Two Ninth Inning Runs Sends Keys Into Instant Jubilation
FREDERICK, MD – Down by a run entering the bottom of the ninth inning and with the chance to jump into first place, the Keys set off a dramatic comeback, scoring twice to walk off with a 6-5 win and enter into first place in the Northern Division.
With the bases loaded and one out, Glynn Davis grounded to shortstop Orlando Calixte and in an attempt to get the force out at second, Calixte threw the ball into right field, allowing two runs to score, giving the Keys a walk-off 6-5 win which set off a frenzied celebration at home plate.
Now at 30-29 on the year, they leap over Wilmington for first place, who drop to 30-30 in the second half of the year.
Robinson Yambati, who entered the game with a 1.83 ERA, is charged with the blown save and loss after giving up three hits in the decisive ninth.
The comeback started with a Mike Flacco single into left field and the fielder, Geulin Beltre, bumbled the ball, allowing Flacco – who represented the tying run – to get into scoring position with no one out.
Recent call-up Torsten Boss was then asked to bunt Flacco to third base, but in doing so, he was able to bunt his way safely to first, putting two runners on board with still nobody out.
After Michael Mosby laid down a sacrifice bunt to put both Flacco and Boss into scoring position, Wilmington elected to intentionally walk Garabez Rosa to set up a force at every base and a potential game-ending double play. It did not work.
The next batter, Glynn Davis, hit a slow roller off of Yambati and that’s when Calixte misplayed the throw, sending the ball into the outfield and allowing the Keys to win and set off a raucous party at the plate.
There were four different lead changes in the game as two teams went back and forth the whole night trying to gain the upper hand.
After the Keys were trailing 4-3, Flacco put the Keys back on even ground in the sixth inning when he doubled with two outs to bring in a runner from first, which evened the score back up at four.
Yet Wilmington would take the lead right back as in their next at-bat in the top of the seventh, Luis Piterson hit a double down the line in right to score their fifth run of the game, putting the Blue Rocks on top 5-4.
However, that would only set up a wild and dramatic comeback for Frederick as they went on to steal a 6-5 win from Wilmington.
The Keys will look to ride this momentum into a week-long road trip starting on Friday night as super prospect Kevin Gausman (0-0, 12.00 ERA) gets the start for the Keys. He’ll face Rob Gilliam (0-1, 5.48 ERA).
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM and live coverage starts on 1450-AM The Source at 6:45.
