Williamsport, P.A. – AJ Riddle’s throwing error allowed Ali LaPread to score the game-winning run in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Cutters the 3-2 victory and the series win on Sunday afternoon
Brent Francisco had a shaky start, allowing two runs on three hits in the top of the first inning, but was able to settle down, working three-straight scoreless frames before being relieved.
Francisco did not allow a walk, struck out three and gave up four hits in the no decision, lowering his ERA to 4.96.
Shaun Gamelin entered in the 5th inning and was stellar, retiring six of the seven batters he faced, striking out three. Gamelin did not allow a run in the outing, taking his ERA down to 2.59.
Brayan Villar was nearly perfect for the Scrappers, retiring the first 15 batters he faced. Villar struck out Levi Perrell to open the bottom of the 1st and then retired the next 14 Cutters batters on balls in play.
McGwire Holbrook broke up the perfect game and shutout, belting a Villar offering 366-feet to left, picking up his 5th home run and 28th RBI of the season. It brought the Cutters within one, at 2-1.
Williamsport loaded the bases with two outs in the 6th, but Jacob Corson struck out on three pitches, to keep the game tied.
Chase Gockel worked a scoreless 7th inning, striking out two Scrappers and Brett Thomas worked a scoreless inning in the 8th, also striking out two Scrappers batters.
Mark Shallenberger tied the game in the bottom of the 8th inning, sending a two-strike, two-out offering into shallow center, chasing home Mikey Florides home from 2nd.
Parker Kruglewicz entered in the op of the 9th inning, and found himself in a bases loaded jam with one out. Kruglewicz got Zach Kettermen to ground to Mark Shallenberger at 1st, who threw home to get the lead runner and keep the game tied.
Kruglewicz then got pinch-hitter Blake McCrae to flyout to center, ending the inning with the bases loaded and the game tied at 2-2.
Ali LaPread lead off the bottom of the 9th with a walk and was moved to 2nd base on a sacrifice bunt from Mitch McCabe. The Scrappers intentionally walked McGwire Holbrook on a 2-0 count to set up the inning-ending double play.
Jacob Harper grounded back to the mound, where pitcher AJ Riddle fielded the ball, spun and proceeded to throw the ball into centerfield. LaPread, hesitated at 3rd but was sent by skipper Ryan Hannigan towards home, scoring the game-winning run.
Williamsport kicks off a three-game series with State College tomorrow afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Cutters Carvings – Holbrook leads the team with five home runs and 28 RBI…Holbrook’s homer was the Cutters first at home since July 28th…The Cutters bullpen worked a combined five innings of shutout baseball, striking out seven…
