On a picture perfect Sunday afternoon, the Boulders looked to continue their winning ways and improve to 5-0. Improve to 5-0 they did, as they won 5-4 in walk off fashion.
The Miners struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, after second baseman Rubi Silva hit an RBI single, scoring shortstop Justin Trapp who doubled earlier in the inning. That's all the Miners would get off of starting pitcher Bo Budkevics, who was outstanding in his first start of the season, pitching five innings, giving up one run, on three hits, and striking out three.
It would remain that way until the bottom of the seventh, when the Boulders began to score. First baseman Cody Regis, who was 3 for 4 on the day, led off the inning with a single. Right fielder Mike Montville would then single as well to have runners on first and second with no one out. Designated hitter Jon Smith would then advance the runners after a fielder's choice for out number one. Third baseman James Roberts would then pick up the first two of his three RBI's on the day, hitting a single, and scoring Regis and Montville. After stealing second and third, Roberts came home to score, after center fielder Jared McDonald hit a sacrifice fly to right.
The Boulders led 3-1 going to the eighth, when the Miners had different plans. After Justin Trapp grounded out, catcher Nate Irving walked, which brought up second baseman Rubi Silva. Silva hit a ground rule double to right, scoring Irving, and chasing reliever Tommy Lawrence, who had another fantastic appearance throwing 2 1/3, giving up one run on a hit, striking out and walking two. Jason Byers would come on to face designated hitter Mike Schwartz, who hit a double off of the first pitch thrown, scoring Silva. With the game tied at three, would get left fielder Jay Austin to fly out to left, for out number two. After stealing third, Schwartz would then come home to score, after a passed ball to right fielder Juan Duran, making the score 4-3.
In the bottom of the eighth, Miners reliever Gianni Zayas would come on and give up a lead off single to catcher Marcus Nidiffer. Left fielder Joe Maloney would fly out to center, for out number one. Cody Regis then hit a double on a 0-1 count, advancing Nidiffer to third. With two on and one out, Montville came to the plate and struck out swinging. The Miners then intentionally walked Smith, loading the bases for James Roberts. The first pitch hit Roberts, scoring Nidiffer, and tying the game at four.
After a leadoff walk in the top of the ninth to center fielder Alexi Colon, Byers would get third baseman Nick Giarraputo out on a sacrifice bunt, advancing Colon to second. Manager Jamie Keefe would then go back to the bullpen, bringing in the right-hander, Mayckol Guaipe. Guaipe would then end the threat getting first baseman Steve Nyisztor to groundout for out number two, and Trapp to strike out for out number three.
Leading off the bottom of the ninth, second baseman Dylan Tice continued his hitting ways, and led off with a double. After stealing third, and a ball to Nidiffer, Miners manager Bobby Jones would make a call to the bullpen, bringing in his right-hander Andrew Brockett. After bringing the count 2-2, Nidiffer would then hit the game winning single, scoring Tice, and giving the Boulders a 5-4 win.
The Boulders will travel to Canada to face Trois-Rivieres for a quick three game series, before returning home on Friday to start a seven game home stand against the Quebec Capitales and the Ottawa Champions.