It was a hot and sunny day (finally) at South Miami High School after weeks of rain outs. This well anticipated match up did not disappoint. With potential playoff births on the line for both teams, this game was hard fought throughout the contest. The Rays jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 1 inning, but The D-Backs would answer with a run in the 2nd on Carlos Delgado's RBI hit. The Rays added a run in the 3rd, answered by Ivan Asension's RBI double for a 3-2 Rays lead in this tight contest. The Rays would score 2 in the 4th, but The D-Backs again fought back with 3 runs in the 4th on hits from Yusbell Ortega, Xavier Ubiera, and Ricky Rodriguez for a 5-5 game. Each team would tack on 2 runs in the 5th for a 7-7 tie game. Jake Marder made a sensational catch in center field in the 5th to preserve the tie game. The D-Backs finally took the lead in the 6th with 3 runs for a 10-7 score. The fiesty Rays put up 2 runs in the 7th to close the gap to 10-9, but The D-Backs were able to hold on to get the well-earned victory. This was truly a team effort by The D-Backs, with all players chipping in on offese and defense. Welcome back Ivan Asension who went 3-3, BB, 2B, 2 RBI and earned the save with 2 K's. Welcome back Ricky Rodriguez who was 2-3, 2B, Run, 2 RBI, 2 SB. Welcome back Yusbell Ortega who went 1-3, BB, Run and made several good plays in the field. Reliever Mario Figueredo earned the win, while starter Jay Habacht had his 2nd consecutive no decision. Tom Terribile for The Rays had 2 triples in the loss. Great game to Coach Jay Auriemma and The Rays!! |