Dirty Birds Down FerryHawks Again with Late-Game Runs
CHARLESTON, WV – For the second straight night, Charleston blanked Staten Island over the final four innings, edging the FerryHawks 6-4 on Saturday at Appalachian Power Park. Despite outhitting Charleston, 10-6, Staten Island suffered their third consecutive defeat against the Dirty Birds - all decided by four runs or fewer.
Charleston struck first for the third straight game, plating one run in the first, third, and fourth innings against Staten Island starter Anthony Rodriguez. The 27-year-old lefty scattered six walks across his four innings and allowed a solo home run to Juan Carlo Perez.
Trailing 3-0 entering the fifth inning, the FerryHawks would rally to grab their only lead of the contest. In what would be the final frame for Dirty Birds starter Joe Testa, the inning kicked off with back-to-back singles by Jaylen Smith and Ricardo Cespedes. Angel Aguilar followed by driving in his first two runs of the season with a double to centerfield, closing the gap to 3-2. Two batters later, Brantley Bell belted a go-ahead two-run home run over the wall in left center, pushing Staten Island ahead 4-3. The FerryHawks would sent eight batters to the plate in the inning, collecting four hits.
The Dirty Birds took a lead they wouldn't relinquish in the bottom of the sixth inning, working against FerryHawks reliever Jose Velez. Making his second appearance of the season, the left-hander allowed leadoff man Mike Hart aboard via hit by pitch. After a strike out of Yovan Gonzalez, Connor Justus launched a payoff pitch to deep centerfield for a triple, scoring Hart from first. Javier Betancourt's throw home was off-target and allowed Justus to circle the bases on his triple, putting the Dirty Birds ahead 5-4.
Velez (0-1) coughed up two runs (one earned) in his lone inning. He was one of four relievers used by Edgardo Alfonzo's club on Saturday night.
Connor Justus continued his red-hot night by tacking on an insurance run in the eighth with an RBI single. Hitting in the nine-spot, the shortstop finished 2-for-3 with 2 RBI, 2 Runs, and a walk.
Jose Mesa Jr. (1-0) was the first of a trio of bullpen arms for Charleston, all of whom shutout Staten Island on Saturday night. Justin Miller earned his second hold, while Tyler Wilson garnered his second save.
Staten Island (0-3) and Charleston conclude their four-game set on Sunday evening at Appalachian Power Park. RHP Jordan Simpson takes the mound for the FerryHawks against Dirty Birds RHP Dominic DeMasi with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM.
Postgame Notes: Joe Kuzia (2.1 IP) & Eddie Reynoso (1.2 IP) have not allowed an earned run in two appearances this season...Brantley Bell's Home Run was the FerryHawks third in Franchise History...Ricardo Cespedes (5) & Angel Aguilar (4) have hits in each of Staten Island's first three games...Staten Island is 2-for-23 with RISP this season
