With the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth, Chase Simpson lined a game winning single down the right field line as the York Revolution edged the Somerset Patriots 5-4, completing their first four-game sweep of the season, and taking a season-best two game Freedom Division lead over the Lancaster Barnstormers who they will host in a three-game weekend series beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The Revs got on the board first, striking in the third. Alonzo Harris walked with one away, and Alexi Casilla followed with a grounder through the right side, sending Harris to third. Jared Mitchell chopped a ball slowly to second to bring Harris home, giving the Revs a 1-0 lead. Isaias Tejeda followed with a single through the left side to score Mitchell, making it 2-0.
Somerset responded in the fourth. Alfredo Rodriguez led off the frame with a double down the right field line and Olmo Rosario singled to center to bring him home. Kyle Roller reached on an error, and Yovan Gonzalez and Mark Minicozzi each followed with RBI singles, as the Patriots took a 3-2 advantage. Greg Golson reached on a bunt single to load the bases, but Logan Williamson induced back-to-back ground balls to the mound, turning those into a fielder’s choice and a 1-2-3 double play to escape further damage.
The Revs comeback effort began with a two-out rally in the seventh. Casilla pushed a bunt to shortstop for a base hit, Mitchell followed with a walk, and Tejeda tucked a bloop double just inside the line in right, tying the score at 3-3.
Somerset reclaimed the lead in the ninth. Justin Pacchioli walked to lead off the frame, stole second, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Scott Kelly. Carlos Guzman lifted a sacrifice fly to left as Pacchioli just beat Dayron Varona’s throw home, putting the visitors ahead 4-3.
Mitchell and Tejeda each swung at first pitches to begin the home ninth, and each lined a single, to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base right away. Mark Mason pinch ran Travis Witherspoon for Tejeda, before Somerset closer Ronnie Shaban retired the next two Revs hitters, bringing him within an out of completing the save. The Revs’ two-out magic continued, however. Varona poked a single over first to score Mitchell to tie the game, and Ryan Dent walked to load the bases. That set up Simpson, and the Revs third baseman came through with his first hit of the night, lining a pitch down the right field line to plate Witherspoon, winning it 5-4.
The win was the Revs’ third walk-off of the season, and the two-out RBI was York’s 21st of the series.
The Revs take a two game lead on the Barnstormers, who fell to Southern Maryland 6-0 on Thursday, before welcoming Lancaster to PeoplesBank Park for a three-game series this weekend. The Revs will send Jay Gause (8-2, 3.22) to the hill on Friday to face off with Brad Bergesen (9-7, 4.27) at 6:30 p.m. It’s Game Show Night & York Pretzels Night featuring a Pretzel jersey auction, sponsored by PeoplesBank to benefit Penn-Mar Human Services. For tickets visit yorkrevolution.com, the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office, or call 717-801-HITS.
Darrell Henry and Matt Present will be on the air at 6:10 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 WOYK as well as online at woyk1350.com, the WOYK YouTube Channel, and on the WOYK App.
NOTES:
Mitchell reached base for the 29th consecutive home game, and continues to hold the fifth longest streak in Revs history; he also extended his hitting streak to nine consecutive games. Casilla extended his hitting streak to six straight and recorded his 24th multi-hit game in 55 played. The Revs are 33-19 when Casilla is in the lineup. Tejeda extended his hitting streak to 8 straight games, and Luis Cruz hit safely for the sixth straight game. The Revs finish 7-0 against the Patriots at PeoplesBank Park this season, outscoring Somerset 45-16 at home. York is now 10-6 overall against Somerset on the year. The four-game sweep was the Revs’ first since May 2-4, 2016 vs. Bridgeport, and the first time the Revs have won a four game series at home this season. The two game lead in the division is also the largest of the season.
