(June 4, 2019 – High Point, NC): The York Revolution grabbed an early lead but dropped the second game of a seven-game road trip, 10-2 to the High Point Rockers on Tuesday night at BB&T Point.
The Revs carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning as things were moving along smoothly with the Revs attempting to even the series after an extra-inning loss in the opener.
York advanced a runner to third base in each of the first two innings but could not score. That changed in the third as Nate Coronado led off with a two-strike single to center and J.P. Sportman drilled a ground rule double to deep right-center. James Skelton launched a sac fly to deep center field to plate the first run while also advancing Sportman to third. Sportman scored as Melky Mesa roped an RBI double down the left field line for a 2-0 Revs lead.
York starter Mitch Atkins was outstanding, carrying a one-hit shutout into the bottom of the sixth.
It was smooth sailing until Tyler Ladendorf reached on an error to start the bottom of the sixth as Coronado’s throw from third base skipped low at first. Atkins retired the next two batters, but was victimized as Viosergy Rosa connected on a two-run homer to deep right, tying the game at 2-2 on a pair of unearned runs.
Atkins was left with a no-decision, allowing just two unearned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five.
The Rockers batted around, scoring six times in the bottom of the seventh to not only break the tie, but take a commanding lead. Stephen Cardullo singled and Hector Gomez walked to set the table against reliever Jeffrey Rosa (0-2). Richie Shaffer followed with an RBI single to left, giving High Point a 3-2 edge. Lefty Orleny Quiroz entered with still no outs, and Brett Austin reached on a bunt base hit as Coronado gloved and looked toward third base as the Revs failed to record an out on the play. That loaded the bases for Ladendorf who walked to push home a run. Myles Schroder smacked a two-run single to center, and with two outs, Tyler Marincov added another two-run single to left.
The Rockers put on the finishing touches with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. An error on shortstop Henry Castillo kept the inning alive for Dante Bichette, Jr. who ripped a two-run double down the left field line as the Rockers plated a total of four unearned runs on the night.
High Point starter Tyler Herron (1-2) retired 10 of his next 11 after Mesa’s double and lasted a season-high-tying seven innings to earn the win, giving up just two singles after the third. Chase Huchingson and Nick Sarianides each logged a scoreless inning out of the Rockers bullpen to close it out.
Notes: Atkins logged a fifth consecutive quality start, as he owns a 2.35 ERA on that stretch despite picking up just one win. With five strike outs, Atkins ties Wayne Franklin and Matt DeSalvo for eighth in Revs history with 169 in his York career. York’s bullpen had not allowed an earned run in 7.1 innings over the previous two games. York’s bullpen has retired just two of eight first batters faced in the series and just one of five to start an inning, while High Point relievers have retired the leadoff batter in each of their last six innings against York. Mesa’s RBI double gives him 19 RBI in the last 19 games. Castillo doubled in the top of the second, giving him a league-leading 15 doubles and 22 extra-base hits on the year. Justin Trapp doubled with two outs in the ninth and has now hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, batting .412 (14-for-34) on that stretch. Tuesday marked the third time this season the Revs have allowed four unearned runs or more in a game (twice vs. High Point). York righty Matthew Grimes (1-4, 3.29) starts Wednesday’s game opposite High Point right-hander Ryan Williams (0-0, 3.00) with first pitch at 10:30 a.m. Revs fans can catch the action live on SportsRadio 98.9 FM & 1350 WOYK, 989woyk.com, The New WOYK app, and WOYK on YouTube beginning at 10:25 a.m. with Darrell Henry on the call.
