Ballers use patience in Saturday comeback win over Freebirds
Oakland scores three late on four walks and hit-by-pitch
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 0 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | X | 5 | 6 | 2 |
By Gareth Kwok
OAKLAND, CA – A three-run eighth inning helped the Oakland Ballers come from behind to defeat the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 5-4 on Saturday night at Raimondi Park, evening the series at one game apiece.
Trailing by two runs entering the bottom of the eighth, Oakland (15-20) plated three runs on one hit, four walks and a hit-by-pitch to take the late lead. Jeter Ybarra led off the frame with a single off Brenton Thiels and Noah Blythe followed with a walk. After Corbin Barker (L, 1-1) replaced Theis and struck out Paul Winland, he walked Nick Leehey to load the bases and walked pinch hitter Jaden Collura to bring home a run, making it 4-3 Yuba-Sutter. Barker then struck out Conner Smith for the second out of the inning but walked Tremayne Cobb to tie the score and hit Esai Santos on the foot with a pitch to give Oakland the 5-4 lead.
Matthew Maloney (S, 2) collected his second save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth and two strikeouts to seal the win for Oakland and snap a three-game losing streak.
After giving up 18 runs in each of the last three home games, Oakland's arms performed much better on Saturday. Right-hander Hunter Day made his first start of the season for the Ballers and threw five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk with three strikeouts in a no decision. Day pounded the strike zone, throwing 43 strikes out of 61 total pitches.
Michael Riley (W, 2-1) delivered three solid innings of long relief, allowing just one run on three hits and two walks with one strikeout to earn the win.
Yuba-Sutter starting right-hander Chase Martinez fired six innings of two-run ball and struck out eight in a no decision. He is the third opposing starter this week to pitch a quality start against the Ballers.
The Ballers will go for the series victory as they conclude their three-game home series against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds on Sunday, June 28. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m from Raimondi Park. Fans can tune in beginning at 12:50 p.m on the Oakland Ballers YouTube Channel and HomeTeam Network.
