STATEN ISLAND, NY— The Staten Island FerryHawks scored eight runs in the final four innings Friday night at PeoplesBank Park, downing the Revolution in the series-opener, 9-5. The FerryHawks sent eight batters to the plate in the sixth and seventh innings to overcome a deficit and then break a tie before collecting their eighth second-half win in 10 tries.
FerryHawks starter Dakota Freese and Revolution starter Jorge Martinez each tossed their first three innings scoreless on Friday, before both teams cracked the scoreboard in the fourth frame. Mariel Bautista belted a two-out solo home run to start the scoring, before the Revolution responded quickly with a two-run bottom-of-the-fourth inning blast from Josue Herrera to grab a 2-1 lead.
Staten Island vaulted ahead in the sixth inning during an eight-batter three-run rally to knock Martinez out of the game. A double by Ricardo Cespedes and walks to both Bautista and Javier Betancourt loaded the bases for Andres Noriega. The catcher knocked a single up the middle to score two and give Staten Island a 3-2 lead. Alfredo Reyes' single pushed home Betancourt and earned the 'Hawks a 4-2 advantage.
Freese recorded two outs in the sixth inning, but was removed for Eddy Reynoso after a walk to Jack Kenley. After a double by Connor Lien put two in scoring position and the tying run on second, the FerryHawks mismanaged an infield pop-up by Lenin Rodriguez. Betancourt, Noriega, and Reynoso all converged to the left of home plate, but the ball went in and out of Betancourt's glove. The error allowed the Revolution to tie the game 4-4.
Freese gave up six hits and three runs (two earned) over his 5.2 innings. He struck out four and walked four in his 11thstart of the season.
Martinez gave up six hits and four runs over his 5.2 innings. He whiffed seven and walked three.
The FerryHawks broke the game open in the seventh inning on two plays that each produced two runs. Facing Tuck Tucker, who had not allowed a run in his first six appearances this season, Staten Island got a walk from Herrera and a single from Aguilar, before a two-strike sacrifice bunt by Cespedes pushed a pair into scoring position. For the second straight night, Rusney Castillo delivered a two-run single, this one pushing the FerryHawks back in front, 6-4. The rally continued after a Bautista single put runners on the corners for Betancourt. The FerryHawks third baseman ambushed Tucker's first offer and lined it to centerfield where Connor Lien misplayed the ball for a two-base error. The blunder brought in both Castillo and Bautista and gave the 'Hawks an 8-4 cushion after seven innings.
The North Division foes matched each other with a one run each in the eighth inning, setting up Victor Capellan in a non-save situation in the bottom-of-the ninth inning. For the 18thconsecutive time, the FerryHawks closer did not allow a run, issuing a perfect ninth for the second straight night.
Staten Island (26-49) meets York on Saturday evening for the middle game of their three-game series. LHP Anthony Rodriguez matches up with LHP Austin Nicely with first pitch at PeoplesBank Park scheduled for 6:30 PM.
Postgame Notes: Ricardo Cespedes extended his hitting streak to a franchise-best 12 games...Mariel Bautista finished (3-for-3, HR, 2B, RBI) Four FerryHawks recorded multi-hit games (Monge, Cespedes, Bautista, Noriega)...
FerryHawks Motto:The Staten Island FerryHawks are a Major League Baseball partnered franchise that will play in the high-quality Atlantic League in the Spring of 2022. Our mission is to create a home for everyone in the Staten Island community and solidify a fun and exciting family experience that fans will never forget. The FerryHawks will play their home games at the newly improved baseball stadium next to the Staten Island Ferry along Richmond Terrace in Downtown Staten Island. We are excited to have you and become part of our FerryHawk Family. Please visit https://ferryhawks.com. #RallyBackStatenIsland
About The Atlantic League:The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the Major Leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans during its 23-year history. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###
