Game Results
AUGUST 18, 2003
TROY, NY -- Last time the Lowell Spinners faced Jason Hirsh, they torched him for eight runs in just 2 1/3 innings. This time out, Hirsh vowed revenge, and
he got it, pitching one-hit ball over his five innings of work to lead the 'Cats to a 3-0 win in the first game of Monday's doubleheader. The night was made
even sweeter for Tri-City when Pat O'Brien delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning of the second game to give the 'Cats the doubleheader
sweep, 2-1. With the sweep, Tri-City (35-26) moves to within 1 1/2 games of division leader Oneonta (36-24).
Wade Robinson came into the night on a tear for the 'Cats, hitting at a .476 clip over his last five games. He continued his hot streak leading off the
second inning of the first game, knocking a triple into the gap in right-center. Josh Anderson grounded out, bringing home Robinson with what would prove to
be the only run Tri-City would need.
Robinson struck again in the fifth, leading off with a double to right-center. Anderson then delivered a triple into left-center to score Robinson. Anderson
came home later in the inning on a balk by Lowell reliever Brandon Smith.
A Brett Bonvechio single in the top of the fifth inning was the only thing standing between Tri-City pitchers Hirsh and Mike Collar and a no-hitter. Hirsh
(2-1) picked up the win with his five inning effort, striking out a career-high six. Collar earned his third save by pitching two perfect innings. Arthur
Santos (2-3) was charged with the loss for the Spinners, allowing three runs, all earned, and six hits over his four innings of work.
In the second game, Lowell started the scoring in the first inning. Zach Borowiak doubled to left field and then stole third base. Jeremy West brought
Borowiak home with a single. Tri-City tied the score in the third. The 'Cats started the inning with a Pat O'Brien double, his first extra-base hit of the
season. O'Brien moved over to third on a flyout by Josh Anderson, and scored when Edwin Maysonet blasted a double into the right-center field gap.
Mike Walls started the seventh inning rally with a grounder that Spinners shortstop Iggy Suarez misplayed. After Wade Robinson sacrificed Walls to second,
Lowell elected to intentionally walk Andy Salmela to get to Pat O'Brien. O'Brien then delivered the clutch hit to give the 'Cats the sweep.
Andres Astacio made the start in his Tri-City debut, working three solid innings, giving up just one run while striking out three batters. Ryan Yurek
delivered two scoreless innings in relief, and Sam Fischer (2-3) earned the win, going the final two innings and striking out four Lowell batters. Brian
Marshall (0-1) took the loss in relief for the Spinners, coming into the game in the seventh inning and allowing the unearned run to score.
Tri-City wraps up the homestand Tuesday night at 7:00 PM as they face the Spinners in the third and final game of the series. Taking the mound for the
ValleyCats will be Loyola Marymount product Joshua Muecke (1-3, 4.42 ERA). Be sure to come out to "The Joe" to support your 'Cats as they make a
run towards the postseason!
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