The Balavia Muckdogs (17-10) defeated the Aberdeen IronBirds (9-18) after an indefinite rain delay in the bottom of the sixth inning last night. The game was called with a 13-3 lead for the Muckdogs. RHP Joe Cuda got the win.
The Muckdogs stole the lead early in the game against the ‘Birds, earning two runs in the first inning off a double from Jordan Walton. But the ‘Birds returned with two big doubles in the bottom half.
Tom Winegardner hit his second double of the season, and scored off a sacrifice fly to center field from Roderick Bernadina. Tyler Townsend also hit his second double of the season, then scored off a line drive to center field from Joel Hutter, evening out the score at 2-2 to end the first inning.
An error from C Chase Weems to 2B Winegardner brought in the first of six runs for the Muckdogs in the second, beginning with Kolby Byrd on the error. Steven Ramos and Alex Mejia scored off a double from Breyvic Valera to CF Bernadina. David Washington drove in the final three runs off a double to RF Lucas Herbst.
Weems brought the big stick in his first at bat, hitting his first homerun of the season. IronBirds leave the second inning down 8-3. Jason McCracken stifled the scoring streak in his pitching debut at Ripken Stadium, keeping the Muckdogs from scoring in the third.
Jesus Montero brought in the ninth run for the Muckdogs in the fourth before C Chase Weems got the final out at the plate from Anthony Vega to end the first half. The ‘Birds went out in the fourth down 9-3.
Steven Ramos scored in the fifth from an RBI chopper to left field from Jesus Montero and gave the Muckdogs a 10-3 lead. IronBirds brought in LHP Enrico Jimenez to take over for McCracken in the top of the sixth.
Jimenez allowed three runs, bringing the score to 13-3 for the Muckdogs still in the sixth. Jordan Walton scored off a fly ball to CF Bernadina from Kolby Byrd. David Washington and Matthew Young were brought in by Alex Mejia on his fourth double of the season.
A rain delay in the bottom of the sixth ended the game early with two outs for the IronBirds and one man on base. The Muckdogs win 13-3.
The IronBirds and Muckdogs will play the final game of their three-game series on Monday, July 16 at Ripken Stadium. Juan Guzman (0-0, 1.77) of the IronBirds will start off the game, countering Ben O’Shea (1-0, 2.60) for the Muckdogs. First pitch from Ripken Stadium is set for 7:35 p.m. with coverage on the IronBirds Radio Network at 7:20 p.m.
