Nelo came in for the eighth and ninth innings. He threw 37 pitches before the game came to a close. The score would stick at 4-2.
The Boulders (39-35) will close out the series with Les Aigles (26-49) tomorrow night at 7:00pm. Tickets are available by visiting the box office, www.RocklandBoulders.com, or by calling (845) 364-0009.