Pitching Powers SteepleCats in 2-1 Win
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A key moment in the game came in the top of the fifth inning. After Mack Hite flied out to center field, SteepleCats center fielder Devin Shines overthrew first base when trying to double up James Laufer at first. The ball went into the dugout and Laufer was awarded third base. Laufer cut across the infield to advance to third, though, and the SteepleCats appealed to second base. After the field umpire ruled that the runner was safe, the two umpires discussed the play and ruled the runner out for not touching second base.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, SteepleCats left fielder Lance Marvel reached base after being hit by Sheehan. The next batter, designated hitter Kyle Saul, reached base on an error by the left fielder and advanced to second base with Marvel moving up to third. Marvel then scored on right fielder Chantz Mack's groundout and Saul eventually scored on Devin Shines's double.
The All-Americans scored their lone run with two outs in the top of the sixth. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, SteepleCats reliever Eric Perrault issued back-to-back walks. Randall Bulliard then came in to pitch and allowed a single to Tim Quinn that drove in a run before striking out Matt Gedman to retire the side.
Bulliard got the first out of the ninth inning before being relieved by Albury. Albury got the next two batters in order to end the game and secure the SteepleCats victory. Parker picked up the win while Sheehan gets charged with the tough-luck loss. The save is Albury's fourth of the season.
The All-Americans (4-8) return to Lowell to take on the Holyoke Blue Sox tomorrow night. The SteepleCats (9-3) travel to Cardines Field in Newport, R.I. to take on the Gulls Monday night at 6:35.
